Lassen’s Bumpass Hell Trail Reopens for Summer Hikes
One of Lassen Volcanic National Park’s most famous trails is officially open for the summer. The Bumpass Hell Trail, a 3-mile round-trip hike that leads to a surreal hydrothermal basin, is now clear of snow and welcoming visitors.
This otherworldly hike offers views of steaming vents, boiling pools, and bubbling mud pots—all part of the park’s active geothermal landscape. The trail begins at the Bumpass Hell parking lot along the main park road and descends about 300 feet into the basin, where a boardwalk guides hikers safely through the volatile terrain.
The site is named after Kendall Bumpass, a settler who severely burned his leg in the 1860s after stepping through the fragile crust into scalding mud. The area now bears his name as a stark reminder to stay on the trail and boardwalk.
It’s a relatively moderate hike that takes 90 minutes to two hours and draws heavy crowds by mid-morning, especially on weekends. Park rangers suggest arriving early or visiting later in the day to avoid parking issues and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Want to see what the hike is like? Check out our video from a few years back:
