Terminal Geyser
Terminal Geyser erupts at a blistering 205°F within Lassen Volcanic National Park, representing one of California's most dramatic active geothermal features.
Situated at 5,793 feet elevation in the Cascade Range's volcanic terrain, the geyser requires a short walk (1,054 meters from the nearest road) through landscape receiving heavy winter snow and abundant precipitation that feeds the park's geothermal activity.
The spring sits within National Park Service protection and lies near Warner Valley Campground (2.9 km away), with vault toilets and seasonal access. Visit in summer when trails are fully open and winter snow clears the approach.
Terminal Geyser's violent eruptions result from Lassen's complex volcanic system, where groundwater circulates through heated rock before explosive release, a process active for thousands of years within the park's 300 volcanic domes.
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Overview Warner Valley campground is a limited development facility in the south eastern area of the park. It has vault toilets and potable water spigots. Numerous trails can be accessed from the campground. Recreation Hiking trails accessible from the campground Facilities Vault toilets - seasonal Natural Features Lassen Volcanic national park is known for its volcanic history, as well as its diversity of plants and animals. It contains 300 active volcanic domes, as well as many hydrotherma...
Terminal Geyser sits at 5,793 feet above sea level, way above the mile-high mark. You may not feel the altitude strongly, but hot water still dehydrates you faster at elevation. UV is about 23% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.
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Terminal Geyser is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. The water is dangerously hot — bring water shoes and test pools carefully.
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