Lassen Volcanic National Park
The Most Underrated National Park.
Oh Lassen …….where should I begin?
Let’s start from the beginning shall we. I had never really explored the remote regions of Northern California actually I have never explored Northern California at all. Then one day reading a list of all the National Parks I came across Lassen Volcanic National Park. It was close enough to drive in a day. So I did very little research before deciding let’s go there. I looked ahead to make sure the roads were open in the Park and off I went. I checked the road status to make sure there were no active forest fires as well as to make sure snow had not yet closed the roads. The Peak of Lassen sits at 10,475 feet, while the valleys in around the rest of the park can range from 5,900 to 8,200 feet in elevation. Due to the high elevations you should always check the road conditions before you head out, even in the summertime.
** Quick Fact Lake Helen with its gorgeous view of Lassen Peak sits at an elevation of 8,200 feet, it receives 600-700 inches of snow a year. This makes it the snowiest place in all of California. One more gentle reminder, call ahead for road conditions.
Arriving at the Manzanita Lake Campground after a long day of diving from Portland, we quickly set up camp then headed off to see what we could before sunset. Here on the northern side of the Park, Manzanita Lake was an easy access and we had no problem with the 1.5 mile loop trail. This was a great place to explore an easy trail, stretch out our legs, and take in the tranquil lake as the sun started to set.
Manzanita Lake
The following morning was very chilly and we decided to get the day started with a fire. By that I mean we hopped in Suby, turned on the heater then took the drive on the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Highway (Hwy 89) which runs through the park. We bypassed all attractions and pullouts and continued to the south entrance of the park. The south side entrance area is home to the Kohm Yah-mah-nee visitor center. By the time we reached the visitor center the sun was out and the outside temps had reached a more manageable level (33°). Though we arrived too early and the visitor center had not yet opened, we did get the chance to stand close to the entrance and pirate off the WIFI. After checking the phones, which as I write this it sounds lame, we returned to the car and headed North.
On this visit some of the areas were closed for maintenance, this made picking which sites to see rather easy. First stop was at Sulphur Works. Sulphur Works has the easiest access to a viewing site that I have ever experienced. You simply find the parking spot and then start walking the sidewalk along the highway. Easy. This Hydrothermal area has steam vents and volcanic gas vents called fumaroles on either side of the highway. The sulfur smell is strong and I’m mesmerized watching the earth’s naturally bubbling pots of volcanic gas and steam. I find this to be a cool image I’ve saved as a memory and realize that this planet is alive.
Steam Vent
Next stop was at the Bumpass Hell trail head. Today we would have to take the 3 mile loop trail due to the 7 mile trail entrance being closed for maintenance. The Bumpass Hell trail is the largest hydrothermal area in the park and it's only open from June-ish through October. This 3 mile hike was easy with a few moderate hills and rocky areas. The trail also takes you along a boardwalk that leads along many fumaroles and turquoise pools. It was a wonderful day along this hike. We had a lovely picnic with a clear view of Lassen Peak and then lazily took many little paths to many different viewpoints of this 16-acre basin. Not in a hurry to leave Bumpass Hell, we opted not to explore more of the park on this day. Choosing instead to actually relax and take in the fact that this planet is a living thing.
Continuing northward from Bumpass Hell on the highway the final stop of this day was at the Lake Helen viewpoint. Lake Helen is a lovely glacial lake with an unhampered view of Lassen Peak. The water in this lake is crystal clear and today it offers a dazzling mirrored effect of the peak.
We will be leaving the park in the morning and now know we should have planned for one additional day here. I think a longer weekend trip would have been more suited, then there may have been more time for the Ridge Lakes Trail and the Cinder Cone Trail. I have no future plans to be back in this remote part of California but I have learned in my years is to never say never about anything. So let me add this……cheers and until next time Lassen.
Tips:
1. Cell service is extremely limited in the Park. Download any needed map/trail before arrival.
2. Gas is available at the Manzanita Lake Store, hours and season dependent. Other gas options are to fill up in the towns of Redding, Red Bluff, Shingletown, or Susanville before heading to the Park.
3. Pets are not allowed on any trails even with a leash. This is for the safety of the wildlife and the safety of your pet as well. This hydrothermal area poses great harm to pets. Pets can be on a leash anywhere cars are allowed.
4. Entrance Fee $25 for 7 consecutive days.
Though remote, Lassen is accessible if you like road trips like I do.
From:
Portland, OR 7 hours
San Francisco, CA 4.5 hours
Sacramento, CA 3 hours
Surrounding Attractions
The “Stand By Me” bridge. 20 miles north of the Park.
Burney Falls. 6 minutes from the “Stand By Me” bridge.
