Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
There are a few places in our National Parks that feel otherworldly. Yellowstone instantly comes to mind or places like the volcanic crater at Haleakala National Park. If you are looking for another amazing National Parks hike with boiling pools and steaming vents, this guide of how to hike Bumpass Hell is the perfect place to start. Not only is the Bumpass Hell Trail a great walk, but it has a pretty unique name!
Looking to visit Lassen Volcanic? Check out our full guide and see Where to Stay.
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Quick Overview of How to Hike Bumpass Hell
Distance: 3 miles
Elevation Gain: 450 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 1-2.5 hours
We did this trail in just over an hour without much stopping after hiking Lassen Peak. The trail itself is relatively easy walking without a lot of elevation gain (we even saw someone hiking this with a stroller).
The trail ends at a very cool area full of geothermal features like steam vents, and geysers with sulfur gas. You can find hull details on how to hike Bumpass Trail below.
Why is it Called Bumpass Hell
Bumpass Hell was named after Kendall Vanhook Bumpass, who discovered the hydrothermal area while exploring the region in the 1860s. During a later visit, Bumpass broke through the thin crust and badly burned his leg in the scalding water below. His injuries were so severe that his leg eventually had to be amputated, earning the area its memorable name.
Where to Park for Bumpass Hell
The parking lot for the Bumpass Hell Trail is towards the southern part of Lassen Volcanic National Park right near Lake Helen. There is some parking along the road near the lake, but the main parking lot is large. It does fill up during busy weekends so arriving early or late is usually the best.
There are some basic toilets at the parking lot.
How to Hike Bumpss Hell Map
Details of the Bumpass Hell Hike
The trail starts from the parking lot and travels along a hillside with very little elevation change for the first portion. This part of the trail is pretty and you will get views out across the valley. The trail goes between forests and exposed trails. After about 15 minutes of hiking, there is an overlook that is great for photos.
From there the trail continues through the forest until you reach the hill just overlooking the area known as Bumpass Hell. The view here is good and you’ll smell the sulphur, although I think the best view is on the far side of the geothermal area.
As you decend to Bumpass Hell, there are several trail options that lead out to different boardwalks and paths that go through the area. The entire geothermal area isn’t large so we recommend walking them all and walking up the small hill at the far end for the views back over the area.
After giving yourself plenty of time to walk around and admire the steam, pools, vents and colors, you will retrace your steps back up the small hill, through the woods and to the parking lot.
Things to Know about Lassen Volcanic and the Bumpass Hell Hike
While this is a must do hike in Lassen, this hike is not super challenging and is a good choice for people who don’t want a lot of elevation.
When to Hike Bumpass Hell: The trail is generally accessible from July through October, although the exact dates depend on snow conditions. Lassen gets a lot of snow, and the trail often remains closed into early summer. Check the National Parks Site for current conditions before visiting.
Stay on the Boardwalks: This might seem pretty obvious, but people do not always follow the signs! The geothermal features at Bumpass Hell are extremely hot, and the ground can be unstable. It’s important to stay on the designated trails and boardwalks at all times.
Bring Water and Sun Protection: Parts of the trail are exposed, and there isn’t much shade around the geothermal area. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat, especially if you’re hiking in the middle of the day.
Be Prepared for the Elevation: While the trail itself itself gains under 500 feet of elevation, the trailhead is at approximately 8,000 feet. This elevation can make it feel harder than you might expect to hike, especially if you’re coming from sea level.
Expect a Strong Sulfur Smell: Yes – this hike smells bad! The geothermal area has a strong rotten-egg smell from hydrogen sulfide gas. Visitors with asthma or other respiratory conditions should be especially cautious around the steam vents.
Dogs Are Not Allowed: Like most hiking trails in Lassen Volcanic National Park, dogs are not permitted on the Bumpass Hell Trail.
Is the Bumpass Hell Hike Worth It?
This hike is absolutely worth it and is probably the most popular hike in the park. The bubbling pools, steaming vents, and colorful mineral deposits make this one of the most interesting places in Lassen Volcanic National Park. That said the trail can be crowded.
We hiked Bumpass Hell right after climbing Lassen Peak, and I thought the two hikes made a great combination. Lassen Peak offers incredible mountain views, while Bumpass Hell gives you a chance to experience the volcanic activity happening beneath the surface.
If you want to see geothermal activity and don’t want the crowds, you should check out Devil’s Kitchen.
