{"id":4771,"date":"2020-07-30T15:56:43","date_gmt":"2020-07-30T22:56:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/?p=4771"},"modified":"2024-04-05T07:22:54","modified_gmt":"2024-04-05T14:22:54","slug":"ridge-lakes-sulphur-works-lassen-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/30\/ridge-lakes-sulphur-works-lassen-park\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring Ridge Lakes and Sulphur Works in Lassen Volcanic National Park"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hiking the steep trail to the Ridge Lakes and beyond will win you some of the most spectacular scenery in Lassen Volcanic National Park, and also a surprising amount of solitude. The lakes are only 1.1 miles from the trailhead at the Sulphur Works parking lot, but most people are either attracted to more popular trails in the park<\/a>, or they’re not willing to put in the effort. Which is lucky for you!<\/p>\n

\"Ridge
Ridge Lakes in Lassen Volcanic National Park, at the end of the hiking trail. Cross-country hiking to the ridge beyond is fairly easy.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Ridge Lakes are quite beautiful, but the real reward comes when you hike cross-country beyond Ridge Lakes to the gap between Brokeoff Peak and Mount Diller, which offers a vista across the southern reaches of Lassen Volcanic National Park and way beyond in all directions.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

This post starts with an exploration of Sulphur Works and then provides a detailed description of the Ridge Lakes Trail, along with a trail map and photos. The route is also Hike 105, “Ridge Lakes and Sulphur Works” in my book Day Hiking: Mount Shasta, Lassen & Trinity Alps Regions<\/em><\/a> and Hike 31, “Mill Creek Falls and Ridge Lakes,” in my book 100 Classic Hikes: Northern California<\/em><\/a>, fourth edition.<\/p>\n

\"Spring<\/p>\n

Ridge Lakes\/Sulphur Works Trail Key Data<\/h2>\n

Distance: 2.2 miles roundtrip, plus optional 0.3 mile one-way cross-country climb to the ridge between Brokeoff Peak and Mount Diller
\nDifficulty: Strenuous because of the steepness of the trail
\nType: Day hike<\/a> or Overnight; backpackers need a permit
\nElevation gain: 1000 feet
\nHigh point: 8000 feet
\nSeason: July to early October, weather and snow permitting; Sulphur Works is accessible whenever the main Lassen Volcanic National Park road is open
\nContact: Lassen Volcanic National Park<\/a>
\nMaps: USGS Lassen Peak, park brochure
\nPermits: Permit required for backpackers: see park website<\/a> or call for details and backcountry regulations
\nNotes: toilet at trailhead; dogs prohibited; watch children carefully at Sulphur Works, which has hot steam and hot water and mud pots<\/p>\n

Ridge Lakes\/Sulphur Works Trailhead Directions<\/h2>\n

Drive to the Sulphur Works parking lot, which is also the trailhead for the Ridge Lakes Trail. It’s on the Park Highway\u2019s west side, 7.0 miles north of the junction of CA Highways 36 and 89, and 27.0 miles southeast of the junction of CA Highways 44 and 89.<\/p>\n

Ridge Lakes\/Sulphur Works Trailhead GPS coordinates: N 40′ 26.924″ W 121′ 32.143″<\/p>\n

\n

The Top 100 Day Hikes and Backpacking Trips in Northern California<\/h4>\n

\"100The all-color fourth edition features the best trails in:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Northern Sierra Nevada<\/li>\n
  • Lassen and Mount Shasta areas<\/li>\n
  • Trinity Alps and Marble Mountains<\/li>\n
  • Redwood Coast<\/li>\n
  • Wine Country and Bay Area<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Includes trailhead directions and detailed maps and trail descriptions<\/p>\n

    Buy it:<\/strong> on Amazon<\/a> | on Bookshop.org<\/a><\/p>\n

    Often available at Barnes & Noble, REI, and other quality bookstores<\/strong> and outdoor stores <\/strong>(call first!)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    Exploring Sulphur Works<\/h2>\n

    Sulphur Works is an impressive example of the hydrothermal activity in Lassen Volcanic National Park, and, unlike Bumpass Hell and Devil’s Kitchen, it’s right beside the park highway, so you don’t even have to hike to it.<\/p>\n

    \"Sulphur
    Sulphur Works mud pot. Hydrothermal activity is common in Lassen Volcanic National Park.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Follow the acrid scent of hydrogen sulfide over to the Sulphur Works and its mud pots and fumaroles near Mount Tehama\u2019s central vent. As interpretive panels explain, cool surface water descends to hot rock far below, then rises as hot water and steam around you. When Mount Tehama rose to an estimated elevation of over 11,000 feet, it held undisputed bragging rights as the biggest volcano south of Mount Shasta. Alas, glaciers eroded much of Mount Tehama; Brokeoff Mountain, rising to a height of 9235 feet due west, is its highest remaining fragment.<\/p>\n

    \"Sulphur
    Sulphur Works steam vent and sulphur deposits. Hydrothermal activity gives evidence of the volcanic nature of\u00a0 Lassen Volcanic National Park.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Video: Sulphur Works, Lassen Volcanic National Park Geologic Wonder<\/h2>\n

    This is one of the dozens of videos on my Northern California Hiking Trails Youtube channel<\/a>.<\/p>\n