These Are the Best Northern California National Parks
Exploring the absolute jaw-dropping beauty of the Northern California National Parks is something everyone should do at least once in their lifetime. Depending on your available vacation time, there’s a lovely road trip beginning in the shade of the tallest trees on Earth on the Lost Coast at the National Redwoods State Park and ending at the iconic towering granite cliffs of Yosemite National Park. With a few more stunning examples of the best Northern California National Parks in between.
There are a few lesser-known hidden gem recreation areas along the way—including Lassen Volcanic National Park. This park is unique from all others, as it’s a geological wonder with numerous volcanos, steaming fumaroles, clear mountain lakes, and stunning meadows awash in wildflowers. There are plenty of hiking opportunities to see these natural and unusual features up close.
As you begin to plan your adventure exploring the Northern California National Parks, you’ll want to secure your lodging along the way, and our rustic and historic bed and breakfast near Lassen National Park is the perfect basecamp. Our lodge has been hosting travelers and outdoor adventurers for over 100 years. Our cozy guest rooms and our on-site tavern and restaurant are the best places to relax after a long day on the trails. Book your lodging near Lassen today!
These Are the Best Northern California National Parks
The collection of Northern California National Parks offers some of the most diverse, dramatic, and awe-inspiring landscapes in the West—yet they remain delightfully uncrowded and deeply authentic. These parks are unique not just for their natural beauty but for how intimately they connect visitors to the soul of Northern California.
Every destination offers a different window into the wild, from volcanic peaks to ancient forests and crystal-clear lakes. Don’t miss these top destinations on your next road trip in California:
- In the northeast corner of the state, Lava Beds National Monument provides a stark and surreal experience unlike anywhere else in California. A rugged landscape of hardened lava flows, cinder cones, and over 800 lava tube caves invites exploration. Visitors can descend into cooled underground tunnels, some large enough to walk through upright, while learning about the park’s volcanic history.
- The Redwood National and State Parks are home to the tallest trees on Earth. Walking through these ancient, mist-shrouded forests feels like stepping into another time. The sheer scale of the redwoods is humbling, and the trails—often quiet and deeply peaceful—lead to hidden groves, fern-filled canyons, and the occasional glimpse of Roosevelt elk. This is one of the most magical Northern California National Parks!
- Lassen Volcanic National Park is a place where the Earth quite literally bubbles beneath your feet. It’s one of the few locations in the world where all four types of volcanoes exist. Find more about this spectacular park below!
- McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park offers one of California’s most stunning natural spectacles. The 129-foot Burney Falls flows steadily year-round, fed by underground springs that create a cascading wall of water framed by mossy rocks and fern-lined trails.
- While Yosemite is often associated with central California, its northern and less-traveled entrances provide access to a quieter, more contemplative Yosemite experience. You’ll find high country trails, sparkling lakes, and sweeping meadows with far fewer crowds here.
Don't Miss Lassen Volcanic National Park
Tucked away in the remote reaches of the state, Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of the West’s most underrated Northern California National Parks. With steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, ancient lava beds, and striking alpine lakes, the park is a vibrant testament to the dynamic forces that continue to shape the Earth. It’s one of the few places on the planet where all four types of volcanoes—shield, plug dome, cinder cone, and stratovolcano—can be found in one area.
Whether you’re an avid hiker, a geology enthusiast, or seeking a day in nature, Lassen offers a raw and untouched beauty that’s otherworldly and unforgettable. Here are the top five things to see and do at Lassen Volcanic National Park:
- Lassen’s most famous geothermal feature, Bumpass Hell, feels like stepping into another world. This 3-mile roundtrip boardwalk trail takes visitors across a steaming, colorful landscape of boiling springs, hissing vents, and bubbling mud pots. Interpretive signs explain the science behind these features, and the trail is incredibly stunning in the morning light.
- Standing tall at 10,457 feet, Lassen Peak is one of the largest plug dome volcanoes in the world. The 5-mile roundtrip trail to the summit rewards hikers with sweeping views of the surrounding Cascade Range, Mount Shasta, and, on clear days, even glimpses of the Sierra Nevada. It’s a moderately strenuous hike that showcases the park’s volcanic legacy with every step.
- This 30-mile scenic drive cuts through the heart of the park and offers panoramic views of jagged peaks, peaceful meadows, and crystalline lakes. With multiple pullouts and trailheads, it’s perfect for visitors who want to experience the park’s diversity from the comfort of their car. Don’t miss stops like Emerald Lake, Lake Helen, and the Devastated Area Interpretive Trail, where you can see the aftermath of Lassen Peak’s explosive 1915 eruption.
- Located near the northwest entrance, Manzanita Lake is a serene spot ideal for families and anyone seeking relaxation. It’s popular for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, and photography, especially in the early morning when Lassen Peak reflects perfectly on the water’s surface. There’s also a nearby visitor center and a picnic area—making it a great place to start your adventure.
- If you’re looking for an easier trail that’s accessible and still packed with natural beauty, the Lily Pond Nature Trail is a perfect choice. This short, 0.75-mile loop winds through a peaceful forest and around a pond filled with—you guessed it—lilies in summer bloom.
After you’ve explored this beautiful park, we’ll be ready to welcome you back to our Northern California bed and breakfast with open arms! Our rustic lodge exudes old-world charm with warm wood interiors, cozy guest rooms, and inviting common spaces. Set against a backdrop of alpine meadows and peaceful forest, it’s a serene retreat where you can soak in the quiet beauty of the mountains.
`After hiking through fumaroles and lava beds, guests can relax by the fireplace, enjoy a hearty meal at the on-site restaurant, or sip a drink in the classic tavern. Retreat to your guest room for a lovely night of sleep and wake ready to take on another day of hiking in California. Book your lodging today!
