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Bumpass Hell Trail

Shasta County, California

4.7/5
based on 3 reviews

Details

Distance

2.71 miles

Elevation Gain

502 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Matthew Chang

Bumpass Hell is a place in Lassen Volcanic National Park where steam and water heated by magma miles below the surface rises out of the colorful volcanic landscape.

Due to hazardous snow and ice, Bumpass Hell Trail closes during the spring and may not open until July.

From the Bumpass Hell Parking Area, the trail traverses the rocky slopes of Bumpass Mountain. The trail slowly ascends 200 feet with views of the valley to the west and Lassen Peak to the north. At 0.9 miles, you reach an overlook with a view of Bumpass Hell. Then, for 0.4 miles, the trail descends 200 feet from the overlook to Bumpass Hell.

As you near Bumpass Hell, a boardwalk replaces the dirt trail. Also, you will probably notice a rotten-egg smell that fills the air. The smell is hydrogen sulfide gas being released from the Earth.

The boardwalk winds through the hydrothermal area, giving you an opportunity to experience the hydrothermal features and colorful landscape.

Miles below Bumpass Hell is a magma chamber. The magma superheats groundwater which rises to the Earth's surface and escapes through hydrothermal features as steam and sulfate water. Sulfates left behind by the sulfate-rich water give the ground at Bumpass Hell its vibrant orange and yellow colors.

Be sure to stay on the boardwalk at Bumpass Hell. Boling water could be at or just below the surface. Many visitors have suffered severely when they have fallen through the thin brittle crust covering dangerous boiling water. Even the steam heated waters are typically acidic and not safe.

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Features

Hiking
Forest
Hot Springs
Scenic

Bumpass Hell Trail Reviews

The most popular spot in Lassen and for good reason, it’s beautiful and bizarre and all visitors should embark on the short hike to see it. At the junction with Frying Pan trail, go either way and come back via the other trail. There’s a nice panoramic sign about the volcano that used to house Bumpass and another describing the origin of the name.

This trail is another rare treat in California. We would have a few geysers here...but the remarkable thing was while watching the bubbling water, you look up and see snow! All in the middle of summer! Bring a bandana for the smell of eggs. Pretty easy trail just remember the slight incline on the way back.

Did this hike late last year with my son's school science class. A fairly easy hike for most until you get to the ascent/descent down to Bumpass Hell but plenty of room and a few benches along the trail to step to the side and catch your breath if needed or just take in the view. Regardless of your skill level, there is beautiful scenery and views that can be taken in most of the hike. There are lots of great hikes in this area and in Lassen NP but this one is must do just for the amazing change in geography once you are down at Bumpass Hell.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Lake Helen in Lassen Volcanic NP

Lassen Peak

Summit Mt. Lassen via the Northeast Face

Visit Sulphur Works at Lassen Volcanic NP

Bumpas Hell to Cold Boiling Lake

Brokeoff Mountain Trail