Visiting Lassen Volcanic NP with fear of heights

Question

My wife and I will be visiting LVNP in September. Are there sites/hikes in the park that I can enjoy as I will be avoiding hiking the Bumpass hell trail due to a significant fear of heights. If my wife chooses to hike alone, are there hikes/walks from the visitors center that I can do while I wait for her return?

Answer

Visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park in September offers a wonderful opportunity to explore its unique volcanic landscape, and there are several options for you to enjoy the park even if you have a fear of heights. While the Bumpass Hell Trail does have some areas that may feel intimidating due to drop-offs, there are plenty of other hikes and activities that you can enjoy safely. If your wife prefers to hike alone, there are several easy walks and shorter trails near the Visitor Center where you can wait for her return.

Lassen Peak Trail: Although this trail reaches the summit, it is generally not as exposed as the Bumpass Hell Trail, and it has sections with moderate elevation gain. However, it may still be challenging if you're sensitive to heights, so it’s worth considering the lower trails first.
Manzanita Lake Trail: This is an easy 1.5-mile loop around the beautiful Manzanita Lake. It offers stunning views of Lassen Peak and is a peaceful place to walk without worrying about heights.
Kings Creek Falls Trail: A moderate 2-mile round-trip trail that leads to a beautiful waterfall. This trail has some elevation, but it avoids high, exposed areas and offers a relaxing walk through the forest.
Devastated Area Interpretive Trail: This is a short, wheelchair-accessible trail that starts near the Visitor Center and provides educational information about the volcanic eruption that occurred in the early 1900s. It’s a flat and easy walk with interesting geological features to explore.

If your wife chooses to hike the Bumpass Hell Trail or any other more challenging hike, you can always wait at one of the scenic spots, like the Visitor Center, which has nearby rest areas and places to relax. There are also picnic areas around the park where you can sit and enjoy the surroundings while you wait.

In general, Lassen Volcanic National Park has a variety of accessible and easy hikes, so you should have no problem finding something enjoyable. Make sure to check with the Visitor Center for trail maps and any current trail conditions before heading out.

Visiting Lassen Volcanic NP with fear of heights

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