Exploring the Geothermal Wonders of Lassen Volcanic National Park

Aug 20, 2024

Last Updated on: Nov 18, 2024

Travel Blog

Lassen Volcanic National Park gets its name from the Lassen Peak, an active volcano in the southernmost Cascade Range. Even today, the Lassen Peak has hot springs and you will find fumaroles coming out of the peak’s mouth. These are also signs of volcanic activities in the volcanic mountains.

Further, this national park houses all four types of volcanoes: plug domes, cinder cones, composites, and shields. These volcanoes make this national park a chosen destination for geologists and volcano enthusiasts.

The presence of these volcanoes has also added unique hydrothermal features to this park. You will find vibrant hot springs, steam vents making hissing sounds, and mud pots with bubbling water here. 

Here, I present a brief overview of the geothermal wonders of the park. I will also talk about the park’s camping provisions. 

Geothermal Areas In Lassen Volcanic National Park

Geothermal Areas In Lassen Volcanic National Park

The Lassen Volcanic National Park had 418,978 visitors in 2023, and we can say that its hydrothermal features are a major factor in crowd-pulling here. Snow falling on the park highlands and rainwater keep feeding the geothermal systems.

Under the Lassen Peak, there is a molten or hot rock body. This hot rock body makes the water warm once it reaches underground. When the water becomes hot, you see the water boiling in the geothermal pools and mud pots.

As the temperature of the water rises, it gets transformed into fumaroles. Fumaroles exude from various cracks in the earth. In Lassen Volcanic National Park, you will observe fumaroles at Sulphur Works, Devils Kitchen, and Bumpass Hell

Little Hot Springs Valley

You can have a look at the Little Hot Springs Valley from Lassen Peak (the largest plug demo volcano in the world) and other mountains lining it.  

Further, various seasonal creeks drain into this valley, feeding the geothermal water. If you overlook the valley from the mountain peaks in the summer, you will see many wildflowers smiling. In particular, grass and the wildflower vegetation across the East Sulphur Creek edge is quite dense, thanks to various hypothermal activities.

You can also look at the Little Hot Springs Valley from a pullout, just one mile away on the south. The view from this pullout is scenic, with lush green slopes before your eyes. If you look at the slopes with binoculars, you will find black bears roaming around. 

Bumpass Hell

As you walk 7 miles from the southwest entrance of the park, you will find a parking area on the park highway. Here, you will find the trail to Bumpass Hell. With a 3-mile hiking trail(round trip), Bumpass Hell is the largest geothermal area in the park.

You can only hike the Bumpass Hell trail in autumn and summer. It remains closed during spring and winter. The temperature of the geothermal water in the Bumpass Hell area can reach up to 322 degrees

The elevation of this trail is 8,000 feet. However, because of its moderate difficulty level, you will find many visitors here on weekends.

The water in this hydrothermal area is emerald green or blue in color. Further, the minerals in the water stain the rocks and soil in yellow and orange shades. 

Sulphur Works

Sulphur Works

It can’t get easier than hiking to Sulphur Works if you want to explore the geothermal wonders of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Here, you can see how volcanic activities have created the most interesting geology with shifting new and ancient grounds. 

The landscape here experiences regular updates because of geothermal activities and natural activities like erosion. Also, thanks to the volcanic activities, you will encounter colorful rocks, steam vents, and the most pungent sulphuric smell here.

Sulphur Works is important in the Lassen Volcanic National Park history, and it was earlier known as Supan’s Sulphur Works. Mathias B. Supan, a pioneer of the American West, used to extract minerals from the ground here in the mid-19th century. 

The hydrothermal area of Sulphur Works is interesting as it is located at the center of a wide basin. Brokeoff Mountain, Mount Conard, Pilot Pinnacle, and Mount Diller surround this basin. According to geologists, these mountains are eroded formations or remains of Mount Tehama or Brokeoff Volcano.

Boiling Springs Lake

Boiling Springs Lake

A trail starting from the Warner Valley trailhead will take you to the Boiling Springs Lake, filled with hot and bubbling water. The temperature of the water in this lake is 125 degrees

You will also find steam vents and mud pots on the shore. The mud pots on the southeastern shore of the lake demand a special mention. 

As you continue on the Boiling Springs Lake trail, you will see colorful wildflowers. The vegetation of Douglas-fir, sugar pine, incense-cedar, white pine, and ponderosa pine will soothe your eyes here.

This trail is also a birder’s paradise and one of the best places in the park to observe birds. 

