Having never been to Yellowstone, I’d been eyeing this trail for awhile. It’s about 1.5 miles each way on rocky terrain. The views are gorgeous, just watch your step. You’ll pass by a lake and will have nice mountain vistas. Because of the rocks, I suggest good hiking shoes. Toward the end of the trail, you’ll really start to smell the sulphur. It wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be, maybe because it was breezy that day. The path gets steeper as you descend to the boardwalk area where the hot springs are. It’s pretty cool to see though maybe not as grand as Yellowstone. Heading back up the steep incline was the most challenging bit of the hike, but after that, the trail is really easy since a lot of it is downhill. It took us about 2 hours, with lots of stops and going at a leisurely pace. TIPS: Go early in the morning, esp during the tourist season.
Laura B.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Walnut Creek, CA
If you’re looking for a quick, educational hike in Lassen that will surely freak out the kids, Bumpass Hell is that hike! A 3-mile out-and-back with only 300 ft. of elevation gain makes this a great one for anyone in reasonable hiking shape. Lassen’s description of the hike: «Moderate hike over rocky terrain with grand vistas. The trail drops into an active hydrothermal basin where you can view mudpots and fumaroles. For your safety, please stay on the boardwalk. This trail often has snow hazards through July and into August.» If you want to cut the boring part of the hike off, park at Lake Helen and hop on the trail right before the vistas get good. Despite the generally rocky road, we actually had a great time trail running; it doesn’t get especially crowded and people are polite enough to step aside. At a decent clip, we got it done in 1.5 hours with enough time to slowly browse through Hell. Prepare for a horrendous sulphur smell once you hit the crest of the hydrothermal area — a handkerchief or other face covering isn’t a bad idea(no one will judge you). There are lots of educational placards that will help you understand this«hellish» landscape and the history behind its discovery — I recommend grabbing some quick pics of them if you don’t want to stand around reading them(it’s pretty smelly). :-P Above all, Lassen is a living volcano! Check out this hike for an easy way to sample all the views(and smells) the park has to offer. :-)
Kelly B.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Orange County, CA
Once again Mother Nature did not disappoint. The majority of the trail is a dirt/rocky path. As you get closer to the hydrothermal area, the trail becomes a wooden walkway over the steaming pools. The trail is about 3 miles total and took us(2 adults, 2 kids) almost 2 hours. The multi colored soils that is created by the different minerals was beautiful to see.
Ray B.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Fontana, CA
The Bumpass Hell Trail at Lassen National Park leads from a parking lot on Hwy 89 to the Bumpass Hell pits. There are amazing views of Lassen Peak, Lake Helen and the park along the way. The trail is moderately difficult and runs between 8200 — 8400 feet altitude. Bumpass Hell features boiling sulfur lakes, mud pots and steam vents. This is a must see when visiting Lassen. Plan for 2 hours round trip and bring plenty of water. There are no facilities along the trail.
