Whether you’re looking for an underrated national park to visit in Northern California or things to do outside in Northern California, you won’t be disappointed with Lassen Volcanic National Park. There are so many people who know and love the park that it is hard to call it underrated, but if you compare it to the much more popular parks in the state, like Yosemite and Death Valley, you’d be amazed at the relative lack of crowds. However, don’t assume that crowds are an indicator of a park’s worthiness because, even though Lassen Volcanic National Park is crowd-free, it’s easily one of the best parks in Northern California.

The park is home to active volcanoes and hot springs that are available to see year-round. With more than 150 miles of trails, it's great for avid hikers.
Wikimedia/ Wsiegmund
The most iconic landmark of the park is Lassen Peak, the largest plug dome volcano in the world and the southern-most volcano in the Cascade Range.
Wikimedia/ Daniel Mayer
The peak and surrounding mountains are visible from miles and miles away. Pictured here is Lassen from Lake Alamanor.
Wikimedia/ Matt314
Brokeoff Mountain, which was once known as Mt. Tehama before the volcano erupted, sits just to west of Mt. Shasta. At one point in time, it was 1,000 feet higher than Mt. Shasta.
Wikimedia/ Daniel Mayer
Wikimedia/ EugeneZelenko
The park is one of the few places in the world where all types of volcano (plug dome, shield, cinder cone, and strato) can be found.
Wikimedia/ Walter Siegmund
Chaos Crags are another interesting and prominent landmark in the park.
Wikimedia/ Walter Siegmund
The painted dunes are desolate but beautiful. They're also among the many unique vistas to take in at Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Wikimedia/ User:Introvert
The Caldera Rim of Cinder Cone is another remarkable landmark. Cinder Cone and the Fantastic Lava Beds are about 10 miles northeast of Lassen Peak. This is the site of a cinder cone volcano and associated lava flow field that last erupted about 1650. It created a series of basaltic andesite to andesite lava flows, which have come to be known as the Fantastic Lava Beds.
Wikimedia/ Wing-Chi Poon
Sulphur Works is a geothermal area between Lassen Peak and Brokeoff Mountain. It's thought to mark an area near the center of Tehama's now-gone cone.
Wikimedia/ Walter Siegmund
There are many hot springs and geysers within Sulphur works to check out, including this one called the Mudpot.
Wikimedia/ Walter Siegmund
Be sure to stay on the path and boardwalks, like this one at Bumpass Hell. The temperatures of these waters are scalding and potentially life threatening.
Wikimedia/ Daniel Schwen
Lake Helen is just another of the incredible vista points, and a great place to snowshoe or Nordic ski in the winter. The snow melt is just breathtaking.
Wikimedia/ Daniel Schwen
In addition to the unique volcanic landscape of this park, there's breathtaking alpine beauty.
Wikimedia/ Smack (talk)
It's located at the southern end of the Cascade Mountain range and is sure to take your breath away.
Wikimedia/ Smack (talk)
Snow enthusiasts and skiers are sure to love a visit here. This is Lassen peak up-close-and-personal in the winter.
Wikimedia/ Smack (talk)
The Sulphur works are also striking in the snow!
Wikimedia/ Smack (talk)
No matter what time of year you make it to Lassen Volcanic National Park, you definitely won't regret it, as it's most definitely one of the best parks in Northern California!
Wikimedia/ Björn Gissa

To learn more about this national park to visit in Northern California, visit the National Park Service website.

So, what do you think? Is this the most amazing national park to visit in Northern California or what? Do you agree that Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of the best parks in Northern California? Have you been to Lassen Volcanic National Park? What is your favorite adventure at this incredible Northern California treasure? Tell us!

When it comes to things to do outside in Northern California, Lassen Volcanic National Park is just the tip of the iceberg. There are tons of must-visits for outdoor enthusiasts, including these 11 spectacular state parks.

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National Park To Visit In Northern California

Daniella DiRienzo | February 22, 2022

What are the best parks in Northern California?

When it comes to the best parks in Northern California, Humboldt Redwoods State Park definitely fits the bill. Located along the scenic Avenue of Giants, it’s the largest redwood state park in California. In all, it encompasses 53,000 acres, with 17,000 acres of ancient old-growth coastal redwoods, making it the largest remaining contiguous old-growth coastal redwoods in the world. Key sites within the park include the Rockefeller Forest, Founder’s Grove, and the Shrine Drive Thru Tree.

What are the top things to do outside in Northern California?

Of all the things to do outside in Northern California, Sonoma Valley Bike Tours rank pretty high up there. Sonoma Valley is the oldest wine valley in California, and the bike tours provide a way to explore the area in a fun, adventurous manner. During the guided tour, you’ll travel to several wineries, enjoy a delicious lunch, gain behind-the-scenes access, sip tasty wine, traverse picture-perfect scenery, and more.

Are there any can’t-miss hiking trails in Northern California?

There’s no shortage of great hiking trails in Northern California, and one that you don’t want to overlook is the Rubicon Trail in D. L. Bliss State Park. Named one of the best hikes in the U.S., the trail connects two state parks – D.L. Bliss and Emerald Bay. It also boasts breathtaking beauty, offering sweeping vistas of Lake Tahoe for almost the entire hike. The scenic sights also include flowery meadows, tree-lined cliffs, secluded coves, and lots more. In addition to natural beauty, there’s man-made beauty, too. Vikingsholm, a Scandanavian-style mansion, which looks like a castle, is located along the trail and a must-see.

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