Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Peak



Lassen Peak, located in northern California, erupted sporadically for three years beginning in 1914. Congress made this area a National Park in 1916. We spent three of our days off exploring this unique area.

Lassen Peak provides a lovely backdrop for Lake Helen at elevation 8500. Lassen, at 10,457 feet, is one of the world's largest plugged dome volcanoes.

After touring most of the paved park roads we started hiking at a three mile trail named Bumpass Hell. This trail is a good example of what we call a high value hike.

This popular trail follows the edge of a ridge with grand vistas the entire way.

The trail drops into a hydrothermal basin where you see and smell mudpots and fumaroles.

This trail is named after Kendall Bumpass who worked in the area in the 1860's. He thought he might buy the land and turn it into a profitable attraction.

One day while out with tourists his leg broke through the thin crust and was badly scalded. He later lost the leg along with his dreams. Thankfully, the National Park built boardwalks.

Picnic at Lake Helen

This feature, named Sulphur Works, is right by the edge of the road. It reminded us of Yellowstone National Park.

In the afternoon we entered the park from Chester on the south side. This road into Warner Valley is 17 miles. The last two miles are gravel. Warner Valley is a little visited area of Lassen. There are several trails in Warner Valley. We chose the trail to Boiling Springs Lake. The trail begins at a creek crossing and follows a beautiful meadow filled with wild flowers.

Boiling Springs Lake doesn't have boardwalks or interpretive signs. This is an opportunity to see hot springs, mudpots, and fumaroles in a natural setting.

The lake has an average temperature of 125 degrees. The western end of the lake can be much hotter due to hydrothermal activity.

I'm in Hot Water!

We spent the night at the Historic Bidwell Bed and Breakfast in the town of Chester.

This Bed and Breakfast has 14 rooms each with a different theme. We stayed in the Old Glory Room. It was decked out in a patriotic theme of red, white and blue.

View from the back porch

The next morning we entered the Park from the north side. We followed a gravel road eight miles to Butte Lake Campground and the Cinder Cone Trail head.

The first mile and a half of this trail follows the edge of the Fantastic Lava Beds to the base of the cinder cone.

It's a 30% grade to the top. Walking up the cinder cone was like walking in sand. For every three steps up you slide back one. This trail has an 846 foot elevation gain.

We Made It!

What a View and Windy Too