Devil’s Kitchen Trail

Route Description for Devil’s Kitchen Trail

When doing Devil’s Kitchen Trail, it is incredibly important that you stay on the designated Lassen Volcanic National Park Trail - especially around the geothermally heated pools at Devil’s Kitchen itself. These pools are heated to boiling temperatures and the ground around them has been known to crumble. Ensure your safety and that of your group, by staying along the designated trails!

Although less regarded as Lassen Volcanic National Park’s other popular geothermal attraction Bumpass Hell, The Devil's Kitchen Trail is an excellent choice for your next route within the region. Less frequented and therefore less crowded, the Devil’s Kitchen Trail possesses incredibly intriguing geothermal activity that is more than worth the effort of the hike. In addition to the main attraction of Devil’s Kitchen, along the route extent, incredible views of the surrounding landscape can be taken in.

With your vehicle parked, follow the Devil’s Kitchen Trail as it makes its way west along the northern shore of Hot Springs Creek. After a few hundred feet, the route will cross from the north to the south side of Hot Springs Creek and begin to head southwest. The Devil’s Kitchen Trail will soon deliver you to a junction within the trail. At the junction, take the western route as it leads you over fairly flat terrain before bringing you across several creeks.

With Dream Lake to your south, the Devil’s Kitchen Trail will arrive at another junction. At the junction, take the northern pathway where you will almost immediately arrive at a second junction. Here, follow the western pathway as it makes its way through a meadow and adjacent to several creeks. Continue on along the Devil’s Kitchen Trail as it stays west, inclining in elevation as it goes. After passing several more creeks, the route will end as it delivers you to the stunning geothermal formation of Devil’s Kitchen. Take some time to explore the area before backtracking your steps towards the trailhead.

Trail Highlights

Devil’s Kitchen

With the intense smell of sulfur lingering in the air and large quantities of steam pouring out from the earth's surface, Devil’s Kitchen is a beautiful - if not otherworldly - location within Lassen Volcanic National Park. Characteristic of the geothermal activity ongoing throughout the region, Devil’s Kitchen is made up of boiling mud pools, venting steam shafts and beautiful multicolored earth.

Insider Hints for Devil’s Kitchen Trail

• The route can be shortened significantly by parking further down Chester-Warner Valley Road, near the Drakesbad Guest Ranch.
• Sections of the route lack much shade. Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen and a good hat!
• Bring lots of water! It gets hot in the summer months.
• The mosquitoes can be numerous! Bug spray is a good idea.