Lassen Volcanic National Park is a living reminder that the Earth is never still. Located in Northern California’s Cascade Range, the park is home to steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, and jagged lava domes that showcase the raw power of geothermal activity. Towering over it all is Lassen Peak, one of the largest plug dome volcanoes in the world and the southernmost volcano in the Cascade chain. Snow-fed lakes, alpine meadows, and dense pine forests surround these fiery landscapes, creating a rare balance of serenity and volatility where life thrives on the edge of creation.
Today, Lassen’s landscapes reveal the four types of volcanoes found on Earth: shield, composite, cinder cone, and plug dome. This geological diversity makes it a rare outdoor laboratory for scientists and a paradise for adventurers. Visitors can hike through hydrothermal basins, kayak across crystal-clear lakes, and climb to panoramic views atop Lassen Peak. During winter, snow blankets the park in quiet beauty, turning it into a wonderland for snowshoers and backcountry skiers. Every season at Lassen tells a different story: one written by fire, ice, and time.
Conservation efforts at Lassen Volcanic National Park focus on protecting its fragile hydrothermal systems, alpine habitats, and pristine air and water quality. The National Park Service continues to monitor volcanic activity, manage wildfire risks, and restore meadows impacted by erosion and climate change. Visitors are encouraged to explore responsibly, staying on designated trails and respecting the delicate balance of the landscape. Lassen is more than a park, it is a living classroom that reminds us how powerful, adaptable, and interconnected the natural world truly is.
Our Experience
We were pleasantly surprised by the beautiful weather, wildlife and volcanic features. We encountered an "albino" black bear which had white fur, as we were driving through the park! Not too mention, this is the only park we experience that allowed car campers to "rent" a car parking spot and comfortably sleep in the parking lot. It was such a relief as finding spots to car camp can be difficult in National Parks.