California · Hiking

Devastated Area

Devastated AreaPhoto: NPS
0.3 mi
loop
12 ft
climb
6,475 ft
high point
Loop
route
May–Oct
best months

Is Devastated Area open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Lassen Volcanic National Park. It doesn't name Devastated Area, so check the source for the area it covers.

  • Lassen National Park Highway Temporarily Closed

    Park closure covering Lassen Volcanic National Park · NPS · Lassen Volcanic National Park

As of · Source: NPS · Lassen Volcanic National Park. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

The Devastated Area is a short, accessible loop inside Lassen Volcanic National Park in California, managed by the National Park Service. The trail is about a quarter mile long, and the climb from the lowest point to the high point is only 12 feet, so it makes an easy addition to a visit to the park. The route circles the area that was devastated by Lassen Peak's 1915-1916 eruption. Waysides along the loop tell the story of how the eastern slope came to be known as the Devastated Area, and historic photos and accounts put that history in context. Today, forests cover much of the ground that was once barren, and the rocks on the trail show the story of the eruption through stone. Summer is the most comfortable time to visit. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Manzanita Lake show July highs around 79°F with lows near 46°F. That station sits about 725 feet lower than the trail, so temperatures on the loop run a bit cooler. Vault toilets and picnic tables are located via a short walk from the parking area. The trail is within the park's fee system, and it is a good choice for families and curious minds. The Roadside Distraction climbing area is about 0.7 miles away, and Raker Peak is about a mile off. Summit Lake North campground is about 2.6 miles away, and the Summit Lake Trail is about 2.7 miles away.

  • Best time to go · May–Oct

    Best time to visit Devastated Area

    Best months: May–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      41° / 22°

    2. Feb

      42° / 22°

    3. Mar

      46° / 24°

    4. Apr

      50° / 27°

    5. May

      61° / 35°

    6. Jun

      70° / 41°

    7. Jul

      79° / 46°

    8. Aug

      78° / 45°

    9. Sep

      72° / 41°

    10. Oct

      59° / 33°

    11. Nov

      47° / 26°

    12. Dec

      39° / 22°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Manzanita Lake, CA, 6.1 mi away at 5,750 ft. The station sits about 700 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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