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gem icon Lassen Peak [Suggest Edits]

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Description

The southernmost active volcano in the Cascade Range, Lassen Peak sits at 10,457 feet of elevation and offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. In 1915, Lassen Peak erupted sending ash into the sky and devastating some fo the surrounding areas. A national park was created shortly after to preserve the area, observe the regeneration of the area, and preventing people from settling too close to the volcano. Today, a 2.5 mile (5 mile round trip) hike scales the side of the mountain providing those willing to make the climb amazing views of the surrounding area. The trail up the mountain is only snow free for a short window of time (usually sometime in July -September depending on the amount of snow received over the winter). For experienced skiers, this means there are opportunities to climb the peak and ski down when the trail is not accessible to the majority of hikers. For hikers, this means adventures when the trail opens as pockets of snow persist at the higher elevations even in late summer. Kids love being able to play in the snow in the summer.

At the peak, there is a book that you can sign saying you made it to the top. However, the views are what make this area special. In the distance to the north, you can see Mount Shasta on a clear day. You can see Brokeoff Mountain to the west and below you, Lake Helen. All around the immediate area, you can see the devastation caused by the eruption and how mother nature is recovering to this day. There really is no bad view. There is a benchmark at the peak, so make sure you find that if you want a photograph of it.

It's a strenuous hike for sure, but definitely rewarding for you and the entire family.

Half-Day Hike: Lassen Peak is accessed by the 2.5 mile (one way) Lassen Peak Trail. The trail gains about 2000 feet of elevation over the course of that 2 miles, so be ready for a workout. Often covered in snow from October to June or July, there is a short window when the trail is clear of snow and ice that allows the average hiker to hike to the top of the volcano. If you have traction devices, ice axes and are comfortable hiking on snow, then you can hike to the peak once the National Park Service opens the road.

Gem Type: Viewpoint

Shared by:
David Hitchcock
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Check-Ins

Jul 12, 2023
Tom Herr
Engaging namesake of the Park. Many other hikers with rewarding views on top. Loved it!
Sep 17, 2022
Private User
Jun 2, 2022
Vinh Tran
Jul 5, 2021
Tilman Giese
Jun 18, 2021
Robert Dryden
May 30, 2021
Daniela Raileanu
May 29, 2021
Peace Keeper
Jul 11, 2020
Denneth San Gabriel

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Nearby Trails

2.5 mi 4.1 km Lassen Peak Trail
Difficult Difficult
Shingletown, CA
Difficult Difficult
Shingletown, CA
All Clear
Update
Dry
19 days ago
57 
2.0 mi 3.3 km Cinder Cone Trail
Difficult Difficult
Chester, CA
Difficult Difficult
Chester, CA
All Clear
Update
Dry
19 days ago
18 
3.2 mi 5.2 km Bumpass Hell Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Shingletown, CA
Intermediate Intermediate
Shingletown, CA
All Clear
Update
Dry
19 days ago
24 
3.7 mi 5.9 km Brokeoff Mountain Trail
Difficult Difficult
Chester, CA
Difficult Difficult
Chester, CA
Unknown
Update
15 
0.4 mi 0.7 km Crystal Lake Trail
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Chester, CA
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Chester, CA
Unknown
Update
3.6 mi 5.8 km Terrace, Shadow, and Cliff Lakes Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Chester, CA
Intermediate Intermediate
Chester, CA
All Clear
Update
Dry
70 days ago
1.9 mi 3.1 km Manzanita Lake Loop
Easy Easy
Shingletown, CA
Easy Easy
Shingletown, CA
All Clear
Update
Dry
18 days ago
18 
1.3 mi 2.1 km Boiling Springs Lake Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Chester, CA
Intermediate Intermediate
Chester, CA
All Clear
Update
Dry
18 days ago
4.2 mi 6.8 km Kings Creek Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Chester, CA
Intermediate Intermediate
Chester, CA
All Clear
Update
Dry
18 days ago
12 
3.2 mi 5.1 km Prospect Peak Trail
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Chester, CA
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Chester, CA
Unknown
Update
Shared by David Hitchcock on Jun 14, 2020. All Page Views: 315. Last Month: 4.
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