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360 Bumpass Hell Overlook (52d27a8b-0ceb-453b-a6b8-be2263c24ee6)📷 Amanda Sweeney, Public domain
Editor's pick

Bumpass Hell

Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA

Nature

The largest hydrothermal area in Lassen Volcanic National Park, with boiling pools and steaming vents along boardwalks. The trail is about 1.5 miles each way from the road and is usually snow-free only from July.

Bumpass Hell is the largest hydrothermal area in Lassen Volcanic National Park. According to the National Park Service, the trail is 4.8 km (3 miles) round trip and lies at an elevation of about 2,500 to 2,560 m (8,200 to 8,400 ft). It climbs gently at first, and on the last stretch it descends about 90 m (300 ft) into the basin. Allow about 2 hours.

According to the National Park Service, the trail is usually open from late July to October; in snowy years it stays closed well into summer, and the opening date depends heavily on snowpack. Ground in thermal areas can look solid yet be only a thin crust over boiling, acidic water. Stay on the trails and boardwalks at all times. There is hardly any shade, so bring water and a hat. Dogs are not allowed on the park’s trails.

Nearest town
Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA
Category
Nature & parks
GPS
40.4668, -121.5134
Editor's pick
★

Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.

Good to know

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

Sources

Featured in these trip guides

Lassen Volcanic loop: Burney Falls to the mud pots – Burney Falls HDR photograph, McArthur–Burney Falls Memorial State Park, California© JonMallard10 · CC BY 4.0
89
National park loops

Lassen Volcanic loop: Burney Falls to the mud pots

136 mi7 stops3 days
Fire, ice and lava: by camper along the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway from Lassen to Crater Lake – Loomis Museum Seismographic Building© DimiTalen · CC BY-SA 3.0
89
In-depth road trip guides

Fire, ice and lava: by camper along the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway from Lassen to Crater Lake

531 mi11 stops6 days

Nearby

A 360-degree photo from Lassen Volcanic National Park at Sulphur Works hydrothermal area. (31428dd7-35bf-4af0-ae79-355f86b49464)© Amanda Sweeney · Public domain
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Sulphur Works

Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA
Manzanita Lake – Loomis Museum Seismographic Building© DimiTalen · CC BY-SA 3.0
Nature

Manzanita Lake

Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA
Nature

Subway Cave

Old Station, CA
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park – Burney Falls HDR photograph, McArthur–Burney Falls Memorial State Park, California© JonMallard10 · CC BY 4.0
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McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park

Burney, CA

Campsites nearby

All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026

FAQs

Where is Bumpass Hell?

Bumpass Hell is in Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA, at GPS 40.4668, -121.5134. It is about 19 mi from Chester.

Can you camp near Bumpass Hell?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Southwest Campground, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 43 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

Which road trips pass Bumpass Hell?

Bumpass Hell is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Lassen Volcanic loop: Burney Falls to the mud pots and Fire, ice and lava: by camper along the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway from Lassen to Crater Lake.

What is there to see near Bumpass Hell?

Places worth a stop nearby: Sulphur Works (2 mi), Manzanita Lake (5 mi), Subway Cave (16 mi) and McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park (38 mi).

When is the best time to visit Bumpass Hell?

The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)