Help with planning a trip to Lassen National Park in July

Question

Hey everyone — I’m heading to Northern California in late July and would love some help fine-tuning my trip! The main goal is to visit Lassen Volcanic National Park (it’ll be National Park #30 for me), but I’m also hoping to squeeze in a hike through the Redwoods since that was the very first park I ever visited. I won’t have enough time to make it up to Redwood National Park so I am happy to hike some old growth groves instead like Montgomery Woods and / or Hendy Woods State Park.

Here’s my rough itinerary:

• Friday: Fly into SFO (late night)

• Saturday: Drive to a rental house within 20–30 minutes of Lassen

• Sunday–Tuesday: Explore Lassen area

• Wednesday: Hike Montgomery Woods, then head to the coast and overnight near Point Arena

• Thursday: Drive down the coast, sleep near SFO

• Friday: Fly home

A few things I’m wondering:

Am I spending too much time around Lassen? Should I base myself in Redding and do a mix of Lassen + other nearby spots like Burney Falls, Lake Shasta Caverns, or Whiskeytown? I definitely want quality time at Lassen, but I’m also open to mixing in other beautiful places if it makes the trip more well-rounded.

I actually enjoy road-tripping as much as the destinations themselves, so I don’t mind time in the car. Just want to make the most of a short trip. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks in advance!

Answer

It sounds like you have an amazing trip planned! Lassen Volcanic National Park is a fantastic destination, and mixing it with a bit of coastal exploration and old-growth redwoods will give you a well-rounded Northern California experience. I’d be happy to help fine-tune your plans and suggest some ideas for your trip. Here’s a detailed breakdown based on your itinerary and questions:

Itinerary Review:

Friday - Arrive in SFO: Arriving late is perfectly fine, especially since you're not planning to drive anywhere right away. You can relax after your flight and get some rest for your drive the next day.
Saturday - Drive to Lassen: The drive from SFO to Lassen Volcanic National Park is about 3.5 to 4 hours. It’s a scenic drive, and if you don’t mind being in the car for a few hours, you’ll have plenty of time to settle in. You might also want to consider a lunch stop in Redding or nearby towns before heading to your rental house.
Sunday-Tuesday - Explore Lassen: Three full days at Lassen is a solid amount of time. Lassen is a beautiful and diverse park, with geothermal features, hot springs, waterfalls, and some great hiking. Some must-see spots are:
- The Bumpass Hell Trail (a short hike with an amazing geothermal area).
- The Lassen Peak Trail (a challenging, but rewarding, summit hike with panoramic views of the surrounding area).
- The Manzanita Lake area, which is perfect for an easy stroll or a canoe rental.
- The Sulphur Works and the boiling springs at the Lassen Volcanic Visitor Center.
If you enjoy road-tripping and want to make the most of your time, you could also explore the nearby areas, such as Whiskeytown National Recreation Area or Burney Falls, as you mentioned.
Wednesday - Montgomery Woods & Coast: Montgomery Woods is a great choice for a redwood hike if you’re not able to make it to the main Redwood National Park. The trees here are spectacular, and it's a peaceful spot. After your hike, driving down the coast to Point Arena is a beautiful route. Point Arena is home to a lovely lighthouse and scenic coastal views, and it's a great place to stop for the night.
Thursday - Coastal Drive to SFO: The drive down the coast is stunning. You can take the Highway 1 route and enjoy the gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean. Depending on your time, you might want to make a stop in Mendocino, a charming coastal town, or even hit some of the coastal beaches. Afterward, head back to SFO for your final night near the airport.
Friday - Fly Home: You’ll be well-positioned for your flight out, and you can take it easy after the scenic drive and the activities of the previous days.

Suggestions & Alternatives:

Considering you enjoy road-tripping and want to maximize your time while still getting quality experiences, I have a few thoughts:

Staying in Redding vs. Lassen: While staying near Lassen is a great option for easy access to the park, Redding might offer more options for activities and accommodations. It’s about a 45-minute drive to Lassen, so if you stay in Redding, you can easily mix your time between Lassen and other nearby attractions like Whiskeytown Lake, Burney Falls, and the Shasta Caverns. Redding also has a few interesting attractions of its own, such as the Sundial Bridge and Turtle Bay Exploration Park.
Other Nearby Stops: If you’re open to a longer drive one day, you might consider heading to Shasta-Trinity National Forest for a change of scenery. The area offers some excellent trails and a peaceful environment. However, if you're trying to minimize driving time, Lassen and the surrounding areas will keep you busy enough.
Redwood Hike Alternatives: If you’re looking to add more coastal redwood experiences without heading to the far north, Hendy Woods State Park is a lovely choice. You might also consider the Humboldt Redwoods State Park along the Avenue of the Giants, which is a bit farther south but offers easy access to some amazing groves.

Time Considerations:

Regarding whether you're spending too much time around Lassen, it really depends on how much you enjoy nature and hiking. Three days at Lassen is definitely not excessive, especially if you want to really immerse yourself in the park. If you like a slower pace and enjoy taking your time to explore the area thoroughly, staying in one spot near Lassen could work perfectly. If you want more variety, mixing in a night in Redding (or another town) could give you more flexibility while still keeping the focus on Lassen.

It’s great that you’re open to road-tripping and exploring other places, and it sounds like you’ll have a fantastic time in Northern California. Just be mindful of your driving distances each day so you don’t get too rushed and can enjoy each destination fully.

Have a great trip and enjoy your 30th National Park visit!