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National Park & Nature

Lassen Peak

📍 Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, USA
Lassen Peak
1 photos
3.8/ 5.0
★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
USA, California
Category
National Park & Nature
Duration
Plan 4–6 hours including summit hike.
Address
Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, USA
Coordinates
40.4881, -121.5049

Introduction

Lassen Peak is the centerpiece of Lassen Volcanic National Park and one of the southernmost large active volcanoes of the Cascade Range, rising about 3,187 m. Its notable 1914–1917 eruptions were the only volcanic eruptions in the contiguous U.S. in the 20th century; fumaroles, boiling springs and mud pots still show geothermal activity. The steep dacite cone offers a ~5 km round-trip summit trail with real elevation gain, overlooking the crater, lava fields and surrounding peaks. The park is famous for containing all four types of volcanoes (shield, cinder cone, lava dome and stratovolcano) in one place — a natural classroom of Earth's forces. At dawn the summit often reveals a sea of clouds and distant Mount Shasta.

✨ Highlights

1
Summit Trail
~5 km round trip over crater and lava fields.
2
Geothermal
Boiling springs, mud pots and fumaroles show live geology.
3
Four Volcano Types
Shield, cinder cone, dome and stratovolcano in one park.
4
Shasta View
Clear days reveal distant Mount Shasta.
5
Alpine Lakes
Blue lakes and meadows link nicely on hikes.
6
Snow & Stars
Winter snowshoe routes and clear night skies.

🛈 Practical Info

→Best season:Jul–Sep roads fully open
→Duration:4–6 hours
→Fee:National park entrance
→Gear:Hiking shoes, water, sunblock
→Note:Altitude and weather caution
→Opening Hours:Park road open in summer (about Jul–Oct); winter snow closes sections. Hike by day.
→Ticket Information:Park entrance fee per vehicle/person, valid several days; snowshoe/ski separate.
→Transportation:In Lassen Volcanic NP, NE California; near Mineral, about 1 hr from Redding by car.

💡 Tips

• Summer snow lingers; trails can be slippery early.
• No shade on summit; start early against UV.
• Stay on boardwalks in geothermal areas; burns risk.
• Bring cash/card; signal is weak.
• Add nearby blue lakes and hot-spring areas.
• Pack out trash to protect the wilderness.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Lassen Peak?

Park road open in summer (about Jul–Oct); winter snow closes sections. Hike by day.

How much is the admission for Lassen Peak?

Park entrance fee per vehicle/person, valid several days; snowshoe/ski separate.

Any practical tips for visiting Lassen Peak?

Summer snow lingers; trails can be slippery early. No shade on summit; start early against UV.

How long should I spend at Lassen Peak?

A typical visit takes Plan 4–6 hours including summit hike..

Information here is compiled from public travel resources. Hours, fees, road and weather (esp. volcanic activity and snow) change; verify with the U.S. National Park Service before travel.