Bumpass Hell — Attraction in Chester

Sticking to the trail is always recommended, but if you're visiting Bumpass Hell we really must insist. To illustrate the point you have to look no further than the man who discovered these volcanic hotsprings, Kendal Bumpass, who managed to fall in and injure his leg not once but twice, the second time requiring his leg to be amputated.

No such fate is likely to befall you these days, thanks to a network of sturdy boardwalks guiding you over and around the boiling pools of water, bubbling mud pots and fuming sulfuric vents. In fact, the 2.3 mile out-and-back trail to the hotsprings is ideally accessible for almost everyone - it's mostly level and well maintained, with great opportunities for southerly mountain views as it winds around the side of a hill before descending no more than a couple of hundred feet to the hotsprings.

This also makes it the most popular hike in the park, so you might want to get there early if you want to avoid the crowds. Also, this trail begins just across the road from the trailhead to Lassen Peak, so you could easily bag both trails in a single day if you chose to do so.

More on this and other Lassen area hiking trails at...

Definitely check this trail out if you are in Lassen! Bring water, wear a hat, and wear decent shoes.

This trail is for the most part easy - I'm saying this as someone who loves hiking, but is a casual hiker, and is not in the best shape ever. It definitely is a bit harder coming back if you decide to walk all the way into the valley where the thermals are. If you want an easy hike with a cool view stop before the incline down (where the sign about Bumpass is located.) Down at the bottom part of the raised trail is down, but its not a far walk to turn around and take a different trail. The views on the other side of the trail are great, too. Just beware its Sulphur, so it will be really stinky in some areas. Would not want to be here if there was no wind blowing, lol. Now, turning around and heading back out of this place was a bit rough. The incline is steep, with lots of switchbacks. Closer to the bottom is not as bad as there is shade, but you lose it towards the top. We went on a fairly warm day, too. But once you get to the top where the sign about Mr. Bumpass is its...

A Must-See Hike in Lassen Volcanic National Park!

Bumpass Hell is a fantastic hike and one of the highlights of Lassen Volcanic National Park. The trail offers incredible geothermal features—bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and vibrant colors that make it feel like you’re walking through another world.

Keep in mind, the hike is at high elevation, so the trail is typically only open from July through late October, depending on snow conditions. Please inform yourself before traveling here. In some years, it might not open until August - based on the information provided by rangers. Be sure to check trail conditions before you go, especially if Bumpass Hell is a must-do on your list. National Park fee applies.

Even if the trail happens to be closed, don’t worry—there are plenty of other great hikes throughout the park to explore. But if it’s open, this one is absolutely worth the trip! If you happened to be fluffy like me, take it slow and...