Lassen Volcanic National Park ​

Lassen is the national park that proves you don't need to be famous to be spectacular. While Yosemite and Sequoia hog all the attention, Lassen is quietly sitting in NorCal's northeast corner being one of the only places on Earth where all four types of volcanoes converge, bubbling with hydrothermal features that smell like someone left a thousand eggs out in the sun, and offering backcountry solitude that the popular parks can only dream about.

Bumpass Hell is the star attraction — a boardwalk through an active hydrothermal basin with boiling mud pots, steam vents, and that unmistakable sulfur smell that either fascinates you or makes you gag (no in-between). The park road itself is a showstopper when it's open, winding through volcanic devastation areas, alpine lakes, and wildflower meadows. And if you're willing to make the push to Lassen Peak's summit, the 360-degree views of the Cascades stretching into Oregon will make the 2,000-foot climb worth every profanity you muttered on the way up.

Photo Gallery ​

Good to Know ​

Snow: The park road is typically closed by snow from November through June. Some years July. Plan accordingly.

Solitude: This is one of the least-visited national parks in the lower 48. If crowds aren't your thing, this is your park.

Bumpass Hell: Wear closed-toe shoes and stay on the boardwalk. The ground is thin crust over boiling water. The feature is named after a guy who fell through. Take the hint.