01
Best overall pick
Lassen Peak Trail
Lassen Volcanic National Park • High-Elevation Volcanic Summit Hike • Iconic Must-Do Climb
A steep but well-built trail that tops out on Lassen’s summit with sweeping views of the park and distant ranges.
This is the hike most locals recommend when you say you want the classic Lassen experience. The trail climbs steadily above treeline, with wildflowers early in the season and lingering snowfields some years well into summer. Start early for cooler temps and calmer winds on the summit, and expect a workout as the altitude and grade add up quickly.
02
Best geothermal boardwalk hike
Bumpass Hell Trail
Lassen Volcanic Np – Southwest Entrance • Geothermal Basin Boardwalk Trail • Best For First-Time Visitors
A moderate hike to a steaming basin of mud pots, fumaroles, and turquoise pools, with a mix of forest and ridge views on the way in.
The Bumpass Hell Trail packs a lot into a relatively short outing, making it ideal if you have just half a day from Shingletown. You get big views toward Lassen Peak, then drop into a boardwalk network that safely skirts boiling features and sulfur vents. Go earlier in the day or on weekdays to avoid the busiest crowds and give yourself time to linger on the overlooks.
03
Best big-view adventure
Cinder Cone Trail
Lassen Volcanic Np – Butte Lake Area • Steep Volcanic Cone Climb And Crater Rim Walk • Best For Strong Hikers
A short but brutally steep cinder climb that rewards you with a surreal crater, painted dunes, and far-reaching views over the lava beds.
From the quiet Butte Lake side of the park, this trail feels more remote and adventurous than many roadside stops. The final ascent up loose cinders is slow going, but standing on the rim and wandering the crater’s edge is a one-of-a-kind experience. Bring extra water, as the black cinder underfoot reflects heat and there is almost no shade once you leave the forest.
04
Best mellow stroll
Manzanita Lake Loop
Lassen Volcanic Np – Northwest Entrance • Easy Lakeside Loop Trail • Best For Families And Sunset Photos
A mostly flat loop around a clear mountain lake, with constant views of Lassen Peak reflecting in the water on calm days.
Just inside the park from the Shingletown side, Manzanita Lake is where many locals bring visiting friends for a relaxed walk. The well-signed trail skirts the shoreline, with frequent benches and little access points for wading or casting a line. Aim for golden hour when the peak lights up and reflections are at their best, and keep an eye out for osprey and waterfowl along the way.
05
Best quieter summit
Brokeoff Mountain Trail
Lassen Volcanic Np – South Of Lassen Peak • Challenging Forest And Ridge Summit Hike • Quieter Alternative To Lassen Peak
A demanding, scenic route that climbs from forested slopes to an airy summit with dramatic views back toward Lassen Peak and the surrounding ranges.
Brokeoff Mountain sees fewer hikers than Lassen itself but offers equally impressive, and in some ways more dramatic, vistas. The trail winds through meadows and mixed forest before breaking out onto rocky switchbacks and a narrow summit ridge. It is a solid all-day outing from Shingletown, so plan for an early start, changing weather, and plenty of food and water.