Lassen Volcano Webcams

Introduction

Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in northeastern California, was established on August 9, 1916, following a series of volcanic eruptions from Lassen Peak between 1914 and 1917. These eruptions were the most recent volcanic activity in the contiguous United States until Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980. Lassen Volcanic National Park covers an area of approximately 106,452 acres (43,086 hectares). The park is characterized by its diverse landscapes, which include volcanic peaks, hydrothermal areas, forests, and alpine meadows. Lassen Peak, the park’s centerpiece, stands at 10,457 feet (3,187 meters) and is one of the largest plug dome volcanoes in the world. The park also features other volcanic formations such as cinder cones, lava tubes, and hot springs. Lassen Volcanic National Park attracts around 500,000 visitors annually.

The park is home to a variety of wildlife species. Mammals commonly seen in the park include black bears, mule deer, mountain lions, and bobcats. Smaller mammals such as squirrels, chipmunks, and marmots are also abundant.   For more information visit the park’s Wikipedia page.

Hiking

There are 150 miles (241 km) of trails in Lassen.  Below are the top day hikes.

The Cinder Cone Trail is approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) long, with an elevation gain of 1,053 feet (about 321 meters).  The trail takes you to the summit of a volcanic cinder cone. The cone was formed around the middle of the seventeenth century when a volcanic vent expelled small chunks of lava, which cooled and collected into a cone about 700 feet (213 m) in height.  You can even journey to the exact center of the crater below the summit if you wish.

The Lassen Peak Trail in Lassen Volcanic National Park is an beautiful hike that leads to the summit of one of the largest plug dome volcanoes in the world. The Lassen Peak Trail is approximately 5 miles (8 km) round-trip. Total elevation gain is 1,957 feet (596 m) from the trailhead at 8,500 feet (2,591 m) to the summit. The trail head starts at the Lassen Peak parking area, the trail winds through twisted mountain hemlock and whitebark pine trees on sand-like cinders. As the trees thin out, breathtaking vistas of the park come into view. The trail steepens into a series of switchbacks along a rocky ridge, leading to the summit. From there, you have the option to continue up the steep route to the true summit or descend into the interior of the crater to explore the remnants of the dramatic eruptions that have shaped this volcano 

The Devil's Kitchen Trail offers a unique hike through the area’s hydrothermals. The trail is approximately 4.2 miles (6.8 km) round-trip.  Elevation gain is 440 feet (134 m) from the trailhead at an elevation of 5,640 feet (1719 m) to the high point at 6,080 feet (1853 m).  Trail head is at the Warner Valley Trailhead. At the end of the trail you will encounter a bridge that crosses milky Hot Springs Creek. Here, a loop trail leads you through the sense-reviving boiling mudpots, steam vents, and boiling springs. Wander among the crackled yellow and red mounds of the kitchen, where steam whirls from fiery cracks in the ground.

The Echo Lake Trail is 4.7 miles (7.6 km) round-trip.  The elevation gain is 810 feet (247 m) from the trailhead at an elevation of 6,720 feet (2048 m) to the high point at 6,845 feet (2086 m). This moderately challenging out-and-back trail near Mineral, California, begins with a steady uphill climb and then descends steeply to reach Echo Lake. Along the way, you'll be treated to beautiful views of surrounding peaks and forests. Be prepared for mosquitoes and consider bringing bug spray. The loop around Echo Lake can be a bit tricky to follow, so downloading offline maps can be helpful for navigation.

The Mill Creek Falls Trail is 3.8 miles (6.1 km) round-trip, with an elevation gain of 925 feet (285 m).  The trailhead is behind the amphitheater adjacent to the southwest parking area. Mills Creek is the highest waterfall in the park with a drop of 75 feet (23 m). As you follow the trail, a series of dips and rises wind in and out of gullies, tracing the contours of East Sulphur Creek. Expect rocky and narrow sections with creek crossings. It sits at the junction of East Sulphur and Bumpass Creeks. You'll also enjoy vistas of Brokeoff Mountain and Mt. Diller. Beyond the falls, the trail continues past Crumbaugh Lake and on to the Kings Creek Picnic Area which is a steep 750-foot  (228 m) climb. 

Backpacking

Lassen has many backpacking trails.  Permits are required and they can be obtained from Recreation.gov.  In addition, portable bear canisters are required.  They can be obtained at the parks store.  See the full list of regulations at the NPS website.  We highly recommend a trail map or gps device to guide you.

Summit Lake to Cluster and Twin Lakes Loop is a moderate to difficult 10.6 miles (17.1 km) hike.  Elevation gain is 1,469 feet (448 m). This loop explores a chain of pristine lakes and pools, which are perfect for swimming and cooling off in the heat of the summer. Be aware that log-jams choke up parts of Big Bear Lake, and swimming is not recommended. The trailhead is located at the Summit Lake Ranger Station.

Upper and Lower Twin Lake Trail is an 8.6 miles (13.8 km) hike, with an elevation gain of 1,213 feet (370 m).  This trail starts with a steady incline, followed by a steep descent to Echo Lake. The rest of the journey to Upper and Lower Twin Lakes is relatively flat. You'll encounter lovely views of forests and surrounding peaks, as well as wildflowers in early summer.