Devils Kitchen

This hike, starting from the Warner Valley Trailhead, is moderate, and it will take you to an area filled with boiling pools, mud pots, and steam vents. You can call Devils Kitchen a 

Cauldron.

The piled-up cracked red and yellow stones here give this place a colorful appearance. These colorful stones show deposits of various minerals found in volcanic eruptions. The Cauldron will keep making hissing, belching, and plopping sounds, and the unique odor filling the air creates the perfect ambiance of a natural kitchen.

Something is definitely cooking in this kitchen! 

Terminal Geyser

Start hiking from the Warner Valley Trailhead to reach Terminal Geyser. It is a steam vent showcasing the active volcanic activities in the park. 

Unlike a geyser, it does not erupt hot water periodically, and it’s actually a fumarole. Even if you can’t see the steam, you will smell a sulfuric odor, and there will be a billowing cloud. 

Cold Boiling Lake

You can start trekking from Kings Creek Picnic Area to reach the Cold Boiling Lake. The road to the Cold Boiling Lake is almost flat, and the landscape has further descent to the Crumbaugh Lake. 

You can see some small gas bubbles near the shore of the Cold Boiling Lake. So, it is known as a dying geothermal wonder of the park. 

The Cold Boiling Lake and its shores look the best if you pay a visit in the morning after a night of snowfall. 

Pilot Pinnacle

Pilot Pinnacle is a remains of volcanic composites. You will find it along the ridges of Mt. Diller and Brokeoff Mountain. You can look at this area filled with mud pots, pools, and steam vents from Park Road. 

Lassen Volcanic National Park Camping

Lassen Volcanic National Park Camping

Lassen Volcanic National Park has seven campgrounds. However, only four campgrounds are available this year. The Dixie Fire 2021 recovery process will keep the three other campgrounds closed in 2024. 

The campgrounds open this year are Butte Lake, Summit Lake, Southwest Campground (Southwest Parking), and Manzanita Lake. 

Closed campgrounds are Juniper Lake, Warner Valley, and Southwest Campground (Walk-in campground). 

Most campsites in the park are available at this national park on a reservation basis. You can make the reservation between June and September. You can make your reservation at recreation or call the park authority at 1-877-444-6777. 

Final Words 

The Lassen Volcanic National Park is a hub of scenic beauty, active volcanoes, and various geothermal features. Active volcanism and weather forces, like rain and erosion, have given this park a rich geological landscape that goes back thousands of years.

With the magnificent Lassen Peak towering over the park, the hydrothermal areas are surrounded by forests and green meadows. So, various species of animals, birds, and insects reside around these geothermal areas. 

So, if you are a volcano enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or a hiker, pack your bags, plan a trip to this national park, and share your experience once you come back. 

Lassen Volcanic National Park FAQs 

What Lives In Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Home to around “300 species of vertebrates,” Lassen Volcanic National Park has many mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish. The park has three ecological zones where you can encounter rich wildlife. 

  • Mammals: Black bear, Sierra Nevada red fox, mountain lion, America pika, snowshoe hare, Douglas’s squirrel, mule deer
  • Birds: Steller’s Jay, Clark’s nutcracker, Anna’s hummingbird, woodpeckers, round-legged hawks, etc. 
  • Amphibians: Pacific tree frog, long-toed salamander, western toad
  • Reptiles: Sagebrush lizards, northern lizards, alligator lizards, western terrestrial garter snake, rubber boa, Northern Pacific rattlesnake, etc. 
  • Fish: Rainbow trout, Lahontan Redside, speckled dace, etc.

Along with these animals, you will also find the most beautiful  California Tortoiseshell butterflies, spiders, and other insects in the park. The total number of invertebrate species living here is 350. 

What Is The Closest Town To The Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Chester is the closest town to the Lassen Volcanic National Park. You can take a 40-minute drive from the southwest entrance of the park. You can relax at the eateries at Chester, and you will find some decent lodging options here. 

Who Died In Lassen Volcanic National Park? 

Tommy Botell, a 9-year-old boy, died in an accident in the Lassen Volcanic National Park on 18th March 2010. His elder sister, Katrina, a 13-year-old girl, was severely injured in the same accident. 

The mishap took place at the Lassen Peak Trail. 

