Bumpass Hell
Bumpass Hell at Lassen Volcanic National Park offers a unique blend of geothermal wonders and vibrant landscapes. Let's dive into the photography opportunities, trail details, and a bit of history!
Trail to Bumpass Hell
The Bumpass Hell Trail is a popular and relatively easy hike, perfect for photographers of all skill levels. Here's a quick overview:
Distance: Approximately 3 miles round trip.
Elevation Gain: Around 200 feet.
Duration: Typically takes about 2 hours to complete.
Terrain: Mostly flat with a gradual climb. The trail is well-maintained with boardwalks in the hydrothermal area.
Preparation: Bring water, snacks, and wear sturdy hiking boots. A hat and sunscreen are recommended due to limited shade.
Photography Opportunities from the Trail
Geothermal Wonders
Bumpass Hell is home to bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and colorful hot springs. These geothermal features create a surreal, otherworldly landscape that's perfect for capturing dramatic and unique shots1. Imagine your camera getting a taste of volcanic adventure!
Vibrant Colors
The presence of minerals in the hot springs and mud pots gives the area a vibrant palette of oranges, yellows, and reds. These colors make for stunning photographs, especially when contrasted with the lush greenery around the trail.
Steamy Action Shots
The steam rising from the hot springs and fumaroles adds a dynamic element to your photos. You can capture the steam swirling and rising, creating a sense of motion and energy in your images.
The Bumpass Hell Parking Lot
The Bumpass Hell parking lot has its own great photo ops! Look out to Mt. Diller and Brokeoff Mountain, and if conditions are right, capture an epic sunset!
Astrophotography
If you find yourself in the Bumpass Hell parking lot after the sun goes down, you’ll probably find yourself with some astronomers checking out the night sky. Why not join them, but with a camera instead of a telescope!
Brief History of Bumpass Hell
Bumpass Hell is named after Kendall Vanhook Bumpass, a cowboy and early settler who discovered the area in 1864. During his first visit, he broke through the thin crust of the earth and burned his foot on the boiling mudpots below. When asked about his experience, he famously replied, "Boys, I have been in Hell." A local newspaper editor heard about this story and asked Bumpass to take him to the area, where Bumpass broke his leg so badly that it had to be amputated. Hence, the name "Bumpass Hell" was born.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Bumpass Hell is the largest hydrothermal area in the park? It's like the "big boss" of geothermal features. (But of course, the Final Boss is still Yellowstone National Park, but this one is next in line!)
Where to next?
Manzanita Lake
Devastated Area
Summit Lake
Hiking Mt. Lassen
Lake Helen
Bumpass Hell
Sulphur Works
Brokeoff Mountain