Have you ever summited an active volcano? As intimidating as that sounds, it’s a unique adventure for thrill-seekers and amateur hikers alike. Lassen Peak in California, which inspired the creation of Lassen Volcanic National Park, is the southernmost volcano in the Cascade Mountain Range. While an eruption hasn’t occurred in over 100 years, volcanic activity still operates beneath the surface. By hiking the Lassen Peak trail, you can summit an active volcano yourself on this 5 mile trek.
About the Lassen Peak Trail
Located in the southwest area of Lassen National Park, the trail to Lassen Peak is one of the more popular hikes in the park. Coupled with the excitement of reaching a volcano’s summit, hikers can grasp panoramic views of the surrounding area on a trek up to Lassen Peak.
Beginning at around 8,500 feet, a roundtrip hike on the trail is 5 miles with an incredibly steep +1,968 feet elevation gain. It took me just over 3 hours to complete the hike to Lassen Peak.
Tips for Hiking Lassen Peak
While hiking to Lassen Peak is one of the cooler experiences on a visit to Lassen National Park, it’s definitely not the easiest trail. The length of the hike is moderate but the rapid elevation gain with loose rock switchbacks classify this hike as difficult.
For this steep terrain, I recommend investing in some good hiking boots; tennis shoes or sneakers would not fare a hiker well. Hiking poles are optional but would come in handy for a trek like this. Since the entire trail is exposed to the sun, it’s important to bring enough water for the hike, like in a Camelbak or Nalgene, and to protect yourself with a hat and sunscreen.
With that exposure to the sun for the entire 5 miles, I recommend starting the hike earlier in the morning. Cooler temps and strong winds are also factors at these heights so take precautions while summiting the peak. The air is much thinner at these elevations and your body will feel the effects of it; pace yourself and take breaks as often as needed.
Be sure to check the NPS website here for current conditions and alerts for the park
Hiking the Lassen Peak Trail in Lassen National Park
Distance: 5 Miles
Type: Out & Back
Elevation Gain: +1,968 Feet
Best Time to Hike: June – September
Getting to the Lassen Peak Trailhead
The parking area to access the Lassen Peak trail is located along Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway about 7 miles from the southwest entrance (directions to trailhead here).
Beginning the Lassen Peak Hike
While standing at the trailhead and looking up at Lassen Peak, the elevation gain we’re about to experience is pretty apparent. Starting at 8,500 feet above sea level, begin walking on the dusty trail to reach the first switchback.
Once we reach the second switchback at 0.3 miles in, we meet a set of trees that act as the only shade for the entire trek. Soak in the pops of wildflowers and vibrant vegetation at this point because the terrain will be nothing but rocks from here.
Switchbacks, Switchbacks & More Switchbacks
The foliage dissipates as quickly as it appeared and we’re back to direct exposure for the rest of the way. A straight shot east at 0.5 miles into our hike, we come to the first of many switchbacks. At this point we’ve already gained over +400 feet in elevation.
The next few switchbacks are moderately subtle and lengthy, that is until we hit the 1 mile mark. Almost immediately from here, we directly ascend upwards where a series of shorter and steeper switchbacks unfold.
Halfway to the Summit
About halfway through the hike to the Lassen Peak summit, we’ve gained nearly +1,000 feet in elevation throughout the 10 switchbacks. The sharp turns uphill become more evident within the next 0.5 miles. As we climb higher into the subalpine environment, keep your eyes peeled for various plants and animals like pika and random shrubs of alpine wildflowers.
The marker indicating there’s only 0.5 miles to Lassen Peak is a welcoming sight yet it also kills my determination. At this point, I really start to feel the effects of the elevation gain. Keep pushing on though, only around +400 feet to go!
Reaching Lassen Peak
The burning calves and winded lungs instantly cease to exist once I traverse the peak. Standing at over 10,000 feet in elevation, I just summited my first volcano ever by reaching Lassen Peak!
At least that’s what I tell myself. I actually only make it about 0.2 miles from the end of the trail. Dealing with extremely strong winds, I was basically hiking on my hands and knees for the last mile before reaching the summit. Walking over to the informational markers at the top, spontaneous massive gusts about knock me off my feet. I decide from here, along with a few other hikers, that I won’t be crossing the final arm over to the end of the trail. Sometimes you have to trust your gut when you’re in these elements.
While I was a little bummed I stopped a bit early, I can still say that I summited the peak of Lassen volcano. And the views are so ridiculously outstanding from here, I soon forget that I didn’t make it to the end.
Views from Lassen Peak
Take some time at the summit to capture a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Looking out over the Devastated Area below, we can see remnants of the Lassen eruptions that took place just over 100 years ago. And, in the words of the NPS, the “lingering rotten-egg smell of hydrogen sulfide… reminds visitors that Lassen is still… an active, but dormant, volcano” (NPS).
Returning Back from Lassen Peak
And for the most divine part of the Lassen Peak Trail… hiking back down. I welcomed the trek to the car more on this trail than I ever have before. In addition, it’s incredibly satisfying to see the insane amount of switchbacks we’ve mastered and how high we’ve climbed in comparison with the parking lot below.
While hiking on trails, please abide by the “Leave No Trace” principles.
Read More: Leave No Trace: The 7 Rules of the Backcountry
Learn more about Leave No Trace on their website here.
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