The Hiking Trail Hiding In Northern California That Will Transport You To Another World

This 2.9 mile trail in Northern California has it all — alpine lakes, mountain vista, and best of all, murky geothermal mud pits and pools. The Bumpass Hell Trail in Lassen Volcanic National Park is so wild and unusual, you wouldn’t be able to dream up this kind of landscape in years.

The popular Bumpass Hell trail is one of the most iconic destinations within Lassen Volcanic National Park.

AllTrails/ Charlie Lawrence

And for good reason… the landscape on this hike will make you feel like you were transported to the moon.

AllTrails/ Deanna Cumpston

The hike takes you over hydrothermal pools and pits that the national park is known for.

AllTrails/ Jen Lyneva

This trail is likely one of the most photographed areas of the entire park. You should definitely see it for yourself, however. It’s even cooler in person.

AllTrails/ Bill Watson

Bumpass Hell was named after an early settler who was severely burned on his leg when he fell into one of the boiling pools.

AllTrails/ David Worcester

The crater like valley is full of bubbling mud pots, sulfur vents and boiling pools. Make sure you stay on the clearly marked path.

AllTrails/ Brian Nash

There’s several interpretive signs explaining these unique features along the way, too.

AllTrails/ Charlie Lawrence

And, of course, you have to stop and take your own photographs along the way.

AllTrails/ Charlie Lawrence

After you cross the hydrothermal section, you will be ascending into the peaks above.

AllTrails/ Jen Lyneva

Your reward for the uphill climb will be scenic views that overlook the hydrothermal activity below as well as the surrounding mountain ranges.

AllTrails/ David Worcester

From the moment you start this hike alongside a sparkling blue alpine lake until you crest the peak at the top, you will be blown away by the incredibly beautiful but somewhat strange and otherworldly sights of Bumpass Hell.

AllTrails/ Steve Wilhite

Because there were heavy snow falls earlier in 2017, this trail is best experienced later in the summer this year. To get the most out of your trip to Lassen, we suggest holding off until August, if possible. There’s plenty of planning to do between now and then, however.

AllTrails/ Charlie Lawrence

Would you go on this 3 mile hike through geothermal pools? Share your thoughts with us today!

AllTrails/ Charlie Lawrence

AllTrails/ Deanna Cumpston

AllTrails/ Jen Lyneva

AllTrails/ Bill Watson

AllTrails/ David Worcester

AllTrails/ Brian Nash

AllTrails/ Steve Wilhite

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