Lassen Volcanic National Park: Snow, Sulfur & a Whole Lotta Burnt Trees

Lassen Volcanic National Park: Snow, Sulfur & a Whole Lotta Burnt TreesBecause nothing says “spring hike” like... surprise snowbanks and the lingering scent of egg salad left out too long.

Have you ever stood somewhere so jaw-droppingly beautiful it made you gasp — and then you looked around and went, “Oh wow… this place has been through it”? Welcome to Lassen Volcanic National Park, where Mother Nature’s beauty and fury go on awkward double dates and still somehow make it work.

This is one of NorCal’s most underrated gems and a total sleeper hit in the National Parks world. Got an annual pass? You’re golden. Don’t? That’ll be $10–$30 to witness the scenic chaos.

The Snow That Wouldn’t Quit

We rolled in the first weekend of June, expecting spring flowers and light jackets. What we got? Winter’s clingy little brother refusing to leave the party. The main park road? Closed. The iconic scenic drive? Also closed. The very next weekend? You guessed it — open. Classic.

We had our eyes (and hiking boots) set on Lassen Peak (a 4–5 hour hike) or Kings Creek Falls (90 minutes, great views, minimal whining). We did neither. 🙃

But did we give up? Nope. We threw on our layers, zipped up, and hit the snow-covered road — literally. Since cars couldn’t get through, we walked it like the world’s coldest runway, strutting past Sulphur Works, aka nature’s very own hot tub from hell. It was bubbling, steaming, and smelling like Satan’s armpit. Honestly, 10/10 experience.

Fire Damage & Feels

Now here’s the heavy part: The Dixie Fire in 2021 didn’t just burn — it scorched. For 104 days. It ripped through nearly a million acres, including five counties — mine included. Driving back into Lassen for the first time in almost 10 years (yep, I live under an hour away… judge me) hit hard. The blackened trees. The eerie silence. It looked like the opening scene of a dystopian drama, minus Chris Hemsworth. Tragic.

Future Plans: Redemption Hike

Hiking didn’t happen this trip, but trust me — August is gonna be our redemption arc. I’m eyeing the Lassen Peak full moon hike (because what’s more magical than glowing sulfur and sore calves at midnight?). And if that doesn’t work out, I’ll settle for a sunny hike, 400 trail snacks, and some SPF 100. Because I’m not getting sunburned for Instagram again.

So stay tuned. This park’s not done telling stories — and I’m not done photographing the magic, the mess, and the mildly traumatizing smells.

Because nature? She’s moody, unpredictable, and occasionally smells like eggs — just like me.