[5]. BUMPASS HELL
| Starting Point: | Parking area by Guide Marker 17 |
| Distances: | Round trip to view point, 2.2 miles; round trip over entire nature trail, 3.0 miles |
| Topography: | A gradual climb of 500 feet in the first mile, and a descent of 250 feet into the thermal area |
| Time: | 2 hours to view point and return, 3 hours for complete round trip |
| Features: | Hydrothermal activity, glacial evidence, scenic views, flowers, forest |
Bumpass Hell is the largest hydrothermal area in the park, and the trail to it is one of the most scenic. Because of the popularity of this trail it is usually opened around July 1, although occasionally the snow is too deep and opening has to be postponed. The first mile is an open and sparsely wooded mountainside with grand views of Lassen, Brokeoff, Diller, and Diamond peaks, as well as the more distant Sierra.
The hydrothermal area can be seen from the summit of the trail. Dropping into the area the trail passes by a number of hot springs, steam vents, mud pots and boiling pools. A variety of trees and wildflowers are along the trail, chiefly mountain hemlock and white-bark pine, silver leaf lupine, red penstemon, bog kalmia and other flowers. Birds, too, are abundant, and deer, marmots, and pikas may be encountered.
At the beginning of the trail is a box with self-guiding leaflets describing the numbered points of interest on the trail. We urge you to use them. You are warned to stay on the established trails as crusts are thin over some hot areas.
Lake Helen
[6]. BUMPASS HELL TO COLD BOILING LAKE AND KINGS CREEK
| Starting Point: | Bumpass Hell parking area |
| Distances: | 4 miles one way |
| Topography: | A rise of 500 feet in the first mile followed by a descent of 1,000 feet |
| Time: | 5 hours, round trip |
| Features: | Flowers, forest, scenic views, hydrothermal activity |