The Best Time to Hike the Bumpass Hell Trail
The Bumpass Hell Trail leads to the largest hydrothermal area in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Winter conditions persist into late spring, so planning your hike with these conditions in mind is important. Of course, the Bumpass Hell Trail is just one of the great hikes in the Lassen area. The park features over 150 miles of trails suitable for all ages and abilities. Whether you seek a mellow meander or a heart-pumping ascent, this national park offers it all.
Lassen National Park in Northern California is less crowded than other California parks. Home to the largest plug dome volcano in the world, the park is primarily known for its volcanic features. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can see all four types of volcanoes. It’s also a great place to observe the rich diversity of plant and animal life. Due to its location and geological factors, many habitats exist in this stunning park.
After your Bumpass Hell Trail hike, head to our historic lodge, which has been welcoming outdoor enthusiasts since the 1920s. Our cozy lodge is one of the closest hotels near the park, providing a comfortable alternative to camping. There’s nothing better than a hot shower to soothe aching muscles after your invigorating hike on the Bumpass Hell Trail. Enjoy hearty, warm meals prepared for you in a charming, rustic Northern California bed and breakfast. The on-site tavern is the perfect place to grab a meal and drink. Reserve your room now.
What to Know Before You Hike the Bumpass Trail
The Bumpass Hell Trail is a beautiful trail with a strange name. An early settler, Kendall VanHook Bumpass, discovered the geothermal area while searching for lost cattle. His leg broke through a geothermal area and was so badly scalded that it needed to be amputated. On his return home, he told the other settlers, “Boys, I have been in Hell.” Now, the Bumpass Hell Trail is one of the most popular destinations in the park.
The Bumpass Hell Trailhead parking lot is 7 miles from the Southwest entrance of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Due to the high elevation and amount of snowpack, trail opening dates vary. The area is usually closed through the spring and opens for the season, on average, in early July. We recommend checking the park’s website for trail conditions. The trail usually remains open through fall. There are never any guarantees with nature, but the best time to plan your Bumpass Hell Trail Hike is mid-July and the end of September.
The three-mile round-trip Bumpass Trail Hike will take about two hours. The easy-moderate packed gravel trail starts with a gradual climb for the first mile and then descends 200 feet.
This is the largest hydrothermal area in the park. The bubbling mud pots, boiling pools, and steaming fumaroles are an unforgettable, otherworldly sight! Though the ground may look solid, it’s brittle and may hide pools of scalding acidic water or mud. Stay on the boardwalks to stay safe. Due to the popularity of the Bumpass Hell Trail, the parking lot is often full by mid-morning, especially on weekends.
More Lassen Volcanic National Park Hikes
With over 150 miles of trails in Lassen Volcanic National Park, the Bumpass Hell Trail is just one option. If the parking lot is full or the trail is closed, stop by one of these other trails.
Kid-friendly or Easy Hikes
- Sulphur Works is a paved trail and the easiest geothermal area to access. It is wheelchair accessible and kid-friendly, and the walk takes about 10 minutes. The vibrant colors will astound even those turned off by the pungent aroma.
- Manzanita Lake Loop is a flat 1.7-mile hike that offers views of Lassen Peak and Chaos Crags. Watch for raptors, songbirds, and waterbirds. White-tailed deer and squirrels are frequently spotted in this area.
- Kings Creek Falls is a 2.3-mile hike enjoyed by hikers of all ages. The overlook offers a view of the waterfall.
- Lily Pond Interpretive Trail is a half-mile interpretive trail ideal for families to learn about the rich diversity of life in the Lassen Volcanic National Park.
- The Devastated Area Interpretative Trail is a short loop that takes about 15 minutes to walk. Here, you can learn about the 1915 eruption and its effects on the area. It is also a great picnic spot.
Moderate Hikes
- Mill Creek Falls is a 4-mile out-and-back trail to the park’s tallest waterfall. In the summer, it is a great spot to see a variety of wildflowers.
- Hike to Cold Boiling and Crumbaugh Lakes Trails. With multiple options for hike length, this trail is fairly level to Cold Boiling Lake, a “dying” geothermal area. The trail continues, descending to Crumbaugh Lake. Enjoy the wildflower meadow along the shore of Crumbaugh Lake. A steeply graded trail descends to Mill Creek Falls. From there, you can continue to the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. This 4.6-mile (one-way) trail is a great place to view wildlife.
Difficult Hikes
- Brokeoff Mountain is a stunning hike. Many claim this 7.4-mile hike is the best in the park. Enjoy views of Lassen Peak, Chaos Crags, Diller, Shasta, and other mountains.
- The 5-mile Lassen Peak hike is a challenging hike to one of the largest plug domes in the world. Plan on 4-5 hours for this strenuous hike with a panoramic view reward.
St. Bernard Lodge is the perfect choice for a hotel near Lassen. Relax at our lodge after a day of hiking. A fabulous alternative to camping in the California National Parks, we are one mile from the Pacific Crest Trail and just 20 minutes from the SW entrance of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Whether you are visiting the area to hike or just relax in nature, we look forward to welcoming you. Book your room today.
