Mineral, California
Lassen Peak Trail
Climb to the steaming summit of the southernmost Cascade volcano.
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Length
- 5 mi
- Elevation Gain
- 1,957 ft
- Duration
- 4–5
- Best Season
- Jul–Oct
- Permit
- Not required
- Dogs
- Not allowed
- Features
- Active volcano, Crater summit
About the trail
Lassen Peak (10,457 ft) is one of the largest plug-dome volcanoes on Earth and erupted as recently as 1917. The trail switchbacks relentlessly up the south face through pumice and scree to a summit crater still venting sulfurous steam. On clear days Mount Shasta floats 80 miles to the north.
Trailhead map & directions
Trailhead: 40.4882, -121.5054Get directions →
Turn-by-turn route
- From the south entrance of Lassen Volcanic NP, drive 7 miles on the Park Highway to the Lassen Peak trailhead.
- Climb the switchbacks across pumice slopes to the crater rim.
- Scramble the short final block to the true summit.
- Return via the same route.
Parking
Lassen Peak Trailhead lot — fills by 9 AM on summer weekends.
Tips from the trail
- Snow lingers into July; bring microspikes early in the season.
- No shade or water — carry 2+ liters per person.
- Lightning is common after noon; start before sunrise.
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