Apr 26 2025
Hot springs have drawn people to mineral-rich waters for thousands of years, whether for bathing, relaxation, cultural traditions, or simple curiosity about the geothermal processes occurring beneath Earth’s surface. Within the U.S. national park system, hot springs range from carefully managed historic bathhouses to remote desert soaking pools and spectacular thermal basins where the water …
Sep 21 2024
Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of the best places in the United States to see an active volcanic landscape at work. Steam rises from cracks in the earth. Mud pots bubble and thump. Turquoise pools simmer beside yellow and orange mineral deposits. Acidic water transforms solid volcanic rock into soft clay, while fumaroles release …
Sep 21 2024
Bumpass Hell is one of the most memorable places in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Steam rises from vents in the earth, mud pots bubble and thump, and brilliantly colored pools sit among pale volcanic rock. The landscape feels almost otherworldly, yet everything happening here is a visible reminder that the volcanic system beneath Lassen is …
Sep 21 2024
Volcanoes may be the headline attraction at Lassen Volcanic National Park, but water is an equally important part of the landscape. More than 200 lakes and ponds are scattered throughout the park, ranging from easily accessible roadside lakes to quiet backcountry waters hidden among forests and volcanic ridges. Many of Lassen’s lakes were shaped by …
Sep 21 2024
Lake Helen is one of the most striking roadside destinations in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Tucked directly beneath the slopes of Lassen Peak, this deep alpine lake is famous for its intense blue water, lingering summer snow, and dramatic views of the volcano rising immediately above the shoreline. Unlike many beautiful mountain lakes that require …
Sep 21 2024
Manzanita Lake is one of the most inviting places to slow down and enjoy the scenery of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Located near the park’s Northwest Entrance, the lake is known for its beautiful views of Lassen Peak, easy shoreline trail, kayaking, swimming, fishing, wildlife watching, and exceptionally photogenic mountain reflections. Unlike many of Lassen’s …
Sep 21 2024
Cinder Cone is one of the most remarkable volcanic landscapes in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Rising from the remote northeastern corner of the park, this nearly symmetrical volcano towers above dark lava fields, colorful volcanic dunes, pine forest, and the blue waters of nearby Butte and Snag lakes. Unlike Lassen Peak, which is a massive …
Jul 01 2024
Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of the most geologically fascinating landscapes in the American national park system. Located at the southern end of California’s Cascade Range, the park contains steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, boiling springs, colorful hydrothermal basins, volcanic domes, cinder cones, lava flows, clear mountain lakes, wildflower meadows, and forests shaped by …
