Bumpass Hell: Lassen National Park.
California's Largest Hydrothermal Area.
If you’ve ever wanted to hike straight into “hell,” Lassen Volcanic National Park has just the spot for you. It’s called Bumpass Hell, and yes, the name is just as crazy as the hike itself.
This beautiful trail takes you through California’s largest hydrothermal area, where you’ll pass steam vents, boiling mud pots, and sulfur-filled air.
It feels like walking on another planet, yet it’s only a few hours’ drive from the Bay Area.
If you’re planning a trip to Lassen, here’s everything you need to know about the Bumpass Hell Trail, from when to go, what to pack, and how to make the most of your adventure.
Why Hike Bumpass Hell?
Some hikes in California smell like a rainy forest, others like a beach on a warm day, but not many smell like rotten eggs.
And (believe it or not) that’s part of the charm of Bumpass Hell.
This hydrothermal basin is unlike anywhere else in the state. Imagine neon-colored pools, steaming ground, and boardwalks that take you past boiling mud.
The trail itself is only 3 miles round-trip (about 90 minutes), but every step feels like you’re uncovering a new, otherworldly detail.
The Trail at a Glance
- Distance: 3 miles round-trip.
- Elevation: 439 ft elevation gain.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate (expect some short climbs).
- Time: 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how long you linger at the basin.
- Best Season: Mid-July through October (snow blocks access the rest of the year).
- Trailhead Location: Bumpass Hell parking area.
The trail starts high above the basin, winding gently through meadows and over ridges before dropping into the hydrothermal area itself.
Wooden boardwalks guide you safely past the bubbling chaos, because trust me, you
do not want to test that ground with your own two feet.
The Story Behind the Name
So why “Bumpass Hell?” Back in the 1860s, a settler named Kendall Vanhook Bumpass discovered the basin.
Unfortunately for him, he fell through a thin crust of earth straight into boiling mud. He survived, but lost his leg, and reportedly shouted, “Oh hell!” as it happened.
His painful misstep stuck in history, and the area has been known as Bumpass Hell ever since.
No need to worry that you’ll lose any legs while hiking here. As long as you stay on the trail, that is.
Planning Your Visit
Getting There
Lassen Volcanic National Park is in Northern California, about:
- 3.5 hours from Sacramento.
- 4 hours from the Bay Area.
- 1.5 hours from Redding.
The drive alone is worth it, with winding mountain roads, alpine lakes, and endless forest views.
Park Fees
Like all national parks, Lassen requires an entrance fee:
- $30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
- Or use an America the Beautiful Pass ($80/year) if you plan to visit more parks.
Parking
The Bumpass Hell lot fills up fast, especially mid-morning. To avoid crowds, I recommend arriving before 9 a.m. or later in the afternoon.
Best Time to Go
Snow keeps this trail closed for most of the year. It usually opens by mid-July and stays accessible until the first big storms of October or November.
Summer and early fall are ideal.
You’ll get clear skies, mild temps, and seasonal wildflowers along the way.
What You’ll See
The magic of Bumpass Hell comes alive once you step onto the boardwalk.
Here’s what to look for:
- Boiling Mud Pots: Like pots of thick, bubbling soup, except the soup could melt your shoes.
- Fumaroles: Steam vents that roar like jet engines as superheated gas escapes from the earth.
- Colorful Mineral Pools: Some shimmer turquoise, others glow rusty orange from the minerals.
- Surreal Sounds: Bubbling, gurgling, hissing—it’s like the earth itself is alive.
What to Pack
Even though it’s a short hike, the high elevation and sun exposure can sneak up on you.
Here’s what I’d bring:
- Water: At least 1 liter per person.
- Snacks: Trail mix, fruit, or even a picnic to enjoy on the boardwalk benches.
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat (shade is minimal).
Layers: The trailhead is over 8,000 ft. Mornings can be chilly, even in August.
Good Shoes: Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with grip for rocky sections.
Camera/Phone: You’ll want photos of this alien landscape.
Pro tip: If you’re sensitive to smells, maybe pack a bandana. The sulfur “rotten egg” aroma is strong, but part of the experience.
Safety First
Bumpass Hell is beautiful, but it demands respect. A few tips:
- Stay on the boardwalk: The ground is thin, and temperatures just below the surface can exceed 300°F.
- Pace yourself: At 8,000+ ft elevation, the air is thinner. Take breaks if you need them.
Watch the weather: Afternoon thunderstorms can roll in quickly. Avoid being caught on exposed ridges. - Facilities: Restrooms are only at the trailhead. None in the basin.
Beyond Bumpass Hell
If you have extra time in Lassen, there’s so much more to explore:
- Kings Creek Falls Trail: A 2.3-mile hike through meadows to a stunning waterfall.
- Manzanita Lake: Perfect for kayaking, swimming, or an easy lakeside walk.
- Cinder Cone Trail: A challenging climb up a volcanic cone with panoramic views of the Painted Dunes.
- Sulphur Works: Right off the main park road—an easy stop with steaming vents if Bumpass Hell is closed.
Adding one or two of these makes for a full, unforgettable day in the park.
Insider Tips
- Go early or late: Sunrise and sunset light make the steam glow, and you’ll avoid midday crowds.
- Pair it with camping: Lassen has some of California’s most scenic campgrounds, like Summit Lake and Manzanita Lake.
- Wildlife sightings: Keep an eye out for marmots, deer, and hawks along the trail.
- Nearby food: Outside the park, the town of Chester (about 40 minutes away) has cozy diners and cafés to refuel.
Final Thoughts
Bumpass Hell is the kind of hike that sticks with you, not just for the views, but for the story. It’s short, accessible, and absolutely unique.
Where else can you walk safely through a boiling, steaming hydrothermal wonderland in California?
If you’re planning a trip to Northern California, put Lassen Volcanic National Park high on your list, and don’t leave without tackling the Bumpass Hell Trail.
Trust me: it’s one adventure you’ll be talking about long after the smell of sulfur has left your clothes.
So grab your water, lace up your boots, and get ready to say you’ve been to Hell, and loved every second of it.