Bumpass Hell thermal area, Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in northern California, at the base of the Cascade Mountain Range, is not very well known, and thus, not very crowded. This area of California is full of lakes of all sizes, and most vacations include time spent on the water, fishing, swimming or picnicking. Throughout the park, visitors can experience much of the continued volcanic activity through thermal areas and evidence of the last eruption. Winter snowfall still dictates entrance into the park, and it is wise to check the National Park Services website for road updates.

Famous for: Lassen Peak, which last erupted in 1915. Still active today, scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) constantly monitor seismic activity and measure volcanic gas emissions.

Admission: Vehicle admission fee is $10 for 7 days. Individual fees are $5 for 7 days.

Families with young kids will like: Our family enjoyed the self-guided 1 mile walk around the Lily Pond Nature Trail near Manzanita Lake. We bought one of the leaflets at the trail head to learn more about the flora and fauna of the area.

Families with teenagers will like: Floating on Juniper Lake in an inflatable tube. So much blue water will relax everyone before your return to civilization.

Easy site seeing: Drive the 30-mile State 89 roadway and view many of the more interesting features of the park, including the shoulder of the volcano. Stop in at Bumpass Hell and explore the largest of the Lassen Volcanic National Park thermal areas.

Best hotel in the park: Bridge House Bed & Breakfast in Redding, California.

Best campground in the park: Eight campgrounds in the park, including 4 with reservation-only sites, are available from early-June through mid-September (weather permitting). Juniper Creek is one of the better sites, since it is less crowded, although entrance into the site is via an 8 mile rough-road. For something a little different, consider the Drakesbad Guest Ranch, in the middle of Lassen Volcanic National Park. This rustic lodge (read: no electricity in the bedrooms) offers guests horseback riding, hiking, swimming and fishing within the park. Evenings are set aside for campfires, games and books.

Best months to visit for weather: June – September

Best months to visit to avoid crowds: First two weeks of June, or late September, depending on the weather.

Nearest major cities: Redding, California, is the nearest major city, about 50 miles away. The nearest airports are Sacramento, California (165 miles), and Reno, Nevada (180 miles)

More information about the Lassen Volcanic National Park can be found on the National Park Services website.

Related posts:

Bridge House Bed & Breakfast

Premiere RV Resorts in Redding, California

Houseboating on Trinity Lake

Photo courtesy of Junmon603 on Flickr.