Lassen National Forest, California

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 nort...

Lake Helen is a glacial lake in Lassen Volcanic NP.  The park's winter season starts in October and runs through June.  Lake Helen can be found thawing mid-June.  The turquoise blue of the water comes from the minerals in it, and is mesmerizingly beautiful when thawing in pools over a snowy Lake ...

Bumpas Hell to Cold Boiling Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Old Station, California.

Kings Creek Falls Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Old Station, California.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is a wonderland of lush pine forests, arid rocky terrain, boiling lakes, snow-capped peaks, and extremely diverse wildlife.  I recommend at least a week to explore this underrated national park, but if you are only driving through, you can still enjoy some of the won...

The hike to Boiling Springs Lake starts at the Warner Valley Trailhead and is only a 3 mile roundtrip hike. It's a fairly easy hike that starts through the valley and then winds up through the forest and eventually opens up to the lake.  First thing you'll notice as you approach the lake is the ...

The hike starts at the Warner Valley Trailhead and winds up the mountain until you reach the lake. The first 2 miles or so are very pleasant walk through the woods until you reach the last portion which is essentially straight up the mountain side.  This portion of the trail can be very slippery...

Your hike to Devils Kitchen will start from Warner Valley Campground. The hike starts out thorough the valley and eventually winds through the forest and ends at the top of the Devils Kitchen site. You'll then hike down the hill a bit and get to explore the area! There are pretty specific walkin...

Warner Valley Campground is at the end of Warner Valley Road. It's 16 dollars a night at a first come first serve basis. As far as the campground it self, there are a few bathrooms and each site has a fire ring and a picnic table. There are 17 sites which isn't a ton but since it's a fairly unuse...

Peaking above the volcanic valley at 9235 ft, Brokeoff Mountain is only second in height to Mt. Lassen in the national park they share. Brokeoff was once a part of a larger volcano called Mt. Tehama that erupted, eventually leading to its collapse. The event left a rugged volcanic rim, now con...

The caribou lakes loop is very laid back, making it a great start for first time backpackers and kids. Word of caution: in the summer the mosquitos are plenty, I'd recommend this loop for the fall. From the parking lot there is a visible sign pointing you in the direction of the trailhead near Ca...

Park in the pull-out on Fenders Ferry Road. There you will find the Potem Falls trailhead. The hike is only 0.6 miles long--you'll likely spend more time enjoying the falls than getting there! Bring your swim gear if you want to jump in the pool. The trail is dog-friendly and open March-October. 

This PG&E campsite is located on the northern most inlet of Lake Almanor and is slightly more remote than the other sites around Lake Almanor. The campground offers spectacular views and easy access to great fishing. To get there, head east out of the town of Chester on Highway 36. After cros...

Lassen Volcanic National Park Scenic Drive is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near Chester, California.

The Algoma Campsite is a free campsite along the Upper Portion of the McCloud River. It features eight sites and a pit toilet. Unlike the other campgrounds in the area, this site receives very little traffic and has no fee.  To get there, take SR 89 east from the McCloud Ranger Station for 13 mi...

Rocky Point has a bulletin board and toilet but no developed campsites.  At Rocky Point visitors must pack in and pack out all trash and waste water. A vault toilet is on site. Campers like the opportunity to "circle the wagons" and set up where they want on a large open natural gravel flat nea...