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
[Illustration: Trail map]
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.
[Illustration: Lake Helen]