Lassen Volcanic National Park In Northern California Is So Well-Hidden, It Feels Like One Of The State’s Best Kept Secrets

When thinking about volcanoes, visions of these spectacular forces of nature often come to mind in places like Kīlauea in Hawaii, Cotopaxi in Ecuador, and Mount Fuji in Japan, among others. But guess what? California has one too in one of the State’s best-kept secrets – Lassen Volcanic National Park.

If you’re planning a visit to this incredible national park, there’s no better time to visit than during National Park Week. Learn all about this celebration of America’s great outdoors — including fee-free days throughout the year!

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Located approximately three hours northeast of Sacramento in the Shasta Cascade region, Lassen Volcanic National Park has a long and storied history. About 100 years ago, a string of volcanic eruptions took place, during which time an incredible mudflow cut a 12-mile swath across the rugged terrain. In its wake, numerous hydrothermal features appeared including boiling pools of water, steaming ground vents called fumaroles, pulsing mud pots, and a 1/3-mile-long lava tube.

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The Loomis Museum features an incredible display of park photographs taken by the Loomis family who built this unique architectural structure in the early 1900s, later gifting their entire 40-acre tract of land for enjoyment by the generations to follow. Warner Valley Trailhead, peppered with spacious meadows, quiet woodlands, charming footbridges, and inviting hot springs, winds upward from 5,640 feet.

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Volcanic features are dotted along the park’s 30-mile-long highway stretching between the far northwest and southwest entrance points.

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Warner Valley Trailhead, peppered with spacious meadows, quiet woodlands, charming footbridges, and inviting hot springs, winds upward from 5,640 feet. Nestled at 8,046 feet is the Mount Harkness Fire Lookout, offering awe-inspiring panoramic views and beautiful hiking trails. At the Nobles Emigrant Trail, take time to envision where an estimated 250,000 emigrants trekked through on their way west in search of gold during the 1840s and 1850s.

This is just the tip of…well…the volcano, of all you’ll find at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Visit the Lassen Volcanic National Park website for more information about visiting! Have you been to Lassen Volcanic National Park? If so, what did you enjoy the most? We’d love to hear about your experience there.

If you love national parks, check out this list of 19 State Parks In Northern California Will Knock Your Socks Off!