6 Best Sights in Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

Though set in the park's remote northeastern corner, this is one of its most fascinating trails, as it offers views of a dazzling variety of volcanic features, including Painted Dunes, Fantastic Lava Beds, and Prospect Peak. It's a somewhat challenging undertaking, because the 4-mile round-trip hike to the cone summit requires a steep 845-foot climb over ground that's slippery in parts with loose cinders. For a better understanding of the geology along this hike, pick up an interpretive brochure at the trailhead or visitor centers. Moderate–Difficult.

A moderately hilly 4.2 mile round-trip hike through open meadows and conifer forest leads to the least-frequented of the park's three main hydrothermal areas, the others being Sulphur Works and Bumpass Hell. The lack of crowds makes this an especially enjoyable place to view burping mud pots, misty steam vents, hot boiling pools, and even Lassen Peak in the distance. Moderate–Difficult.

A handsome, contemporary LEED-certified structure at the southwest entrance, this helpful year-round resource is a good place to pick up maps, inquire about kids' activities and ranger programs, view an engaging park film, and check out the well-conceived interactive exhibits. There's also an excellent bookstore and a casual café.

This 30-mile scenic route, the main thoroughfare through the park, passes by such prominent sites as Lassen Peak, Bumpass Hell, Sulphur Works, Kings Creek, Devastated Area, and Chaos Crags, connecting the southwest entrance with Manzanita Lake and the northwest entrance. It's often referred to simply as Lassen Park Highway.

When this plug dome volcano erupted in 1915, it spewed a huge mushroom cloud of debris almost 6 miles into the air. You can admire the peak from a number of points along the park road, and a fabulous panoramic view rewards those who make the strenuous 2½-mile hike to the 10,457-foot summit.

In this handsome building constructed of volcanic rock in 1927, you can view artifacts from the park's 1914 and 1915 eruptions, including dramatic original photographs taken by Benjamin Loomis, who was instrumental in the park's establishment. The museum also has a bookstore, excellent exhibits about the area's Native American heritage, and a helpful staff who can recommend hikes and points of interest on this side of the park.