Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a vast park known for its alpine lakes, hydrothermal activity, and unique volcanoes. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. So, whether you're hiking in nature or taking in the beauty, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, all while staying within budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?
You should plan to spend around $148 per day on your vacation in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $52 on meals
- $56 on local transportation
- $125 on hotels
A one week trip to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park for two people costs, on average, $2,072. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
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One Week
Per person
$1,036
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2 Weeks
Per person
$2,072
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One Month
Per person
$4,440
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One Week
For a couple
$2,072
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2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,144
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One Month
For a couple
$8,880
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park cost?
A one week trip to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park usually costs around $1,036 for one person and $2,072 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park on average costs around $2,072 for one person and $4,144 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park on average costs around $4,440 for one person and $8,880 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park expensive to visit?
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a smaller destination that draws visitors with a range of travel styles, spending habits, and budget preferences. Budget-conscious travelers will find suitable hotel options, but there are also high-end hotels for those seeking luxury, plus mid-range accommodations for families or couples.
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including enjoying the free hiking trails and finding more rustic accommodation.
On average, budget travelers spend $65 per day, mid-range travelers spend $148 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $282 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in North America for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Hope, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Key West.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?
The average Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park cost?
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$27
|
$62
|
$119
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$24
|
$56
|
$106
|
|
Food 2
|
$23
|
$52
|
$100
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$9.19
|
$21
|
$40
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$4-12
|
$9-28
|
$18-53
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $65 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Most visitors to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park will want to visit the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $148 per person, per day.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're looking for an all-encompassing vacation filled with luxurious amenities and higher-level service, prepare your budget for around $282 per day. Selecting nicer hotels, savoring meals at award-winning establishments, indulging in lavish adventures, and traveling around the park with taxis or private drivers will call for a luxury budget.
Accommodation Budget in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park can be very surprising. Some hotels have much higher price tags than others, and in turn offer higher levels of luxury and more amenities. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. The average price for a hotel room in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the off-season is $0, but in the peak summer travel season it will average around $0. In general, you can expect hotel prices in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park to range from $0 to $0. Hostels are typically much cheaper, especially if you stay in a dorm. Also, note that the average hotel price is not always what travelers will pay (see below). You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too, along with taking advantage of sale prices or special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $125. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $62 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than summer, will allow you to find cheaper accommodation and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park does not has a good public transit system. There is no public transportation in the park.
Unfortunately, the park is not very walkable. The park is large, so to efficiently access the different hiking trails you'll need to have a car.
Public Transit: 
(poor)
Walkability: (poor)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $56 per person, per day, on local transportation in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$56
If you're driving, make sure your hotel has convenient parking.
How much does it cost to go to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park
In Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, you'll find limited food options that aren't the best in quality. It's wise to prioritize your budget for activities that provide a better return on your time. You'll find restaurants and shops at three locations within the park. Options are much more limited during the winter months, but you will find places to eat on the south side of the park in Mineral, Mill Creek, and Chester. On the north side, the closest towns are Shingletown and Old Station.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is $52 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$52
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is around $52 ($52) per person, with previous travelers spending from $23 to $100. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $16
- Lunch: $8 to $21
- Dinner: $16 to $37
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $8
Having been awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, the best place to grab some grub in Lassen National Park seems to be JJ's Cafe in Old Station, California. JJ's offers good food, burgers, and sandwiches, right in the middle of nowhere. A few other places to grab a bite throughout the park are the Lassen Mineral Lodge, Mill Creek Resort, and Lassen Cafe & Gift in Mineral. The closest restaurants outside of the park can be found in the town of Chester mentioned above. If you plan on camping during your stay, your best bet may be to pack picnic supplies and campfire gear to truly enjoy the rugged living of the great outdoors.
Numerous hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, although others may charge you extra for it. The price and quality can vary from hotel to hotel. Being informed ahead of time can assist you in determining if you need to budget extra funds. The hotel buffet might be worth your money, or perhaps a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or cafe would suffice.
You can save money and enjoy the scenery if you make a picnic. Find a local grocery store or market, get some fresh food, and find a nice park or scenic spot to enjoy your meal.
Bring a water bottle instead of buying beverages everywhere. It helps the environment, too.
