Hiking the Devastated Area Interpretive Trail in Lassen Volcanic National Park
Distance: 0.3 miles / 0.5 km
The Devastated Area Interpretive Trail, also called the Devastated Area Loop Trail, in Lassen Volcanic National Park, is the best place in the park to learn about Lassen Peak’s most recent eruption!
Yes, Lassen Peak—the southernmost peak in the Cascade Mountain Range—is very much an active plug dome volcano that most recently began erupting on May 30, 1914, and lasted through early 1917, with some reports saying minor activity continued until 1921.
Among these events, the May 22, 1915 eruption was the most climactic, and it’s where the Devastated Area Interpretive Trail comes into play today, as the northeast side of Lassen Peak—where the Devastated Area Loop is located—was the heart of a roughly 3–square mile (7.8 sq km) pyroclastic flow that flung huge rocks and pumice into the air.
All this to say, the Devastated Area Interpretive Trail is without a doubt a must-see when visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park, as the easy 0.3-mile (0.5 km) trail is the best place to see the remnants up close from what the avalanche on May 19 and dramatic eruption event on May 22, 1915 left behind!
Devastated Area Interpretive Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Devastated Area Interpretive Trail is located in a large parking lot off Lassen Peak Highway that serves both the trail and the picnic area.
For those coming in from the north, the trail is located about 8.9 miles (14.3 km) up the road from the Manzanita Lake Loop Trail and the Loomis Ranger Station, or about 11.7 miles (18.8 km) from the road summit when driving in from the south.
Google Maps Directions: Devastated Area Interpretive Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Lassen Volcanic
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
That said, bear spray is purposefully excluded from this list because, while the park is home to Black Bears, bear spray is not allowed in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Hiking the Devastated Area Interpretive Trail
The Devastated Area Interpretive Trail follows a mostly flat, kid-friendly path around a number of volcanic landmarks left from the 1915 - 1916 eruption of Lassen Peak.
Devastated Area Picnic Area
After just a few steps, the Devastated Area Trail passes the Devastated Area Picnic Area.
At this split, go left to continue hiking toward the start of the loop, about 0.1 mile (0.2 km) away.
Devastated Area Interpretive Loop Trail
After roughly 0.1 miles (0.2 km), the Devastated Area Trail reaches the start of the loop around the various volcanic remnants from Lassen Peak’s most explosive activity more than 100 years ago.
That said, I don’t think it makes much difference which direction you decide to hike, but if you’re like me and want to save the best for last, go right—in the counterclockwise direction!
Regarding my thoughts above, I chose to go right at the beginning of the loop.
Once on the loop, the Devastated Area Trail will pass a number of signs that visitors can slow down to read and learn about this most recent eruption event, with the best signs located in a bit of a hidden spot that I highlight at the very end!
This is where the Devastated Area Interpretive Loop begins to turn back toward the beginning.
When I said 'save the best for last,' this boulder is exactly what I meant, as it came crashing down the slopes in the avalanche on May 19, 1915, where it finally came to rest right here!
Devastated Area Interpretive Loop Junction
This is where the short loop returns to the beginning.
From here, go straight and the picnic area and trailhead will be found just a short distance ahead.
1915 Lassen Peak Eruption Story
The best insider tip I can give when visiting the Devastated Area is to walk across the parking lot, either before or after hiking the trail.
It’s here that visitors will find the most detailed eruption story with photos from the most explosive event on May 22, 1915.
