Come and explore the beauty of Lassen Volcanic landscape with its forged volcanic fire, carved by glaciers, and populated with diverse plants and animals. Native Americans once inhabited the Lassen Volcanic peak area many thousands of years ago.  So why not follow in the footsteps of our Native Americans, pioneers, miners, and artists and experience history while hiking the great Lassen Volcanic Park. You can hike all day on the busiest trails in July or August and yet encounter maybe a total of 10 people.  Because Lassen Volcanic Park is not on the way to or from any major attraction, 4th of July and Labor Day weekends are typically the only times with crowds.

Archaeological data indicates that the Lassen Volcanic Park area was used regularly by the Native American people.  Work sites have been found throughout the park. During the summer months at Lassen Volcanic Park, members of the Atsugewi tribe demonstrate basketry, tool technology, and their cultural traditions.  The compelling story of "Ishi," the last survivor of the Yahi people, became popular from a TV movie based on the story of the last "free" Native American in the United States.

Lassen Volcanic Park marks the south end of the Cascades, a mountain range that extends through the Pacific Northwest into the British Columbia.  The 106,000 acres Lassen Volcanic Park is unique for its geothermal features:  geysers, mud pools, and hot springs.  Additionally, Lassen Volcanic Park features dozens of lakes, hundreds of plant species, wide-open meadows, and a 10,000 feet dormant volcano that are inhabited by animals like bears and deers.

Lassen Volcanic Park is filled with historical nostalgia.  The California gold rush that brought devastation to the wildlife populations throughout the mountains and foothills of northern California thankfully left the Lassen Volcanic region relatively untouched. Today, Lassen Volcanic Park is located in an area fairly populated and relatively light traveled, giving one the feeling of being in a national park twenty to thirty years ago. The numerous hiking and backpacking trails in Lassen Volcanic Park are filled with natural history. The vast forests, mountain streams, fascinating geothermal features, and breathtaking views at Lassen Volcanic are more than just an ample site that offers historic and cultural displays and demonstrations to suit any visitor's interests. 

Another crowd pleasure and favorite is the 1.5 mile walk on an elevated wooden path leading to the bubbling mud pots and steaming pools at Bumpass Hell, Lassen Volcanic largest geothermal site.  The Cinder Cone Trail is nice if you are out early in the morning before it gets too warm.  The views of Butte Lake, Lassen Peak, and dunes colored in trippy browns, reds, and white are all worth the trip.  Experience the great out door and see the beauty of nature at Lassen Volcanic Park and don't be like one of the many thousands of other tourists who does what everyone one else likes to do.  Be your true self.