Lassen Peak

Lassen Peak is the southernmost active volcano in the Cascade Range.
Lassen rises 2,000 feet above the surrounding terrain and has a volume of half a cubic mile, making it one of the largest lava domes on Earth.
Lassen Peak has the distinction of being the only volcano in the Cascades other than Mount St. Helens to erupt during the 20th century.
On May 22, 1915, a powerful explosive eruption at Lassen Peak devastated nearby areas and rained volcanic ash as far away as 200 miles east.
Unlike most lava domes, Lassen Peak is topped by craters.
Lassen Peak has the highest known winter snowfall amounts in California, with annual snowfalls reaching more than 1,000 inches in some years at its base at "Lake Helen".
A well-maintained class 1 route leads to the summit from Lake Helen.
Lassen Peak is the highest point in Lassen Volcanic National Park and in Shasta County.

Routes

Lassen Peak Trail

73 summits • 6.9 mi • 2,196 ft gain • 4 hr 0 min • Class 1

North East Face

6 summits • 4.9 mi • 1,945 ft gain • 3 hr 32 min

Lassen Peak 4.9 mi route

5 summits • 5.4 mi • 1,953 ft gain • 2 hr 55 min

North Ridge

2 summits • 7.2 mi • 3,867 ft gain • 5 hr 14 min

Trail

2 summits • 5.1 mi • 2,024 ft gain • 132 hr 36 min

Latest summits

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"This was BY FAR the windiest peak I have experienced. It put the wind on Mt. Whitney to shame. There were portions of it where a gust would blow you off track slightly. It was cold, windy, and I was not particularly a fan of the weather conditions, however, it was a great climb and well worth it. If you are new to the area, read the plaques along the way!" — alexehagen • Oct 17, 2021

"Started early to avoid the heat. I hiked up with my wife, and this was her first 10k+ mountain peak. She is a beginner/intermediate hiker here in Hawaii, but had no problem hiking up Lassen. Took us with breaks and filming less than 4h. Beautiful views all over! Nice hike!" — nandorszotak • Jun 20, 2021

"Started early to avoid any potential crowds. Was the 3rd one on the trail, 5th to summit. Temp stayed around 45 with strong winds on the south side of the mountain. Had my breakfast about 200’ from the summit. Last bit to the summit is a scramble. All loose rocks and sand. Care sound be taken. Amazing views 360. Mt. Shasta in the middle distance. " — Mtstalker • Sep 23, 2020

"Gorgeous morning trip up to Lassen Peak. Note that there's a tourist summit, which is not the true summit. Cross over to the rocky peak, which is a minor bit of easy class-2 scrambling." — sareine • Jul 6, 2020

"TH at 4:41 and summited an hour later. Waited for the sunrise until 6:10 and when it still was behind the Earth, started my run down. Had to make it back to Summit Lake Campground by 7 for breakfast. 30 minutes down. Quick trip to one of my favorite mountains." — oregon-mt-goat • Aug 31, 2019

"A classic summit, and probably the easiest major Cascade volcano to climb, despite being around 10,400 feet. Overall rating 9/10, amazing views, and a definite requirement for any hikers who live in or around Northern California." — MountainQuest • Jul 14, 2019

"My second ultra, my first 'active' volcano! This is a hard day trip from the bay area, but the national park is incredible. Wish I'd planned out a longer stay. The hike itself has great views of the obliterated Mount Tehama and beyond, but I didn't find it very challenging. I did buy microspikes the day before due to the half mile of snow at the beginning, which looks like it will remain through July. I explored the Sulphur Works and took a short nap in my car with one of the broken mountains for a view when I woke up. The hike itself was only moderately busy, the snow at the bottom had a lot of sledders but seemed to be turning the more casual hikers away." — robkleffner • Jul 4, 2019

"Perfect weather for the hike up to the summit. Hiked up with my friend Marty and made it to the top in 2 1/2 hours. Explored the crater and some of the other summits and made it back to the truck in about 6 1/2 hours. My first Ultra 57!!!" — Sledhead29 • Sep 27, 2018

"This was a fast peak hike. The grade was nice, but unfortunately our views were impacted by smoke. There was still a snowfield near the top, but it had a well-trodden path through it. All in all, a great little peak hike." — kaylam87 • Aug 19, 2018

"Did the peak as the first stop of an overall backpacking trip in Lassen. It's a short enough trail that you can hit the peak early morning and then explore the park more (or hit more peaks if desired). There was a little bit of snow late June, but didn't require crampons...hiking boots worked just fine. Just take it slow as it is slippery." — colleenmarie512 • Jun 29, 2018