Itinerary · 2 days · California
2 Days in Lassen Volcanic National Park: The Perfect Itinerary
Two days is enough to see the best of Lassen Volcanic National Park without rushing. Here is the day-by-day plan, built around the park's highlights.
Best time to go: Jul–Sep. Closest major airport: Redding (RDD), about 1 hour.
Day 1: The icons
- Morning: Walk the boardwalk through Bumpass Hell. Start early to beat the crowds.
- Afternoon: Summit Lassen Peak (10,457 ft).
- Evening: Drive the Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway.
Day 2: Go deeper
- Morning: Climb the Cinder Cone.
- Afternoon: Paddle Manzanita Lake with a view of the peak.
Check the snow-clearing updates in spring. Opening dates for the full highway swing by several weeks depending on the winter.
When to go
The best time to visit Lassen Volcanic National Park is July–September.
Best time to visit Lassen Volcanic, month by month · What to pack
Questions
How many days do you need in Lassen Volcanic National Park?
Two full days covers the highlights: walk the boardwalk through bumpass hell and summit lassen peak (10,457 ft) on day one, then climb the cinder cone on day two. Add a third day if you want a long backcountry hike or a slow morning.
When is the best time for this Lassen Volcanic itinerary?
Go in Jul–Sep, when the park is rated at its best. July and September offer the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds.
Can you do Lassen Volcanic in one day?
You can see the highlights in one very full day by doing day one below and skipping day two, but you will miss climb the cinder cone. Two days is the sweet spot.