Lassen Volcanic

See bubbling mud pots and steaming vents, then paddle and picnic at a calm mountain lake.

4 hrs drive · 2–3 days · Best for toddlers to teens · Jul–Sep

Day 1: Drive and Manzanita Lake

The Bumpass Hell lot was nearly empty at 9:30 am and full by about 11:30 am on an August 2026 visit. If it is full, park at Lake Helen, which the trail passes at 0.25 miles. TripAdvisor review
If little legs can't do the steep last stretch into the basin, the overlook with a bench at about the 1-mile mark shows the whole thermal area. Most kids around 5 and up can manage that first mile. Earth Trekkers
Lake Helen makes a good picnic and wading stop, and kids love the icy water. Pack water shoes and a thin towel for the rocky shore. Fora Travel family guide
The Bumpass Hell trail has little shade and gets hot. Recent hikers also turned back for afternoon thunderstorms, so go in the morning with hats, water and a rain shell. TripAdvisor reviews
The only gas in the park is at the Manzanita Lake camp store, which also rents kayaks. Manzanita cabins have power but no bathrooms or bedding. Cell service is close to zero, so agree on a meeting spot. No Back Home

Highway 89 through the park closes for snow, usually from mid- to late November until late spring. It opened May 2026, but Bumpass Hell was still under snow then.
Bumpass Hell is a 3-mile round trip, usually open June to October. Sulphur Works has sidewalk access 1 mile north of the Southwest Entrance, so it's good for toddlers.
Stay on boardwalks and trails. Solid-looking ground can be a thin crust over boiling acidic water. Keep young kids close.
In winter you can still drive to Manzanita Lake for sledding and snow play.