Lassen Volcanic National Park – Gentler Version

On Memorial Day, 1914, after centuries of slumber, Lassen Peak, southernmost of the mighty Cascades volcanoes, awakened with a ferocity not unlike that replicated some 66 years later by its sister peak to the north-Mount Saint Helens. About a year later, after a period of sustained activity, Lassen blew its top, tossing 20-ton boulders about like pebbles, some of which landed in the distant streets of Reno to the east. Smaller eruptions continued for the next seven years leaving the landscape littered to this day with volcanic debris.

Though Lassen once again sleeps, the region remains as one of our youngest active volcanoes. Today, Lassen Peak, its extensive adjacent collection of geothermal features, its volcanic moonscape surrounded by lush coniferous forests and countless, glustening high country lakes, have found protection within the parameters of Lassen Volcanic National Park. The message of this Park is clear- our planet is alive; its surface may be quiet, but it’s profound energy bubbles within. Lassen’s numerous fumaroles and mud pots offer concincing evidence of this geothermal presence.

For this version of our Lassen Volcanic National Park Tour we will shorten the hikes a bit and add some unique features. We’ll assemble in Reno, and van shuttle early morning of Day 1 to the Drakesbad region of the park. We’ll spend the afternoon exploring the Warner Valley region with its bubbling hot springs, lush meadows, and secluded lakes. We’ll climb moderately from the valley and visit Devil’s Kitchen (5 miles). We’ll then head to Chester and our first of two overnights at the Rose Quartz Inn. We’re headed for Lassen’s south entrance on Day 2 and an engagement with Brokeoff Mountain in the context of what many consider to be Lassen’s finest hike. From the summit, the views of Lassen Peak are without equal (7.5 miles).

Following a second night in Chester, we’ll return to the park and the Kings Creek Trailhead for a loop hike that includes Sifford Lakes, Bench Lake and Kings Creek Falls, (4.1 miles). There will be a chance to explore Sulphur Works on the way to a night at the Childs Meadow Resort where we promise one of the best home-cooked meals you’ve ever experienced.

Our first destination on Day 4 is Bumpass Hell where you see geology in action with boiling springs and mud pots, hissing steam vents, and roaring fumaroles (3 miles). After a picnic along the shores of Lake Helen we will enjoy another, mostly downhill, point to point hike. We start with an option to explore Terrace Lake and Shadow lake before heading downhill through Paradise Meadows and along cascading Hat Creek to the Hat Creek Trailhead. (2.8 – 4 miles) We’ll then head to the park’s western entrance and the Manzanita Lake Museum and Visitor Center on the way to Shingletown, where we’ll spend our final two overnights.

On Day 5, we’ll climb Lassen to its spectacular 10,457 -foot crest along a trail that is well maintained and non-technical. From the summit the views of Mt. Shasta to the northwest and the Devastated Area on the slopes of Lassen itself are breathtaking (5 miles). There will still be time to explore Summit Lake before we head back to enjoy our resort. On Day 6, we’re headed back to Reno by way of the park’s far northeastern corner on the shores of Butte Lake for a memorable encounter with awesome Cinder Cone. What a way to end our week in Lassen! (5 miles)