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Posted in Northern California November 26, 2016 by Jill S.

The Underrated National Park In Northern California Everyone Should Visit At Least Once

There are so many people who know and love Lassen Volcanic National Park here in Northern California that it is hard to call it underrated, but if you compare it to the much more popular parks in this state, like Yosemite and Death Valley, you’ll be amazed at the relative lack of crowds. The dramatic landscape and volcanic activity are just as beautiful, but also less crowded, than the overwhelming busy Yellowstone, and it’s located right here in our state!

The park is home to active volcanoes and hot springs that are available to see year-round. It's great for avid hikers, with more than 150 miles of trails.

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.

The peak and surrounding mountains are visible from miles and miles away. Here is Lassen from Lake Alamanor.

Brokeoff Mountain, which was once known as Mt. Tehama before the volcano blew, sits just to west of Mt. Shasta. At one point in time, it was 1000 feet higher than Mt. Shasta.

This is one of the few places in the world where all types of volcano can be found. These types are plug dome, shield, cinder cone, and strato.

Chaos Crags are another interesting and prominent landmark in the park.

The painted dunes are desolate but beautiful and are among the many unique vistas to take in here at Lassen Volcanic National Park.

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 cite 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 known as the Fantastic Lava Beds.

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.

There are many hotsprings and geyers within Sulphur works to check out, including this one called the Mudpot.

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.

Lake Helen is just another of the incredible vista points, and a great place to snowshoe or Nordic ski to in the winter. The snow melt is just breathtaking.

In addition to the unique volcanic landscape of this part is the breathtaking alpine beauty.

It's located at the southern end of the Cascade mountain range and is sure to take your breath away.

Snow enthusiasts and skiers delight in a visit here. This is Lassen peak up close and personal in the winter time.

The Sulphur works are also striking in the snow!

No matter what time of year you make it to Lassen Volcanic National Park, you definitely won't regret it!

Have you been to Lassen Volcanic National Park? What is your favorite adventure here at this incredible Northern California treasure?

Jill S.

Jill is a freelance writer from a small Northern California town and lives in the Sierra Nevada mountains. If you have an idea for an Only In Northern California story, email her at [email protected]