When we planned our trip months ago, we didn’t realize that Lassen Volcanic National Park still has a LOT of snow, even as late as June. Yep, that’s right. In fact, the roads connecting through the park were NOT open during our trip (June 9-11, 2023). This meant that if we wanted to do hikes at varying places within the park, we would need to drive around the outside of the park. We did make the drive, but it cost us a lot of drive-time during our short trip. We found a helpful calendar that lists when the roads have been plowed in all previous years (you can find that HERE -scroll to the bottom!). Unfortunately, the road/snow status made it so that we were unable to see any of the hydrothermic activity areas.

You may want to plan your trip later to ensure through-access. The entrances and visitor centers were all open, however.

Unfortunately, forest fires have greatly impacted this beautiful park. Such a sad question to have to ask before you go! Most recently, the Dixie Fire in 2021 burned nearly 1 million acres of California forest. Approximately 75,000 of those acres were within the park. In fact, it has left some of the trails currently unaccessible, or without proper signage or markings. So definitely be sure to check that the hikes you’d like to do are open before you schedule your trip. A list of current open trails can be found HERE.

It was clear that the National Park Service crews are working hard to restore the trails.

Lassen Volcanic National Park has 4 entrances. We secured an AirBnB stay near the entrance by the Loomis Museum. As it turned out, because roads by Lassen Peak and Brokeout Mountain were closed, our main hikes were by the Butte Lake/Cinder Cone entrance, requiring a longer drive around the park (just over an hour). The drive from the Loomis Museum entrance over to the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center/entrance areas is closer to 2 hours. Planning your hikes BEFORE booking your campsite or cabin is highly recommended.

Distance: 4.7 miles

Elevation gain: 1,053 ft

This is a very cool hike. The forest to get to Cinder Cone is glorious, and the views from the top of Cinder Cone are spectacular; particularly those of Lassen Peak (which we did not get to climb during this trip due to aforementioned road closures/snow/avalanche danger).

Cinder Cone itself is a fully-exposed hike through terrain like sand. It’s not easy, but it’s not too long. Definitely worth the climb to the top.

Feeling ambitious? We actually did the Cinder Cone loop plus another roughly 8 miles in order to see Snag Lake and more. The route we used can be found HERE. We did not see anyone on the longer portion of the trail, but did see a big ‘ole bear who was clearly not expecting us. It headed out in a hurry, thank goodness. Our nerves, however, were shot for the rest of the trip.

This hike is accessible from the Butte Lake entrance and there is approximately 6 miles of gravel road to get to the trailhead.

Distance: 1.9 miles

Elevation gain: 52 ft

This lake loop was filled with gorgeous views of Lassen Peak reflecting off the water. It was an easy hike, with very little elevation change, so you can just enjoy the stroll. This trailhead is right next to the Loomis Museum, so you can stop by the museum or little gift shop or camp store if you need a bite to eat while you’re there.

There is also a cute little Lily Pond Interpretive Trail just across the street from this hike which was quiet and sweet.

Distance: 0.3 miles

Elevation gain: 16 ft

I’m slightly embarrassed even putting this in the “hike” category, but truly I do recommend stopping by this area, especially with limited June options. The history of the volcanic eruption is fascinating, and seeing the rocks that were tossed by the explosion in 1916 is really interesting. There is also a picnic area with a beautiful view if you need a lunch spot! Incredible views of views of Lassen Peak great you at this location.

This trailhead can also be a launching pad if the roads beyond it are closed due to snow. You can hike down the closed road toward Hat Lake or Crags Lake, which we would have done with our snowshoes if given more time.

Distance: 0.7 miles

Elevation gain: 9 ft

This hike is actually on the outside of the main Lassen Volcanic National Park, a few miles down the highway from the Loomis Museum entrance. We really enjoyed walking through the uneven, cold, and drippy cave with our headlamps, while learning about how lava formed this hole in the ground.

These are all hikes we completed – if we had gone down to the other visitor center (Kohm Yah-mah-nee), we would have had a few more options. But truly, options for challenging hikes are limited until the roads are open and avalanche danger has passed (unless you’re the craziest of the crazy).

But I hope you’ll visit this incredible park sometime – you won’t regret it.