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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Sunwater Spa, Manitou Springs: AdmissionTuesday - Sunday: 8 am to 10 pm | Mondays: Closed (Rates Vary)Temperatures90 °FSeasonAll Year-RoundFeaturesYoga, Wellness Activities, Spa Treatments, and Soaking In Mineral Water.  If you are in the mood for some unique experiences in terms of hot springs, then you have to check out the Sunwater Spa, located in Manitou Springs! Known for offering several facilities for unwinding and relaxing, the Sunwater Spa in Manitou Springs is perfect for visiting with your partner, family, and even alone. 11. Ouray Hot Springs View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ouray Hot Springs Pool and Fitness Center (@ourayhotsprings) AdmissionFor Children - Free, For Youth (4-17) - $16, For Adults (18-61) - $26, For Senior (62-74) - $18, For Senior (above 75) - FreeTemperature92°F to 100°FSeasonAll Year RoundFeaturesMemberships are available, sulfur free hot springs, with constant hard air blowing, pool heating takes time! The springs are open every day for public pools from 11 am to 10 pm and for member pool hours, the duration is from 10 am to 11 am. There is a 3 month or 12 month membership available for all members. You can buy towels for $10! For one day, Ouray Hot Springs Pool recharges the underground aquifer thus, losing a huge amount of geothermal water. The volume of geothermal water decreased in the pool due to the 24-hour cutback! 12. Dunton Hot Springs View this post on Instagram A post shared by Patrick Janelle (@aguynamedpatrick) AdmissionAdults: $240 for couples, Children: FreeTemperature108°FSeasonAll Year RoundFeaturesLog buildings, established in a ghost town, popular thermal mineral springs If you rent cabins to access Dunton Hot Springs, you have to pay somewhere between $630 to $2100 for one night. Clearly, it is expensive, and the rich get more access to these resorts as compared to others. The town is completely empty, and people only visit the thermal mineral springs. There are American mines pretty close to the hot springs. 13. Radium Hot Springs  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tourism Radium (@tourismradium) Admission Adults: $240 for couples, Children: Free Temperature 108°F Season All Year Round Features Log buildings, established in a ghost town, are popular thermal mineral springs  Radium Hot Springs in British Columbia offers a beautiful, relaxing experience with mineral-rich hot and cooler pools surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and rock cliffs, and is open year-round. Visitors can enjoy unique mineral water, watch for wildlife like bighorn sheep, and access nearby trails and town amenities. While some visitors mention the pools can be small or require paying for towels, many find it a fun and relaxing stop for families and those seeking to unwind in nature. 14. Penny Hot Springs  View this post on Instagram A post shared by michelle b (@mmmbeans) Admission Adults: $230 for couples, Children: Free Temperature 108°F Season All Year Round Features Log buildings, established in a ghost town, are popular thermal mineral springs  Penny Hot Springs is a free, primitive, hot spring located near Carbondale, Colorado, known for varying water temperatures and a beautiful, but unmanaged, natural setting with potential issues like trash. The water source is very hot, and visitors must be cautious with children. While the setting offers scenic mountain views, visitors report varying pool depths and the need to pack out all trash to preserve the area. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Check out the most frequently asked questions related to hot springs near Denver mentioned below. 1. What Is The Closest Natural Hot Springs To Denver? Ans: The natural hot springs that are the closest to Denver are the Indian Hot Springs - it will take you about 40 mins to drive the 33 miles to Denver. It’s in the western part of the city, right on I-70. The historic hot springs in Idaho are one location you are bound to see on your way to or from the iconic ski slopes nearby.  2. What Are The Most Beautiful Hot Springs In The World? Ans: The most beautiful hot springs in the world are as follows,➊ Pamukkale (Turkey),➋ Chinoike Jigoku (Japan),➌ Szechenyi (Budapest),➍ Cascate del Mulino (Italy), and➍ The Blue Lagoon (Iceland). 3. What Are The Major Hot Springs In Colorado? Ans: The three hot springs in Colorado are as follows,➊ Glenwood Springs,➋ Great Pagosa Springs, and➌ Hot Sulphur Springs. 4. Where Are The Best Natural Hot Springs In Colorado? Ans: The best hot springs in Colorado are as follows,➊ Iron Mountain Hot Springs,➋ Mount Princeton Hot Springs,➌ Cottonwood Hot Springs,➍ Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, and➎ Ouray Hot Springs Pool. Take A Dive In Hot Springs Near Denver, Today! So we have come to the end of our list of the best hot springs near Denver! Now, what are you even waiting for? All you have to do is do your due research and then pack your bags - because the winter has arrived, and there’s no better time to hit these hot springs near Denver, Colorado!  In the meantime, don’t forget to let us know about your thoughts and past experiences with hot springs in the comments below.