If there’s one thing Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California is known for, it’s otherworldly scenery. Home to an abundance of hydrothermal features, volcanic peaks, alpine lakes, and wide-open meadows, it’s the type of park you could spend forever exploring…and still not see it all. However, if you can only explore one section of this fantastic destination, we definitely recommend the Boiling Springs Lake Trail. The trail is fairly easy, but you’ll be treated to seriously unique views that include steaming mudpots and, of course, Boiling Springs Lake.
You'll be instantly swept away by the strange world of Lassen Volcanic National Park when you take on the park's Boiling Springs Lake Trail. This easygoing trail shows off some of the park's most iconic scenery, including a steaming lake that you definitely don't want to get too close to.
You'll find the trailhead for the Boiling Springs Lake Trail in the parking area west of Warner Valley Campground. The trail is around three miles long round trip and boasts just about 300-feet in elevation gain, making it an easy outing for hikers of all skill levels.
You'll begin the hike by trekking through a wide-open valley and into a forest of mature fir and ponderosa pine trees. The trail makes a gentle ascent as it crosses over a creek and leads you to a fork that branches off to Devil's Kitchen, Terminal Geyser, and Boiling Springs Lake.
A lot of hikers opt to visit some of the other geothermal features before completing the trek to the lake. Devil's Kitchen is a notable area that's filled with various steam vents and colored pools - definitely an awesome sight!
After exploring the area, you can double back to the magnificent Boiling Springs Lake. The lake is absolutely striking, boasting a unique shade of green/brown. However, the first thing you'll probably notice is the smell. It's extremely sulfuric.
Boiling Springs Lake is one of the park's most iconic wonders. Heated by a number of steam vents that are directly under the lake, Boiling Springs maintains a steaming hot temperature of 125 degrees year-round. Keep an eye out for the mudpots located along the southeast shore - they are considered some of the best in the park.
When taking on this wondrous hike, be sure not to stray from the trail. The ground surrounding Boiling Springs is extremely soft and can collapse under too much weight. You can learn more about the trail by visiting the Lassen Volcanic National Park website.
Have you taken on this otherworldly trail in Lassen Volcanic National Park? This is the type of hike that definitely holds your attention from start to finish. If you feel like it, please share your favorite spots in this awesome park with us in the comments below!
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