Be sure to check which meals are part of your tour before you go. You might be responsible for some of your own food costs, which could stretch your budget further.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Travelers flock to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park because it is well-known for its hiking, romance, budget-friendly accommodations, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park typically cost an average of $21 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$21
Lassen Peak is by far the centerpiece of the park. The cinder cone looms above it all, still active but dormant deep beneath the surface. The last eruptions occurred in a series from 1914 through 1921, releasing lava, a great deal of ash, and forming a crater near its top. Taking the hike up to Lassen Peak is well worth the effort, as you begin to see gorgeous views unveil themselves the higher you climb. The trek is about 5 miles round trip, reaching an elevation of 10,457 feet at its summit. There are many switchbacks and the trail can be steep and rocky at times, so be sure to wear good hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with some of the most spectacular views to be seen in the park.
In addition to the hike up Lassen Peak, the surrounding areas of the park have much to offer in natural phenomena. Bumpass Hell, for example, is the largest hydrothermal area in the park, existing as a 16-acre bowl of hot mud pots, bubbling pools, and roaring steam vents. The hike through this basin is about a 3-mile descent for those wishing to explore.
The clear mountain waters of Manzanita Lake are another popular destination with visitors. The lake is a prime fishing spot (with a catch and release policy), and also allows non-motorized boats with kayak rentals available nearby. Offering scenic views of Lassen Peak and radiant sunsets reflecting on its waters, Manzanita Lake is conveniently located just a walk away from Lassen National Park's largest campground. The campground is also located just a mile south of the Loomis Ranger Station, Loomis Museum, and a discovery center where educational programs and activities are held. The museum also houses artifacts and photos from Lassen's long history and previous eruptions.
In the summer months the park is a prime location for hiking, camping, fishing, boating, backpacking, and birdwatching, while the winter months are great for skiing and snowshoeing. The park is also well known for its starry night sky. Far from the light pollution of civilization, the place encompasses a natural darkness perfect for stargazing. Join a ranger-led tour of the night sky or see the park's website for information on the annual Lassen Dark Sky Festival.
Hiking:
The hiking around Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is terrific. There are more than 150 miles of hiking trails in the park. Many pass by the park's hydrothermal areas, but there are also trails that follow the edge of the alpine lakes or go through flower-filled meadows. Bumpass Hell Trail is one of the most notable hikes, but visitors also enjoy Lassen Peak Trail, Cinder Cone Trail, and Manzanita Lake Loop.
Nightlife Budget in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park
The nightlife in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is generally non-existant. Stargazing and campfire chats are the best ways to enjoy evening in the park.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $19 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$19
Exploring the nightlife is often a fun part of any trip, but skipping a few drinks can make a big impact on your overall travel cost.
Traveling in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Located in northeastern California, Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of those places you don't hear too much about, yet it is a one-of-a-kind park boasting all 4 volcano types, hydrothermal areas, and over 150 miles of trails. Lassen Peak is the most popular attraction, a cinder cone volcano, which is open for visitors who wish to hike to the top. From here you can see sweeping views of the surrounding valley, clear mountain lakes, flower spotted meadows, and even other volcanoes in the Cascade Range like Mount Shasta.
Lassen Volcanic National Park actually started as two separate national monuments designated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1907: Cinder Cone National Monument and Lassen Peak National Monument. Soon after, because of the area's stark volcanic beauty and Lassen Peak's eruptive activity, the place was declared a National Park on August 9, 1916.
Neighborhoods & Around
The national park is designated as being located in the town of Mineral, California-population 100 or so. As the town is mostly made up of the national park, there is very little to it, except for the Mineral Lodge, which serves as a comfortable place to stay for tourists visiting the little community and the surrounding areas of the park.
The closest town that features the most amenities is Chester, located on Lake Almanor on the southeast edge of the national park. Chester's primary industries are lumber production and tourism, and the lake itself is a popular destination for hunting, fishing, and boating. The area is also home to many seasonal and year-round resorts and restaurants that cater to the locals and summer tourists. Wintertime tends to be quieter and the town often becomes a waypoint for people traveling to ski resorts at Mount Shasta and Lake Tahoe.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.