description Bumpass Hell Mudpots Overview
Bumpass Hell is a hydrothermal area located in Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California, renowned for its highly acidic mudpots and fumaroles. The geothermal site features boiling, muddy water pools that emit sulfurous gases, highlighting the volcanic activity beneath the surface. It is named after Kendall Bumpass, an early explorer who discovered the area in the 1860s and famously lost his leg after breaking through the thin crust over a boiling spring. The area is accessible to visitors via a maintained hiking trail and boardwalks.
help Bumpass Hell Mudpots FAQ
Where are the Bumpass Hell Mudpots located?
The Bumpass Hell hydrothermal area is located within Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California. It is the largest and most active geothermal area found within the entire park.
Why are the mudpots at Bumpass Hell so acidic?
The extreme acidity is caused by sulfur-loving microorganisms that convert volcanic hydrogen sulfide gas into sulfuric acid. This highly acidic water aggressively breaks down the surrounding volcanic rock into wet, muddy clay.
What can visitors expect to see and smell at Bumpass Hell?
Visitors walking along the boardwalks will see boiling, muddy water pools, steaming fumaroles, and vibrant mineral crusts. The area is also notorious for its strong, rotten-egg smell caused by the continuous emission of sulfurous gases.
How did the Bumpass Hell geothermal area get its name?
The area is named after Kendall Vanhook Bumpass, an early settler who discovered the hydrothermal features in the 1860s. He famously lost his leg after breaking through the fragile crust into a boiling mudpot.
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