California's Most Underrated National Park Is Like A Mini Yellowstone Without The Crowds

Yellowstone is one of the most visited national parks in the country. According to CNN, the iconic destination, primarily located in Wyoming, had more than 4 million visitors in 2023 alone. As might be expected, long lines and throngs of people are common. But for those who want to visit a national park to avoid these conditions, there's Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California.

Speaking to USA Today, Carlo Arreglo, the Supervisory Park Ranger at Lassen Volcanic National Park, explained, "We have volcanic features and hydrothermal features that you might find in, say, Yellowstone, but without all the crowds of Yellowstone." He added, "You can come out here and hike in the wilderness areas of the park and not see a soul, depending on time of year."

Lassen Volcanic National Park is less than four hours from San Francisco and three hours from Sacramento. With countless seasonal wildflower fields, lakes, and, as its name suggests, volcanoes — 60, to be exact — Lassen Volcanic National Park is remarkably beautiful. However, as mentioned by Arreglo, one of the main draws to Lassen Volcanic National Park is its hydrothermal areas, which are created by volcanic magma. These and more are waiting to be explored by visitors at Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Forget Yellowstone's busy hot springs and geysers. Lassen Volcanic National Park has steam vents, boiling pools, and more. With that in mind, visitors can view one of the park's many hydrothermal areas via the Bumpass Hell Trail (pictured). The notorious foul-smelling trail is 3 miles long and is only open from June to October. One reviewer on AllTrails wrote, "The ground is boiling and that is cool as hell. What most people forget to mention is that this trail also has fantastic elevation to overlook the park, there are some spectacular views just getting to all the steaming and boiling earth nonsense. Well worth your while."

There's also Sulphur Works. This boiling pool is a 21-minute walk or three-minute drive from the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. However, if you're not interested in hydrothermal areas, you might prefer to hike Lassen Peak, a volcano that has not erupted since 1917. Due to its terrain and incline, this national park trail is ideal for experienced hikers.

In addition, Lassen Volcanic National Park, like Yellowstone, offers plenty for wilderness enthusiasts, like stargazing, biking, boating, fishing, and camping. Manzanita Lake is ideal for the last three activities mentioned but also becomes a snow-filled wonderland for sledding, snowshoeing, and more in the wintertime. Those interested in swimming at Lassen Volcanic National can head to Summit Lake, a picturesque camping spot.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is open daily year-round. Nevertheless, it's a good idea to check for any unscheduled seasonal closures or weather advisories. Admission to the park can be purchased online, and at the time of this writing, prices range from $10 to $30, depending on the time of year you visit. If you're interested in camping, prices vary between campsites, and making a reservation online is recommended. All that said, there are several rules to follow at Lassen Volcanic National Park, especially if visiting the hydrothermal areas.

It's important to note that the effects of the 2021 Dixie Fire may still be present. The fire impacted Warner Valley, Juniper Lake, and sections of Lassen Volcanic Wilderness between Butte and Juniper lakes. As such, the National Park Service recommends being on the lookout for "falling/fallen trees or limbs, loose/falling rock, undefined/unmarked trails, and hidden stump holes."

Before hiking, know these safety tips: Don't stray from the trail, as you might accidentally step into a hydrothermal area, leading to a severe burn. This is precisely what happened to Kendall Vanhook Bumpass in 1865. Due to the incident, he had to have his leg amputated. As a result, the Bumpass Hell Trail bears his name. Likewise, swimming or touching anything in the hydrothermal areas is prohibited, as their heat and acidity can be detrimental to your health. If you have questions when you arrive at the park, head to the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. It's open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.