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Lassen Volcanic National Park offers a rare mix of steaming mudpots, snow-covered peaks, and family-friendly trails—all just a short drive from Redding.
A Family Day at Lassen Volcanic National Park
We visited Lassen Volcanic National Park during our trip to the Redding and Mount Shasta area. It was Memorial Day weekend, and the park roads had just reopened for the season, so our timing was perfect.
We entered through the north entrance, which we recommend if you want to avoid heavier crowds. From bubbling geothermal spots to calm alpine lakes, Lassen offers striking contrasts and is easy to explore with kids.
Loomis Museum and Manzanita Lake
Our first stop was Loomis Museum, just inside the north entrance. Inside, we learned about the volcanic eruption of 1915 and watched a short film about the park’s unique landscape. Park rangers were also available to answer questions and suggest hikes.
Next, we headed out on the Manzanita Lake Trail. The flat loop trail offered stunning views of Lassen Peak reflected in the water. Midway through our hike, we rented a canoe and paddled across the lake, which quickly became one of the kids’ favorite memories. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at the general store, and simple cabins nearby provide overnight stays starting around $70 per night.
Touring the Park by Car
With only one main road (SR-89) running through Lassen, it’s easy to follow the park map and stop at highlights along the way.
Some of our favorite stops included:
- Chaos Crags and Devastated Area – dramatic reminders of Lassen’s volcanic history.
- Summit Lake – a small, quiet spot where we took a short walk.
- Lassen Peak Trailhead – at the highest point of the road, still covered in snow during our visit. Families played, sledded, and even skied down the slopes.
- Lake Helen – a striking alpine lake surrounded by snow even in late spring.
Sulfur Works and the South Entrance
As we drove south, we stopped at Sulfur Works, where bubbling mudpots and steaming fumaroles filled the air with the smell of sulfur. Our kids loved seeing the geothermal activity up close, safely from the boardwalk.
We ended the day at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, which has exhibits, a small cafe, and a gift shop. Food options are limited, so we recommend bringing snacks or lunch.
How to Get to Lassen Volcanic National Park
By Car
The main entrance routes are via Highway 44 (northwest entrance) and Highway 36 (southwest entrance).
- From Redding The drive takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- From Sacramento The drive takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Pro Tip
The main park road is closed by snow for most of the year. It typically opens fully in mid to late June and closes again in October. Always check the park’s official website for current road status before traveling.
Is Lassen Volcanic National Park Worth Visiting?
Lassen Volcanic National Park may be less famous than Yosemite or Yellowstone, but it offers a rare combination of geothermal wonders, high mountain scenery, and family-friendly hikes. It’s easy to explore in a single day, and the variety of landscapes—volcanoes, lakes, snowfields, and bubbling mudpots—kept our kids entertained throughout the trip.
More to Explore Nearby
If you have more time in Northern California, consider adding these stops:
- Mount Shasta – A towering peak with hiking, lakes, and spiritual significance.
- Lake Shasta Caverns – A boat ride and guided cave tour on the shores of Shasta Lake.
- Redding’s Sundial Bridge – A striking pedestrian bridge and gateway to local trails.
- Burney Falls – A stunning waterfall about an hour from Lassen.