Butte Lake, Snag Lake, and Cinder Cone Loop trail is a 12.3 mile (19.8 k) loop trail.  The elevation gain is 2,112 feet (644 m).  The trailhead is located near Old Station, Calif.  This moderate trail winds around Butte and Snag Lakes, through the cinder fields, and up and over the Cinder Cone. Expect gentle elevation gain around both Butte and Snag Lakes. The trail is well marked, easy to follow, and rarely busy. Once you circle around both lakes, the landscape opens onto the cinder fields. Travel across the cinder fields and straight up the backside of the Cinder Cone. This is the most strenuous portion of the trip, with an elevation gain of about 800 feet. Hiking up the cinder is akin to walking in fine sand. Make sure to explore the top of Cinder Cone before descending down the other side and making the roughly one-mile hike back to the Butte Lake Campground.

Camping

There are eight campgrounds within Lassen. Manzanita Lake, Butte Lake and Summit Lake campgrounds are best suited for RVs.  For more information, visit the NPS website.  Reservations for the reservable sites can be made at recreation.gov

Manzanita Lake Campground is the largest campground within the park, with 179 campsites, with 30 reserved for tents. It's nestled amidst towering trees and offers stunning views of Manzanita Lake. The serene setting makes it a favorite for families and anglers. The elevation is at 5,898 feet (1,798 m).   

Summit Lake North Campground is located along the Lassen Volcanic Scenic Drive, Summit Lake North Campground provides easy access to Summit Lake. It's an excellent spot for camping and enjoying the surrounding natural beauty. Elevation is around 6,700 feet (2,042 m) and has 46 sites.

Summit Lake South Campground is located along the Lassen Volcanic Scenic Drive, Summit Lake South Campground provides easy access to Summit Lake. Elevation is around 6,700 feet (2,042 m) and has 49 sites.

Southwest Walk-In Campground allows overnight stays in self-contained vehicles (no tents). It's the only year-round camping option in the park aside from backcountry camping. Elevation is around 6,700 feet (2,042 m) and has 20 sites.  This is a first-come, first-served campground.

Warner Valley Campground: To reach Warner Valley Campground, you'll need to leave the park and take a side entrance.  To get there Go north of Warner Valley Range Station on the gravel road.  Not recommend for RVs or trailers.  It's a more secluded option.  Elevation is around 5,800 feet (1,767 m).   There are 17 sites. This is a first-come, first-served campground.

 Juniper Lake Campground has 18 sites and is at an elevation of 6,700 feet (2042 m).  The campground is located via a 13 mile (21 km) gravel road. It is situated near the picturesque Juniper Lake. This is a first-come, first-served campground.

Butte Lake Campground has 101 sites and is at an elevation of 6,100 feet (1,860 m).  The campground is accessible via a side entrance, Butte Lake Campground provides a tranquil setting near Butte Lake.

Lost Creek Group Campground is approximately five miles (8 km) south of Manzanita Lake and close to the Lost Creek and Devastated areas. There are eight group sites available. All the sites have picnic tables, campfire rings, bear-proof boxes, toilets and drinking water.

Lodging

There are two options for lodging within the park.  

Drakesbad Guest Ranch is a secluded lodge nestled in Warner Valley, which lies in the southeast corner of Lassen Volcanic National Park.  Edward R. Drake, captivated by the natural charm of Warner Valley, settled in the area and established what is now known as Drakesbad (or Drake's baths). In 1900, Alexander Sifford, an ailing school teacher, sought relief from stomach troubles by drinking the soda waters of "Drake's Spring." The elderly Drake agreed to sell his 400 acres to Sifford for $6,000. Over the next 60 years, the Sifford family dedicated their efforts to creating Drakesbad Guest Ranch as a place for people to visit and enjoy. In 1960, the Siffords entrusted their legacy to the National Park Service.

Guest have the choice of staying in the historic lodge which offers rustic and quaint rooms, most without electricity, but with full or half baths and gas heating. Cozy cabins and bungalows for guests. All rates include three meals per day. Guests can soak in a pool fed by a hydrothermal spring.  Activities include horseback riding and hiking.

Manzanita Lake Camping Cabins offer a rustic and scenic retreat. The cabins are situated near the northwest entrance of the park, near Manzanita Lake. The cabins also provide a view of the majestic 10,457-foot Lassen Peak, the largest volcano in the park.  The cabins are available in 2 rooms, 1 room or a bunkhouse. Each cabin contains at least one bed with a mattress, propane heat and lantern, a picnic table, a fire ring, and a bear-resistant storage locker. Manzanita Lake Camper Store offers groceries, supplies, gifts, gasoline, laundromat, and hot showers.  In addition, there is a café with salads, fresh fruits, sandwiches, espresso drinks, and soft-serve ice cream.  Reservations can be made thru recreation.gov

Restaurants

There are three restaurants to choose from in the park.

Lassen Cafe & Gift is located inside the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center.  The menu includes soups, salads, fresh fruit, sandwiches and soft serve ice cream. You can dine outside on the patio with views of the surrounding peaks or cozy up in the indoor dining area by the fireplace. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own meals to enjoy in the dining area or on the patio. A self-service microwave is available.

Manzanita Lake Camper Store is located at the entrance to the Manzanita Lake Campground. The menu includes hot and cold sandwiches, snacks, ice cream.

 Drakesbad Guest Ranch dining hall is in the historic Drakesbad dining hall.  Drakesbad Guest Ranch offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For those exploring the attractions of the Warner Valley Area, sack lunches are also available upon request.