Hiking Lassen Peak | Lassen National Park

Hiking Lassen Peak is a very popular trail in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Not only is it the highest point within the park at 10,457 feet, but it is also a great way to experience amazing panoramic views of the area! And of course, with the 2,000 feet of elevation gain this is a beautiful and rewarding way to get in a workout.

Lassen Peak is the southernmost active volcano in the Cascade Range. It erupted in 1914 without warning and then again in 1915. Eruptions ceased in 1917 and now it remains volcanically active, but dormant.

Quick Info: Hiking Lassen Peak

Directions: From Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, follow the CA-89 N for 6.8 miles. Then turn left into the large parking area for Lassen Peak.

Distance: 5 miles roundtrip

Difficulty: Moderate; although there is a lot of elevation gain, the trail is very well maintained and made up almost entirely of gradual switchbacks.

Elevation: There is about 2,000 feet of elevation change from the trailhead (8,500 feet) to Lassen Peak (10,457 feet).

Our Experience Hiking Lassen Peak

To begin hiking Lassen Peak, we followed the scenic CA-89 N to the huge parking area and trailhead. It was already apparent just how busy and popular this hike is. In addition to plenty of parking, there are also two vault toilets and trash cans. Pick up the trailhead near the northern corner of the parking area.

Immediately, the trail makes it clear that the destination is a summit, and the climb begins! The switchbacks begins along the barren mountainside leading up towards the prominent rock feature jutting out of the side of Mount Lassen. This feature is fittingly called Vulcans Eye.

As the we followed the trail along the mountainside, we reached some really interesting conifers and crossed a over a saddle. Already, the views
in all directions were incredible! The surrounding ridge line and several lakes could be seen below.

We continued climbing the switchbacks, stopping to take in the amazing views we earned along the way.

Besides the many climbing switchbacks and constant good views, we noticed that hiking Lassen Peak was far busier than most of the other trail in the national park.

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Along the way, there were several informative signs allowing hikers to learn about their surroundings as they caught their breath. There were also a lot of crows resting and flying around the rocks and drafts of the steep mountainside.

We also noticed lingering patches of snow on some areas of the slope. Eventually, Lassen Peak Trail reaches an area with some super interesting rocks and rock formations.

After a few more switchbacks, the trail leveled out a bit and led us to several informational signs surrounded by an area of deep snow. But this wasn’t the top!

We continued hiking Lassen Peak Trail a bit further, walked over some snow and past some super interesting lava rock formations. It was a beautiful combination! And the layer of clouds in the background were a cool addition to the already stunning backdrop!

Next, the trail turns into a bit of a scramble up some rocks to reach the summit.

We made it to the summit of Lassen Peak! It was admittedly a little too crowded here at the small summit area. But the climb up was so worthwhile!

Being up among the clouds and looking out over the wilderness for as far as you can see in every direction made for a great experience! Seems like the only kind of experience to have in Lassen Volcanic National Park! Truly an amazing place.

We took some time to absorb and appreciate the beauty before us. Then we descended the way we came back to the parking area below. Even the way down on Lassen Peak Trail was a treat for the eyes.

Hiking Lassen Peak trail was another incredible adventure in Lassen Volcanic National Park!

Thanks for Reading!

Check out the articles below to see some of the other unique features that we were able to explore in Lassen:

• Bumpass Hell + Cold Boiling Lake and Crumbaugh Lake
• Warner Valley Trailhead: Volcanic Adventure
• Backpacking Across Lassen National Park

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