Lassen National Park is part
of
the Ring of Fire - an area of volcanic activity circling the
Pacific.
Lassen alone has more than thirty volcanic domes within its park
boundaries. And if visitors need any additional reminders that the
earth can breathe fire, they can small the sulfurous gases rising from
Lassen's belching mud pots, fumaroles and other hydrothermic
features.
May
22, 1915 is the date of the last major volcanic eruption at
Lassen. Lassen Peak blew open, raining ash over northern
Califorrnia. Rivers of lava flowed down the mountain's
northeastern
side. Photographer B. F. Loomis recorded the eruption on
photographic plates, and his work helped Lassen gain national park
status in
1916.
Although there are still signs of devestation caused by the
volcanic eruptions, Lassen National Park is also about
regeneration. Mountain hemlock, Jeffrey pines and wild- flowers
thrive
in rich soil that was once hot lava.
HIKING
Lassen has over 150 miles of hiking
trails. For the curious, the names of the trails alone are a
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| draw. How can
they resist exploring
Bumpass Hell, Boiling
Springs
Lake or Chaos Jumbles? Seventeen miles of the Pacific Crest Trail
also run through Lassen. |
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WHEN TO VISIT
Due to its high elevation and proximity to the Pacific, snow comes
early to Lassen National Park. The main park road is normally
open only until the end of October. But that doesn't mean
that the park is off limits in winter. The road from the park's
south entrance is plowed to the Lassen Chalet parking lot (the chalet
was demolished in 2005 to make way for a future visitor center).
From the parking lot, visitors can snowshoe, sled or cross-country ski.
WHERE TO STAY
IN THE PARK
Drakesbad
Guest Lodge
Located in the park, this rustic lodge is on the National Historic
Register.
Campgrounds
Lassen has 12 campgrounds (including group and horse corrals) open
during summer months.
OUTSIDE THE PARK
Bidwell
Bed
and Breakfast
Westin
House
Bed and Breakfast
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