A quick trip through Lassen Volcanic National Park

[DirtyDog]

I had never been to Lassen Volcanic National Park so I spent two days there on my way back from the pork rally. The park was fantastic and the timing perfect. Mid-October and there were few people there visiting and the weather was still great.

I started by driving into the Juniper Lake area in the SE part of the park. The road to Juniper lake had a lot of washboard and this is definitely the most difficult to access part of the park. Juniper Lake Campground has a couple group sites with some separation from the main campground and could potentially be a good spot for rally:

Proceeded to the main part of the park and hit the usual suspects. Sulphur Works:

Bumpass Hell - really enjoyed this spot!

 

[DirtyDog]

That night I camped at Summit Lake South Campground where I ran across billr and his wife:

Great to meet you guys!

Summit Lake:

Loomis Museum Seismograph:

 

[DirtyDog]

I had hoped to climb Lassen Peak but the trail was closed so I drove to the NE corner of the park to check out Butte Lake Campground and hike the Cinder Cone Trail. Butte Lake:

Hiking up the cinder cone was one of the most difficult thinks I have ever done. I was humbled when I got to the top and there were a couple old ladies up there

Looking down at the Fantastic Lava Beds and Painted Dunes:

 

[DirtyDog]

I really dug my time here and look forward to visiting the park again. There are over 150 miles in the trail and I'm pretty eager to explore them all.

Well fellow wanderers, we just had our first snow of the year and my season has likely come to a close. It was great to meet everyone at the various rallys!

 

[Dughlas Stiubhart]

I really dug my time here and look forward to visiting the park again. There are over 150 miles in the trail and I'm pretty eager to explore them all.

Well fellow wanderers, we just had our first snow of the year and my season has likely come to a close. It was great to meet everyone at the various rallys!


Yes, Lassen is a great place but don't let a little snow keep you away

It was great to meet you, DD, and SimiMike in Utah, and later Mr & Mrs Ski3pin in Colorado at our 2010 mini-rallys.

Stew

 

[craig333]

I know a lot of people prefer to camp away from the crowds, but theres a good reason for our state campgrounds and national parks. Lassen is my personal favorite. And even midsummer you don't need reservations.

 

[Overland Hadley]

Looks like a great place.

I am still a bit bummed that I did not stop when I was out that way. In a hurry to get someplace else.

 

[ntsqd]

Whenever I'm in that part of the State a stop at McArthur-Burney Falls is almost mandatory for any of my family. I have seen it change over the years and it never fails to leave an impression on me.

 

[DLN]

We spent 3 nights at Burney Falls in September and really enjoyed it. We were working our way back home from Fowler's Camp Campground on the McCloud River. Great spot to explore the river and the three waterfalls that are within about a mile of camp. If you're ever in the area it's well worth a night or two.

 

[DirtyDog]

I hit Burney Falls about 5 or 6 years ago. I noticed that some of the campgrounds at Lassen had notices that there had been Burglaries at Burney recently.

 

[DLN]

We got the same warnings from the park people when we checked in so we kept things fairly secure. It was real strange having to be concerned about theft in a state park. Too bad a few low lifes can affect the rest of us so much.

 

[ski3pin]

DD, thanks for the report! There are so many neat areas to explore in Lassen. And, as Stew says, don't let a little snow keep you away!

 

[Dughlas Stiubhart]

DD, thanks for the report! There are so many neat areas to explore in Lassen. And, as Stew says, don't let a little snow keep you away!


Yes, there are many things to see and do at Mount Lassen in winter!

 

[DirtyDog]

Yes, there are many things to see and do at Mount Lassen in winter!


That looks like a great experience Stew! Unfortunately, I'm not much of a winter mountaineer. Maybe you could come out and show me how it's done?

 

[Dughlas Stiubhart]

That looks like a great experience Stew! Unfortunately, I'm not much of a winter mountaineer. Maybe you could come out and show me how it's done?


Well, DD, you could just go for a snowshoe or a ski along the Lassen Park Road. No need to go all the way to the top.