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Popular Summit in Lassen Volcanic National Park by JimmyLyding  The Lassen Peak Trail is one of the most popular trails in Lassen Volcanic National Park for good reason. Think of the bastard stepchild of Squaw Peak and Humphrey's Peak in a national park. The views are outstanding, and there's serious satisfaction from getting to the top. Don't worry about the altitude and just do it because dozens of children reach the summit every weekend. Flatlanders like me struggle a bit at high altitude so I was a little intimidated by starting at 8,454 ' above sea level, but it wasn't too bad. Lassen Volcanic National Park is the southernmost extension of the Cascade Mountains. Its volcanic nature is found by having all 4 types of volcanoes: composite (sometimes referred to as "stratovolcanoes"), cinder cone, shield and plug dome. Lassen Peak is a plug dome volcano that last erupted in 1914-1917. A plug dome volcano is formed when molten rock flows upward, cools, and is then pushed upward by more rising and molten rock below. The eruption back then laid waste to thousands of acres on the northeast side of the mountain that are only now recovering. The hike starts at the north side of the large parking lot, and is not difficult to find. The first 2 sections around the first switchback are longer than most of the other sections on the rest of the hike, and give a taste of the uphill climbing that awaits. This is the south side of Lassen Peak, and the vegetation consists of medium-sized white bark pine, mountain hemlock and sparse groups of flowers in this dry year. The trail ascends over 40 switchbacks in total from the trailhead to the top, and one quickly ascends past the treeline after passing the krumholz white bark pines. The views are nonstop from beginning to end as the workout truly begins. You may notice tourists heading to the summit in casual footwear with children in tow because this is a very popular attraction in a national park. You will probably hear several languages on this hike. Lake Helen and Vulcan's Eye are eye candy from near the bottom while much of northern California is visible from higher up. Lake Almanor and the northern end of the Sierra Nevada Mountains are to the south, and Mount Shasta, the Warner Mountains and the Modoc Plateau lie to the north. The Trinity Alps, Yolla Bolly mountains and even Snow Mountain are visible across the low Sacramento River valley to the west. The final ascent to the summit may seem anticlimactic because the views are old hat by now, and all traces of vegetation have succumbed to loose rocks. There was a small field of snow at the top that wraps from the west side which consists of a series of depressions surrounded by 30-50' volcanic crags up over the top of the peak down the northeast slope. There was an interpretive ranger here on July 4, 2014, and numerous people went down to the blue algae-stained pool for selfies, but the highest point lies a few hundred yards to the north. There is a trail through the snow field that is very apparent before heading up a vague route to the true summit. It's only about 300 yards from the common summit to the true summit. The true summit has two small concrete pads, and I'm not sure if they were used for surveying or a lookout. Anyways, they were good for the tripod I carried up there. There is also a summit register inside a conduit coupling dangling from a chain on the north side of the very top. Enjoy the summit and return the way you came. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Note This is a moderately difficult hike. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Most recent Triplog Reviews
Lassen Peak Trail
Day 4 in Lassen Volcanic National Park-- We woke up around 3:30am, layered up with warm clothes, broke down our campsite, and headed to the trailhead. The moon was very bright, so no need for headlamps! The trail was recently redone as a park project, and there is a small brick wall blocking off the old trail, or "scar" heading straight up to the summit; the new trail is graded and smooth. The wind was bitter cold and strong, we really had to lean into it, especially as we approached the summit. Once at the top, we hurried over to a large boulder to block the wind, where we almost literally stumbled upon someone in a sleeping bag. I shrieked, Jared laughed, and the stranger looked pretty startled, too. We stayed up top for the sunrise, and then happily scrambled back down to our heated car. 
Note: The sign at the trailhead specified that the trail leads to the "first summit," and it looked like the trail beyond that leading to the true summit is no longer in use. With all the signs asking hikers to stay off the old trail, we didn't want to risk hiking on if we weren't supposed to.
Note: The sign at the trailhead specified that the trail leads to the "first summit," and it looked like the trail beyond that leading to the true summit is no longer in use. With all the signs asking hikers to stay off the old trail, we didn't want to risk hiking on if we weren't supposed to.
2015-09-02 zukerrach
Lassen Peak Trail
Snowshoe up Lassen Peak in Lassen National Park. Started early for the snowshoe from the visitor center north along un-plowed CA89 to the Lassen Peak trail head with a few cross country short cuts (most notably around Diamond Peak). Then the real fun began with the trip up Lassen with crampons and ice ax rewarded with a fun glissade back down the slope .
.2015-03-08 ChriLaRo
Lassen Peak Trail
My main objective was to return to Lassen and complete my hike to Lassen Peak. Once again my efforts failed as the trail was closed for repairs due to a fatal incident I wrote about in 2009. The trail had been open part of this year, but they now have heavy equipment and a lifting helicopter at the trailhead. The noon time temperature at the trailhead was 37, so the seasons are changing. I went down the road and the first new trail I came to was twin lakes so I did this pleasant trail. Not much elevation but it was out of the biting chill and wind of the day.
2010-08-30 AZLOT69
