One of Northern California’s most dramatic hiking trails is open for the season. The Bumpass Hell Trail, located in Lassen Volcanic National Park, is now clear of snow and ready for summer visitors.
The trail is a 3-mile round trip that leads to a large geothermal basin filled with steaming vents, bubbling mud pots and boiling pools. It is one of the most popular hikes in the park and typically opens in early July once snowmelt is complete. The hike takes about 90 minutes to two hours and includes an elevation change of roughly 300 feet.
Hikers begin at the Bumpass Hell parking area off the main park road and follow a gravel path that descends into the basin. A boardwalk runs through the hydrothermal zone, allowing visitors to safely view the area’s extreme natural features. Park rangers advise everyone to stay on the trail and boardwalk, as stepping off can be dangerous. The thin ground crust may cover hot, acidic water or unstable mud.
The site is named after Kendall Bumpass, a settler in the 1860s who severely burned his leg after breaking through the ground into boiling mud. His injury led to the loss of his leg and gave the site its name.
The trail can get busy by mid-morning, especially on weekends. Rangers recommend visiting early or later in the day for easier parking and a quieter experience. The area usually remains accessible until October, depending on weather conditions. For the latest updates, visit the National Park Service at nps.gov/lavo.
