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.
February 16, 2021good
February 11, 2021I’m not used to elevation AT ALL so I was having a seriously difficult time but it was so worth it! I felt so accomplished when I finished. I definitely recommend it
January 20, 2021Did this a little while back but just got this App! Loved it and would do it all over again
December 26, 2020simple nice hike with views of south san jose
November 29, 2020Awesome trail, great views and a killer workout! Make sure you take plenty of water and sunscreen. Feel free to follow me on my Instagram account for more dope hiking adventures! @sertanusanmaz
November 16, 2020The switchback trail that goes up most of the way gives you a more level, easier feel when you ascend to the top. Beautiful views. Very worth it!
November 9, 2020Good 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...
November 5, 2020Went up late afternoon and got to watch sunset from the peak. Incredibly beautiful despite the many people on the trail.
November 4, 2020Not too bad of a hike! I thought I was gonna get my butt kicked but it was only like 3 hours round trip including chillin out at the top.
November 3, 2020I would say it’s more on a moderate side, just do not try to hike in the UGG boots, saw a couple people in them
November 1, 2020I 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.
November 1, 2020Great trail ... 2:15 up with lunch at top and 1:15 down. Great views from 10,400+ ft!!!
November 1, 2020October 31, 2020October 31, 2020October 30, 2020Great! 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!
October 29, 2020October 29, 2020This 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 =]
October 27, 2020October 26, 2020October 26, 2020Stunning views the entire hike. Lots of exposure so bring windreaker and sunscreen. 100% up hill so very tough but lots of safe spots for a break.
October 26, 2020great hike, but check wind factor before you go.
October 25, 2020Fantastic hike, definitely needed a windbreaker. Views were amazing. Was a bit crowded with still plenty of room to social distance. There was no shade on the trail, glad I had a hat and wore sunscreen
