Explore Lassen Volcanic National Park

Devil’s Kitchen, Boiling Spring Lake

Devil’s Kitchen Trail, Boiling Springs Lake Nature Trail

To Devil’s Kitchen is 4.4 miles round trip; to Boiling Springs Lake is 2.5 miles round trip.

Two unique hydrothermal areas beckon the hiker to a remote part of the park. From the Drakesbad trailhead, paths lead to Devil’s Kitchen and Boiling Springs Lake. Although this walk is not accessible from the park road (Highway 89) or main entrances, it’s well worth the circuitous drive to the trailhead.

Bubbling mudpots along Hot Springs Creek gave Devil’s Kitchen its colorful name. A network of paths and footbridges link the hot attractions.

Steam escaping from below ground fissures heat Boiling Springs Lake to a near-constant 125 degrees F. Its yucky, yellow-brown color is a result of minerals, particularly iron oxide, in suspension. From steam vents waft hydrogen sulfide fumes, greeting hikers with a rotten egg-smell.

Boiling Spring Nature Trail is an excellent 39-stop self-guiding interpretive path. The trail loops through the thermal area and introduces the plants and animals of the surrounding forest.

The natural hot springs along Hot Springs Creek were tapped for a health spa in the 1860s by pioneer Edward R. Drake. For nearly a century, Drakesbad was a private resort. Now Drakesbad Guest Ranch belongs to the national park and is operated by a concessionaire. Alas, the thermal pools at the ranch are for guests only.

Directions to the trailhead: From Highway 36 in Chester, turn north on Warner Valley Road. Drive 16 miles to Warner Valley Campground, then another half-mile to the trailhead, where nature trail pamphlets are available.

The walk: Head south on the Pacific Crest Trail, soon reaching and crossing Hot Springs Creek to a lodgepole pine-shaded picnic area. A short walk farther brings you to a three-way trail junction. An upper and lower trail lead to Devil’s Kitchen while Boiling Springs Lake Nature Trail (PCT) heads south to Boiling Springs Lake.

The way to Devil’s Kitchen crosses Hot Springs Creek, then weaves through Drakesbad Meadow. Next the path enters a forested area before reaching the austere terrain of Devil’s Kitchen.

Explore a half-mile’s worth of trails amidst steaming springs and fumaroles, then return the way you came.

From the above-mentioned three-way junction, Boiling Springs Nature Trail (PCT) ascends gently through a Jeffrey pine and white fir forest. Numbered posts on the nature path are keyed to the park service pamphlet. You’ll circle the lake before retracing your steps back to the trailhead.