Lassen National Park: Bumpass Hell + Cold Boiling Lake and Crumbaugh Lake

Lassen Volcanic National Park is an area of Northern California that appears mostly blanketed in beautiful green forest with an active underground hydrothermal system. Throughout the park are a variety of hydrothermal features to experience. You can see the evidence of this volcanic landscape up close and personal as you hit the trails.

One of the most evident and dramatic examples of this hydrothermal activity in Lassen Volcanic National Park is Bumpass Hell Trail. And because of the manageable size of the national park and the trail system within it, we added on a couple miles to our adventure to check out both Cold Boiling Lake and Crumbaugh Lake.

We knew Lassen Volcanic National Park was going to be cool, but we had no idea just how awesome it was going to be.

Quick Info:

Directions: From national parks southwest entrance station, follow the gorgeous Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway for 6.3 miles to the large Bumpass Hell parking area on the right.

Note: We hiked to Cold Boiling Lake and Crumbaugh Lake from the Bumpass Hell Trail but these lakes can be accessed via Kings Creek Picnic Area as well.

Distance: 7.4 miles roundtrip

• Bumpass Trailhead to Bumpass Hell: 1.3 one way
• Bumpass Hell to Cold Boiling Lake: 1.9 one way
• Cold Boiling Lake to Crumbaugh Lake: 0.5 one way

Difficulty: Moderately strenuous; the return trip is uphill almost the entire time.

Trailhead Amenities: Vault toilets

Our Experience Hiking to Bumpass Hell + Cold Boiling Lake and Crumbaugh Lake

Bumpass Parking Area to Bumpass Hell

This was our second hike in Lassen Volcanic National Park. When we arrived at Bumpass Hell parking area we were surprised to see the large parking lot completely full! There were people parked along the road even. Not a big deal. We just thought that we must have been misguided by everything that we read about Lassen being the least visited national park.

We snagged a spot and took a minute to check out the beautiful view from the overlook. Amazing already! The trail begins on the opposite side of the parking lot from the overlook and restrooms.

The first 100 feet the trail starts out paved before turning to a fine gravel and dirt path that is very well maintained. After that, the trail runs along a mountainside allowing for some gorgeous views. The vegetation, rocks, ridges and peaks in the distance were just beautiful!

The path passes through the woods and then begins a relatively steep descent. Here we had to move to the side to let a group of 70+ people pass by. It seemed to be clearing out!

Not much further we got a glimpse through the trees of the barren yet colorful steaming landscape up ahead. We had never seen anything like it before so we picked up our speed in anticipation!

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The first unusual feature that we came across was a milky blue stream.

Next, we reached the boardwalks and we were amazed! We were amazed by both the hydrothermal activity all around us and also the fact that we had the boardwalk all to ourselves! Somehow, even with a full parking lot, we timed it perfectly.

We followed the boardwalk and took in all of the colors, sounds, smells and warnings around us. The features we were experiencing were all new to us and it was all very exciting and interesting to be surrounded by. We let the otherworldliness wash over us, our senses heightened.

We continued to the end of the boardwalk and followed the trail uphill where we were treated to a new vantage point. From here we could see more features of the hydrothermal area and a new angle overlooking the rest. So fascinating!

Bumpass Hell to Cold Boiling Lake

From here we continued on the trail, heading to Cold Boiling Lake. Immediately we were rewarded with an amazing vast view.

As we continued on the trail, it changed from the clay-like composite back to dirt and descends through the woods along the beautiful mountainside. The trail passes through the perfect blend of trees and grassy hillside.

Soon we saw our first glimpse of Crumbaugh Lake down below. The views (I know… the views, the views, the views) were just amazing!

The trail continues to descend until we walked out of the woods and there it was, Cold Boiling Lake!

There were some bubbles visible from this side of the lake but further along the trail is a sign marking an area of more active bubbling activity. Pretty neat, unusual to say the least.

Cold Boiling Lake to Crumbaugh Lake

From Cold Boiling Lake we walked another 1/2 mile through woods and meadows to Crumbaugh Lake. Crumbaugh Lake was big, pretty, and peaceful. We found ourselves alone here as well. We had lunch, took in the beauty of the landscape and enjoyed the serenity.

Crumbaugh Lake to Bumpass Parking Area

From here we returned the way we came, but we were moving a little slower. It is almost all uphill on the return hike back to Bumpass Trailhead. And just as beautiful!

This hike was an exciting glimpse into the volcanic activity that is happening underground, here and now! What an amazing and unique experience!

Thanks for Keeping Up With The Lost Longboarder!

We are loving the beauty and unique features that we are experiencing in Lassen Volcanic National Park! And we are looking forward to seeing more. If you’d like to read about more interesting places worth checking out, you might like these articles:

• Awesome Hikes in Badlands National Park
• Joshua Tree National Park Hikes (+more)
• Camping and Exploring Fossil Falls
• Exploring Mud Caves in Southern California

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