Lassen Peak is a 5.1 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Old Station, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until September.
Lassen Volcanic National Park charges a fee to enter. Fees are $30 per vehicle or $25 per motorcycle. If you are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $15 per person. During the winter (Dec 1 - Apr 15), entrance fees are $10. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $70. Tackle the highest peak in Lassen Volcanic National Park and stand atop an active volcano. Located four hours north east of San Francisco this Northern California park might be a little out of the way, but it's a prime destination for seekers of tranquility and those with even just a passing interest in geology. Mount Lassen is a towering testament to the volcanic origins of this region, and an imposing sight from the trailhead on the shores of Lake Helen. Starting at the parking lot in Lassen National Park, this popular trail makes a steep climb to the summit of Lassen Peak. The hike can be difficult, but the views are well worth the effort. It is truly a worth-while adventure to the top of an active volcano. On the main road through Lassen National Park, a parking lot at the trailhead marks the beginning of the journey. The trail starts at 8500 feet in elevation, and ascend quickly. The high altitude in combination with the steep ascent can make this hike difficult, but the trail is relatively short, a mere 2.5 miles in each direction. There no trees to shade the hike, so be prepared for direct sunlight the entire trip. The trail remains a popular destination, because of its spectacular views, and the bragging rights of climbing this active volcano.
A large parking lot just off Hwy 89 provides ample parking for the trail.
California Travel and Tourism Commision, P.O. Box 1499 , Sacramento, CA, 95812-1499, Phone: 800-862-2543
- The trail up the South face of the mountain is almost entirely without shade. Pack the sunscreen and also bring layered clothing to protect you from the winds at higher altitudes. - Where possible it's worth tackling Lassen Peak early in the day to beat the crowds and to avoid hiking up during the warmest part of the day. - Summer through fall is the best time to experience this trail. Snow covers the Lassen landscape for much of the year, closing roads and obscuring trails. - Combine this hike with the 3-mile trek to Bumpass Hell for a great day out.
Directions from Southwest Entrance: drive northward on Highway 89 seven miles to the trailhead for Lassen Peak.
Good hike for beginner looking for a challenge which is what I am... trail is bare with not many trees... the day I went was windy... gusts of approx 40-60 mph made the climb that much more difficult... beautiful views at the top... won’t need to do this one again...
I DID IT!!! I hiked to the top for the first time in ages probably like elementary school or middle school to be honest. Such a beautiful hike up there could see Shasta,Black Butte and Castle Craigs. Slightly warm after 1 so go a little earlier but well worth it.
Great trail ... 2:15 up with lunch at top and 1:15 down. Great views from 10,400+ ft!!!
Great! It's difficult in areas be prepared. Cold in areas layer. Beautiful and so worth it! God is an amazing artist! So grateful to see HIS creation from this view!
This is the to-do hike of the whole National Park. There were amazing views from the beginning all the way to the summit. Some sections were pretty steep. Also some areas of the trail was pretty sandy so it felt like walking on a beach. Super worth it though as not many people can say they have climbed an active volcano =]