Sulphur Works - Lassen Volcanic National Park

Sulphur Works in Lassen Volcanic National Park

Today we’re heading to Lassen Volcanic National Park to enjoy an incredibly unique geothermal area located, quite literally, right off the side of the road. Join me as we explore Sulphur Works hydrothermal area.

History

Native Americans (such as the Atsugewi, Yana, Yahi, and Maidu) inhabited Lassen long before European immigrants used Lassen Peak as a landmark on their way to Sacramento Valley in the mid 1800s. Lassen was later established as a National Park in 1916, but Sulphur Works didn’t join the park until the 1950s. In fact, before it became a part of the park, Sulphur Works was a fully functional sulphur mining operation…and later a mineral hot springs and restaurant that attracted visitors.

The Sulphur Works trail & side walk along Hwy 89 at Lassen Volcanic National Park

Location

Upon entering the park from the main southwest entrance, Sulphur Works is the first geothermal area you’ll encounter just 2 miles inside the park. The parking lot is located 1 mile past the Visitor Center, which also has vault toilets. Just be aware that this parking lot can fill up by mid-morning on busy Summer weekends and holidays, so plan your visit accordingly.

A boiling mudpot at Sulphur Works in Lassen Volcanic National Park

Trail

Sulphur Works is a great stop even if you’re short on time…this out and back “trail” is under 1/2 a mile with minimal elevation change. From the parking area you simply head out on the paved path along the side walk (this area is also completely wheelchair accessible). Make sure to read the informational plaques along the railing for detailed facts about this area and its history. It’s incredibly important to stay on the established trails and boardwalks here…while the nearby ground may look stable, it is often only a thin crust covering scalding mud or water, and stepping in the wrong spot could easily result in disastrous burns.

Geothermal Activity

At one point Brokeoff Volcano (Mt. Tehama) towered 11,000 feet up in the air here, and now there’s still an active pool of magma located 5 miles under the ground. One of the first things you’ll notice when approaching Sulphur Works is the strong rotten egg sulphur smell, followed by the beautiful orange and red colors mineral deposits that are painted across this landscape. The geothermal activity is continually changing the natural features here…often by October, the largest mudpot located along the sidewalk can almost completely dry up. You can see steam vents, rumbling vents, and boiling mudpots here. However, for even more impressive geothermal activity, consider hiking to the Big Boiler located along Bumpass Hell just a few miles away.

The boardwalk at Bumpass Hell with the Big Boiler steaming in the distance

Know Before You Go

• Sulphur Works is the only hydrothermal feature in the park that is both viewable and accessible right off the main road.

• The main road through the park (Hwy 89) closes due to snow in the Winter, so always check current road conditions before your trip. However Sulphur Works is still accessible by snowshoe/ski during the Winter.

• Dogs are not allowed on any of the hiking trails, back country or bodies of water in the park. However dogs are allowed on leash along the sidewalk at Sulphur Works.

• Vaulted toilets and trash are located near the parking area. Never leave food unattended in your vehicle here, as this is active black bear territory.

• Please be considerate of the Leave no Trace Principles to help keep this place wild and beautiful.

Lassen Points of Interest:

• Bumpass Hell

• Devastated Area

• Lassen Peak

• Lake Helen

• Kings Creek Falls

• Manzanita Lake

• Cinder Cone

• Spatter Cone & Subway Cave

• Burney Falls

In Summary & Behind the Blog Video

Thanks so much for joining me this week at Sulphur Works in Lassen Volcanic National Park. For a virtual visit see my Behind the Blog YouTube video below…and until next week I hope you find encouragement and adventure wherever you go.

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