Lassen Peak is a 4.6 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Old Station, California that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until September.
backpacking
camping
hiking
nature trips
rock climbing
trail running
walking
cross country skiing
forest
lake
hot springs
river
views
wildlife
rocky
snow
no dogs
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.
definetly a difficult hike if you don’t hike often! but summit was amazing at sunrise!
It was a great hike. It took me and my mom about over 3 hours to get to the top but that was with about an hour worth of resting along the way. It took only about 90 minutes to get hike back down. During the hike the trail is pretty close to some cliffs that drop off, so I would not bring any young kids if you don't want to be worried the whole time (unless your planning on carrying them). Hiking Lassen will be a great memory for me and my mom. Do it.
A little cold at the peak before sunrise, but well worth the awesome view and sunrise.
Super windy but the sunset was unreaaalllll
Incredible! I only did this trail because I wanted to climb a peak, any peak, and Lassen was convenient. Based on descriptions I'd read previously, I expected a boring and tedious hike. Not at all! The views from the very start are spectacular and just keep getting better. On the way back everything is different as you are facing the opposite way. Now I can't wait to go again in June or July, as early as I can. This time was October and the wind was brutal but exciting. Glad I had complete layers including gloves!
Worth all the switchbacks :)
October 1, 2017
Full exposure the entire way, wear sunscreen and bring lots of water. Trail is steep the entire way, definitely a good work out. It's decently hard but people of all sorts hike it. Areas to explore at the top. Large snow patch at the top but easy to cross. Wear/bring warm clothes. Air is brisk, but the full exposure sunlight keeps you warm. Beautiful views.
One of the best hikes I have been on because when I went in the first week of August, there were thousands of California Tortoiseshell butterflies en route during their annual migration. So they were flying around all throughout the trail up and the most being at the peak! Still snow on the trail when we went but with as much foot traffic on the trail, it's definitely passable. Great view of Lake Helen as well!