Lassen is an active volcano in Northern California. This mountain is an interesting volcanic park and the name of the peak in Lassen National Park. Lassen was the site of the most recent volcanic explosion in the United States until the massive eruption of St Helens in Washington State in 1980.

It was May of 1914 when Lassen Peak began to erupt, and over the next seven years this mountain erupted sporadically. In 1915 a huge mushroom cloud drifted seven miles into the sky. The next wave of activity dramatically changed the surrounding geography. The activity of Lassen prompted the creation of Lassen National Park in 1916. Set on a lava flow studded with volcanic peaks, this vast lava plateau also contains Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, and Lava Beds National Monument in California.

There is a scenic drive that takes you through some of the most scenic areas of the park. There are lava mountains, canyon cut by glaciers, and steaming sulfur vents around Lassen Peak. The southern edge of the volcanic plateau is characterized by hot springs and large lovely meadows.

California Map

Nowadays, Lassen is not near any major population centers, and there are not tons of visitors, so you can enjoy the park without worrying about crowds or traffic. You can explore the backcountry of Lassen via hiking and backpacking, since there is over 100,000 acres and more that 150 square miles of wilderness to explore. With unforgettable views, endless forests, and interesting volcanic features, the trails and walking tours around Lassen Peak are areas you will enjoy exploring.

The area does not have a lot of major towns to lodge in, and not everyone wants to camp so there are a number of Northern California Vacation rentals to explore. Whether it be a time-share you return to every year or a remote mountain cabin that stays empty until someone comes along for a weekend, Northern California vacation rentals are a great place to relax at the end of a day. When you're out traveling, comfort is something that is very important to your sense of enjoyment. After the end of a long day of hiking, returning to one of the many northern California vacation rentals is a perfect end to a fun day at the Lassen National Park.

With its impressive hiking trails, geological formations and one of kind views, Lassen peak is a place that you should not miss on your next California vacation.