A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Roanoke vs. Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Roanoke or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Roanoke or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a outdoorsy, laid back, and scenic town. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a vast, overlooked, and underrated park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Roanoke and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Roanoke or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Roanoke than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Roanoke is better known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is more popular for its impressive beauty. Roanoke is more touristy than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and is popular for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Also, Roanoke is famous for the Roanoke Star. Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is well known for its alpine lakes, hydrothermal activity, and unique volcanoes.

How is Roanoke different from Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Roanoke. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Roanoke or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Roanoke
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Roanoke is a town with good options for its sights and museums. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for its museums and history.

Roanoke is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

While most people don't head to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Visit the Loomis Museum to learn about the park history and see historic photos of the park. The building was constructed in 1972 and is worth a stopover.


Is the Food Better in Roanoke or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Roanoke
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at respectable restaurants in both Roanoke and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Roanoke may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find restaurants and shops at three locations within the park. Options are much more limited during the winter months, but you will find places to eat on the south side of the park in Mineral, Mill Creek, and Chester. On the north side, the closest towns are Shingletown and Old Station.

Is Roanoke or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Roanoke
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Roanoke is a town with good options for nightlife. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Roanoke. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park doesn't offer many options. Stargazing and campfire chats are the best ways to enjoy evening in the park.

Is Roanoke or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Hiking?

Roanoke
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

If you're looking to go hiking, Roanoke and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park both have excellent trails.

Many visitors go to Roanoke for the hiking trails. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a popular spot for hiking. There are more than 150 miles of hiking trails in the park. Many pass by the park's hydrothermal areas, but there are also trails that follow the edge of the alpine lakes or go through flower-filled meadows. Bumpass Hell Trail is one of the most notable hikes, but visitors also enjoy Lassen Peak Trail, Cinder Cone Trail, and Manzanita Lake Loop.


Is the Shopping Better in Roanoke or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Roanoke
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Roanoke is a town with good options for shopping. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for its shopping opportunities.

Roanoke is a great destination for shopping. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

If you're looking to go shopping, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park has some nice offerings. There are stores and gift shops near the visitor centers.

Is Roanoke or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Families?

Roanoke
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Roanoke or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Roanoke offers lots of family activities. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. While many of the hikes in the park are challenging for kids, there are still some great options for those with little legs. Manzanita Lake Trail is less than two miles and makes a great introductory hike. Bumpass Hell Trail is three miles, and it's a highlight of any trip to the park.

Is Roanoke or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Couples?

Roanoke
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

With fun activities for couples, both Roanoke and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park make for a excellent place to visit.

Roanoke is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting makes a romantic backdrop for those who enjoy hiking and outdoor adventures. You can go kayaking or river rafting during the day and then enjoy stargazing at night.


Is Roanoke or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Roanoke
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a great park for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. There is a large backcountry area which offers a unique hiking and camping experience. You'll need to purchase permits before your trip.

Roanoke is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

Is Roanoke or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Roanoke
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Roanoke is a moderate town for its public transit. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

Public transit is quite limited in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. There is no public transportation in the park.

Is Roanoke or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park a more walkable city?

Roanoke
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Roanoke is a moderate town for its walkability. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for its high level of walkability.

Roanoke is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a very walkable town. The park is large, so to efficiently access the different hiking trails you'll need to have a car.


For even more information, also check out Is Roanoke Worth Visiting? and Is Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park or Roanoke?

How long in Roanoke or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Roanoke and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. In our opinion, Roanoke has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Roanoke than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Roanoke, and 2-3 days is enough time in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Families should spend more time in Roanoke than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Roanoke, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Roanoke than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Roanoke that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Roanoke than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Roanoke.


  • How many days in Roanoke or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Roanoke 1-3 
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 2-3

One day in Roanoke or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

In Roanoke, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Roanoke or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Roanoke, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. In Roanoke, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this laid back destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park has to offer.

Five days in Roanoke or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the town of Roanoke. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Roanoke or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Roanoke is a popular choice for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park or Roanoke?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Roanoke is $164, while the average daily cost in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is $126. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Roanoke and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Roanoke $96
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Roanoke $192
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $124
Compare Hotels in Roanoke and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Looking for a hotel in Roanoke or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Roanoke


Hotels in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Roanoke Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Roanoke $23
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $56

Is it cheaper to fly into Roanoke or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Prices for flights to both Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Roanoke change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Roanoke $48
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Roanoke

For Roanoke, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Roanoke Ebike Food Tour: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Roanoke $35
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $21

Tours and Activities in Roanoke

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Roanoke.

  • Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia Audio Driving Tour: $9.99
  • Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia) Driving Tour with Audio Guide: $9.99
  • Blue Ridge Parkway – Driving Audio Tour (Roanoke ↔ Afton): $12
  • Blue Ridge Parkway (Roanoke to Afton) Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Roanoke Downtown Food and Cultural Tour: $78
  • Roanoke Holiday Season E-Bike Tour: $92
  • 3-Hour E-Bike Sightseeing and Breweries Tour in Roanoke: $109
  • Mountain Bike Tour from The Roanoke Star: $139

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Roanoke $30
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $19


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Roanoke and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, we can see that Roanoke is more expensive. And not only is Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Roanoke would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Roanoke than you might in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Roanoke Expensive? and Is Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Roanoke or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Roanoke or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the Summer?

Both Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Roanoke during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Roanoke in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Roanoke is around the same temperature as Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Roanoke in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park averages at about 83°F (29°C).

In Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Roanoke. In the summer, Roanoke often gets less sunshine than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Roanoke gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 436 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. Roanoke usually gets more rain in July than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Roanoke gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Roanoke 79°F (26°C) 
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 83°F (29°C)

Should I visit Roanoke or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Roanoke and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Most visitors come to Roanoke for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Roanoke is generally cooler than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Daily temperatures in Roanoke average around 60°F (16°C), and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park fluctuates around 66°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park this time of the year. In Roanoke, it's very sunny this time of the year. Roanoke usually receives less sunshine than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park during autumn. Roanoke gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 284 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Roanoke usually receives more rain than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Roanoke gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 1.5 inches (37 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Roanoke 60°F (16°C) 
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 66°F (19°C)

Should I visit Roanoke or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Roanoke as well as Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. The winter months attract visitors to Roanoke because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park this time of year.

The weather in Roanoke can be very cold. Roanoke is much colder than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Roanoke averages around 38°F (3°C) in January, and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park fluctuates around 47°F (9°C).

In the winter, Roanoke often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Roanoke gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 162 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Roanoke usually gets less rain in January than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Roanoke gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Roanoke 38°F (3°C) 
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 47°F (9°C)

Should I visit Roanoke or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the Spring?

Both Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Roanoke are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Roanoke is around the same temperature as Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Roanoke in April average around 59°F (15°C), and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park averages at about 60°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. Roanoke usually receives less sunshine than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park during spring. Roanoke gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 329 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Roanoke usually receives more rain than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Roanoke gets 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 1.4 inches (35 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Roanoke 59°F (15°C) 
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 60°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Roanoke

Roanoke Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 38°F (3°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 47°F (9°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Feb 41°F (5°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 60°F (16°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 69°F (21°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (88 mm) 78°F (25°C) 0.4 inches (11 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 83°F (29°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 81°F (27°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 76°F (25°C) 0.6 inches (16 mm)
Oct 60°F (16°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 66°F (19°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Nov 51°F (11°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Dec 42°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (88 mm)


Related Articles for Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park