NRT Database

Location: In Lassen Volcanic National Park between Bumpass Mtn. and Mt. Dillon.
State(s): California
Counties: Shasta
Longitude: -121.51407
Latitude: 40.46611

Driving Directions

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Description

Bumpass Hell was named after an early settler who severely burned a leg after falling into a boiling pool. The hydro thermal features can be reached today from a well-marked 1.5 mile trail that starts from a parking area opposite Lake Helen. A visit to Lassen is not complete without a stop at Bumpass Hell.

The trail is quite easy, though the altitude (8,000 feet) can make the trail seem moderately difficult. Hiking boots are recommended as the trail crosses generally rocky land with some tree cover, and without much change in elevation until the 100 foot drop into the thermally active basin. The active area can be seen (and smelt!) from far away - a wide basin filled with various steaming pools and unusual multi-colored soils, stained orange, brown, yellow and green by sulphur and other minerals. Together with the occasional white snow patches, the (usually) deep blue sky and the aquamarine waters, the spectacle is extremely beautiful and colouful.

Additional Details

Primary Surface: Soil
Secondary Surface: Boardwalk

Elevation Low Point: Not Available
Elevation High Point: Not Available
Elevation Gain (cumulative): Not Available

Year Designated: 1981

Supporting Webpages and Documents

Contact Information

For more information and current conditions, contact the trail manager (listed below). For questions, suggestions, and corrections to information listed on the website, contact American Trails.

Trail Management:
Stuart Nuss
Trails Foreman
Lassen Volcanic National Park
P.O. Box 100
Mineral, CA 96063 -100