Bumpass Hell

As the largest geothermal feature in this national park, Bumpass Hell is a great place to hike to and will thrill even the most seasoned of hikers. The area was named a long time ago when a settler injured his leg during a fall into the boiling pool of water. The trail to the area is about a mile and a half long from the parking area at Lake Helen. It is two miles from Lassen Peak and two and a half miles from the Kings Creek picnic area. The area was once covered by Mount Tehama. The trails leading to Bumpass Hell are well-marked, so even novice hikers will have little trouble finding their way. The altitude is about 8,000-feet making the trail slightly more challenging. Right before the basin there is a 100-foot drop that can be navigated, but arguably the most difficult part of the hike. The trail is to Bumpass Hell is popular and often crowded as soon as it opens in July. Snowier years leaves the trail covered at the opening, adding to the hiking challenges. As you near the active area you will see and smell the steaming pools, rainbow-colored soil, burning sulphur. If you are planning a trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park, be sure you leave enough time to take one of the hikes to the active area of Bumpass Hell.