Lassen Peak
Mountain Stratovolcano in Lassen Volcanic National Park
Stratovolcano in Northern California’s Lassen Volcanic National Park, last active in 1914-17. Hikers reach the summit trail for alpine views; park visitors explore fumaroles, boiling springs and mountain lakes.
Lassen Peak is a volcanic summit in northern California and the dominant peak within Lassen Volcanic National Park, notable for its elevation and historical eruptions.
A steep trail leads to the summit and offers wide panoramic views across the park; hikers commonly ascend to experience the volcanic landscape and summit panoramas during the snow-free season. The peak is also known as one of the southernmost active volcanoes in the Cascade volcanic arc.
The peak produced a series of eruptions in 1914-1917 that altered the cone and produced ash and lava flows; the eruptions were among the most notable volcanic events in the continental United States in the 20th century.
Lassen Peak stands within Lassen Volcanic National Park in northern California, surrounded by volcanic terrain, conifer forests and alpine meadows.
- Elevation: The summit rises to 10,457 ft (3,187 m).
- Last major eruption: Significant eruptive activity occurred in 1914-1917 and the mountain remains geothermally active, with volcanic monitoring in place.
How to Get to Lassen Peak #
Lassen Peak is in Lassen Volcanic National Park (northeastern California). The usual approach is by car into the park from US-395/CA-44/CA-89; Redding is the nearest regional city (about a 1-1.5 hour drive, roughly 60-70 miles / ~100-110 km). Inside the park, follow park roads to the Manzanita Lake/Lassen Peak trailhead where the marked Lassen Peak Trail begins - the summit trail is a strenuous but well-established hike of about 5 miles round trip from the trailhead.
Tips for Visiting Lassen Peak #
- Visit in mid-summer to early fall (typically July-September) for the most reliable snow-free trail access and to ensure park roads and trailheads are open; snow can persist well into July at higher elevations.
- Start the Lassen Peak hike very early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and to take advantage of calmer morning conditions and better visibility; check the National Park Service site for road and trail closures before you go.
- Combine your summit attempt with nearby short interpretive trails (the Devastated Area) and ranger programs - check NPS updates for seasonal programs and any backcountry advisories that could affect your route.
Best Time to Visit Lassen Peak #
Best visited in midsummer (July-September) once snow has melted for safe hiking and road access; winters bring heavy snow and closures.
Weather & Climate near Lassen Peak #
Lassen Peak's climate is classified as Subarctic (Dry Summer) - Subarctic (Dry Summer) climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from -10°C to 19°C. Abundant rainfall (1497 mm/year), wettest in December with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -8°C. Heavy rain (221 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -10°C. Significant rainfall (190 mm).
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March
March is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -10°C. Significant rainfall (186 mm).
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April
April is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -9°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm).
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May
May is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
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July
July is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of 2°C. The driest month with just 21 mm.
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August
August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -6°C. Heavy rain (216 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (224 mm).
