Bumpass Hell Hydrothermal Hike
Recently I was able to spend a week adventuring in Lassen Volcanic National Park. This is definitely one of the most underrated National Parks in California. There is something for everyone here: from magnificent waterfalls to ancient volcanoes, beautiful meadows and crystal clear lakes…but one of the highlights has to be the many fascinating hydrothermal areas. Today we’re visiting the largest geothermal sites in the entire park...let’s head out to Bumpass Hell.
Location & History
Bumpass Hell is located in the southwest mountainous region of the park (the trailhead parking area sits along the main Highway 89, six miles from the park’s southwest entrance). Named after early settler Kendall Vanhook Bumpass, this spot’s namesake quite literally stumbled onto the area in the 1860s. Bumpass discovered the geothermal feature and was named on a mining claim for the area. During one trip here, his foot broke through a thin crust above a scalding hot mudpot and his leg was badly scalded, eventually having to be amputated.
Trail/Hike
This is one of the most rewarding hikes in the whole park. Starting off from the trailhead at over 8,000 feet above sea level, you have great views of Lassen Peak to the north. Less than 1/4 mile into the hike, you can see the clear blue waters of Lake Helen across the highway, and at the 1/2 mile marker you reach the Brokeoff Volcano overlook, which is a great spot to see what once was Mt Tehama. The trail winds its way around the valley rim with incredible vast wilderness views (I’ve seen black bears and mule deer along this trail). At just under 3 miles round trip with a 300 ft elevation gain, this hike certainly won’t take all day, but I’d plan at least 2-3 hours to enjoy...
Bumpass Hell Highlights
You’ll know you’re about to reach the main attraction as the potent smell of sulfur rises in the air. From the overlook you can see the beautiful new boardwalk below, which allows for (safe) up-close views of mudpots, boiling springs and turquoise pools. As you head down the hill, the trail will split, allowing you to take the “Bumpass Hell Trail” to the right, or the “Frying Pan Trail” to the left. Both lead you to the boardwalk, but the Frying Pan Trail offers you views of the valley below along the way, as well as an additional overlook spot.
The Big Boiler located here is the largest fumarole in the park (a fumarole is a vent in which volcanic gasses escape from the ground into the atmosphere...they are often indicative of active volcanoes). This Big Boiler has recorded temperatures of 322 degrees, making it one of the hottest fumaroles in the whole world. Once you’ve fully explored the boardwalk and the hydrothermal highlights, you’ll need to hike up the trail nearly 300 ft in elevation as you head back to towards the trailhead.
Know before you go:
• Please be considerate of the Leave no Trace Principles to help keep this place wild and beautiful.
• It is of paramount importance to stay on the established trails and boardwalks. The ground can look deceivingly stable, but the thin crust at the surface can give way at the slightest weight shift, and visitors have been badly burned by venturing off the path to explore.
• This trail has narrow rocky and sandy areas, so plan good hiking shoes for this trip.
• Bring plenty of water and sun protection. Weather can fluctuate quickly and there is minimal shade along the trail.
• Bears are active in this area, so never leave any food unattended, including in your vehicle at the trailhead.
• These high elevations in Lassen Volcanic National park can receive over 20 feet of snow in the winter, so July to November is the best time to plan a trip to this trail.
Lassen Points of Interest:
• Devastated Area
• Lassen Peak
• Lake Helen
• Kings Creek Falls
• Manzanita Lake
• Cinder Cone
• Spatter Cone & Subway Cave
In Summary & Behind the Blog Video
Thanks for joining me today in exploring Bumpass Hell. For more information see my Behind the Blog video below…and until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go
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