Native Americans inhabited the Lassen Peak area thousands of years ago. Prehistoric Indians had crossed the land bridge between Asia and North America during the ice ages as long as 70,000 years ago. There were about 103 separate tribes speaking 21 distinctly different languages in California during the eighteenth century, before the Europeans arrived. Archaeological surveys indicate that the Lassen Park area was used regularly by the Native people since habitation and work sites have been found throughout the park. A relatively large tribe called the Maidu, which still exist today, occupied large areas on the east and south side of the park in a meadowed area that now lies beneath Lake Almanor.
Today Lassen Park is located in an area that is somewhat sparsely populated with relatively light travel, giving one the feeling of being in a national park twenty to thirty years ago. With approximately 150 square miles and more than 106,000 acres, the numerous hiking and backpacking trails in Lassen Volcanic National Park are full of natural history. Replete with vast forests, mountain streams, fascinating geothermal features, and breathtaking views, the park offers historic and cultural displays and demonstrations to suit a wide variety of interests.
May 1914 marked the beginning of a 7-year cycle of volcanic eruptions for what was Lassen Peak. The surrounding landscape was greatly altered by the reawakening of this volcano. The park is a show case of volcanic phenomena such as hot springs, steaming f umaroles, boiling mudpots, and sulfurous vents. The Lasssen geothermal area includes the Sulphur Works, Bumpass Hell, Little Hot Springs Valley, Boiling Springs Lake, Devils Kitchen and Terminal Geyser. Proclaimed as Lassen Peak and Cinder Cone National Monuments May 6, 1907; made part of Lassen Volcanic National Park when established on Aug. 9, 1916.

Source: Lassen Volcanic Park pamphlet U.S. National Park Service/ U.S. Dept. of Interior.