Activities For Dogs In Lassen Volcanic National Park
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
Looking for your next great adventure? Want to go somewhere unique and beautiful? Then Lassen Volcanic National Park is the place you want to choose! However, you don't want to leave your dog behind and you absolutely don't have to. Your dog can definitely come with you on this adventure and, as you will find in this guide, there is plenty for you and your pup to do together in the park and in the area around the park.
Walks
Popular
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Sunny Day
Cheap
Easy
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Fresh Water
Leash
Collar
Waste Bags
Activity description
The Lassen Volcanic Park is the perfect place to bring your dog for a challenging hike or a quick walk. Dogs are required to be on a leash at all times so make sure your dog is hooked up and in your control. While dogs are not allowed on the actual trails of the park, they are able to go on any roads and there are plenty or roads which will give you great views of the park itself, despite being off trail. Pay a small park entrance fee to park your car and then start walking in any weather you feel comfortable in!
Step
1
Pack for your adventure
Before heading out on your hike through Lassen Volcanic National Park, be sure to pack everything you or your pup may need. Of course, a collar and leash are needed but also a bottle of fresh water and a collapsible dog bowl are ideal. If you plan on walking for a long time, you will want your dog to be hydrated! Pick a time to go to the park when the weather is not too hot or cold as the temperatures can be a little extreme in this area.
Step
2
Plan a path
There are several roads that will be ideal for walking with your dog and will give you the real volcano feel of the park (you do, after all, want to take in the scenic nature of the natural volcanic landscape!). There are many sections of Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway which are ideal for walking. Pick a part like the Peak Trailhead section if you and your dog are up for a challenging hike or an easier part such as the Summit Lake area.
Step
3
Walk!
Walk the roads as long as you and your dog like. Time your walk from when you start and turn around when you are halfway into the amount of time you were looking to spend walking. As you will be walking on the roadways, you will be going out, away from where you park, turning around and going back (there are no good loops to walk!). Enjoy the rocky landscape and keep your fingers crossed that the volcano stays dormant!
Photo Opps
Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Cheap
Easy
1 hr
Items needed
Leash
Collar
Dog Treats
Camera
Waste Bags
Activity description
When visiting the Lassen Volcanic National Park, you are going to want to snap a bunch of pictures in order to remember your trip. You are also going to want you dog to be in those shots so you can capture their adventure as well! What would be more perfect than taking home an idyllic photo of your dog atop a volcanic peak? There are several perfect photo spots in the park that you can drive to, following the park rules of where dogs can go. Pick a day that is sunny and slightly warm so you don't mind spending a little time outside with your camera and dog!
Step
1
Mount Lassen
Once inside Lassen Volcanic National Park, you are going to want a picture of Mount Lassen for sure (the old volcano that shaped the landscape of the park decades ago). Follow the Lassen Park Highway to the summit of the mountain and take a few pictures of your dog with the volcano in the background. Remember to keep your pup on the leash for the photos!
Step
2
Mill Creek Falls
Located near the visitors center, the Mill Creek Falls are pretty easy to get to and a sight that you will want to see. This natural waterfall cuts through the park and makes for a fabulous photo spot. Catch the light shining through the water and you may get a nice rainbow backdrop as well! Dogs are not allowed to roam in this area so take your photo and head back in your car with your pup!
Step
3
Bumpass Hell
Boiling hot mud and hissing water that shoots up out of blowholes makes this area one that is quite interesting but definitely will make you think of hell - it is quite aptly named. This spot would make a great black and white, dramatic photo of your dog on a moon-like crater. Watch your pup's paws as the water really is quite hot - it's heated by volcano after all!
Area Hikes
Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Cheap
Easy
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Fresh Water
Leash
Collar
Waste Bags
Activity description
When in the Lassen Volcanic National Park area, you will likely want to explore some places outside the park and there is quite a lot to see with your dog, especially if you love going for hikes. Since dogs aren't allowed on the official trails in Lassen Volcanic National Park, heading to a nearby place may be ideal. It is also interesting to see how each park is a little different while in the same area. Many of these surrounding parks also boast views of Lassen so you can take in the old volcano landscape from a new vantage point. A few parks ask for small entrance fees but it is well worth the cost to take a nice hike with your dog on a sunny day.
Step
1
Spattercone Nature Trail
This 1.7 mile walk goes past volcano spattercones, over old volcanic rock and boasts ideal views of Lassen peak. The best part - your dog can join you on the main trail! The walk is a little steep but the trails are well maintained, making it simple to venture out with just a pair of hiking shoes and your dog! Visit in the spring, summer or fall when the park is at the perfect temperature for a hike.
Step
2
Heart Lake Trail
If you are looking for a volcano atmosphere paired with a lakeside hike, this is the trail to check out. At 4.7 miles, this trail is a little bit long so plan accordingly. On this hike, you and your dog will see Lassen peak and also walk along peaceful Martin Creek. Watch out for passing horses as this trail is also used for equestrian riding!
Step
3
Caribous Wilderness Area
The Caribous Wilderness Area is a wide open park full of places you and your dog can wander together. Go scouting for crystal clear mini lakes which are formed due to the volcanic craters filling with stream water - a beautiful site in the midst of a desolate volcano landscape! Stay to catch a beautiful sunset and then feel free to light a campfire and enjoy the clear starry night with your dog.
More Fun Ideas...
Camping
There are many campground in Lassen Volcanic National Park so pick which is ideal for you and your dog. Do you prefer camping by a lake? In a valley? You can choose as Lassen has it all!
Picnic
Pack a picnic basket with treats for you and your dog and head out to one of the viewpoints accessible by car. Enjoy a nice meal in the shadow of the old volcano and be happy it has been dormant for so long...we hope it stays that way!
Conclusion
Lassen Volcanic National Park is quite the site to see. You will feel as though you are on a different planet with such unique scenery. Of course, there will be many sights, sounds and amazing smells for your dog to take in as well! So pack up the things for your dog (don't forget the leash and collar as required by the park!) and head out on an adventure unlike any you have had before!