KatherineBookPersonal Note: The west coast has been on my mind and I decided it was time to expand my blog from the southeast to highlight an amazing region that is currently suffering. Wildfires are affecting this area at a rate never seen before. Friends are sharing photos of a red sky, views obscured by smoke, and are reporting air quality so poor that they can not spend any time outdoors. I’m thinking of the people who’ve lost their lives and their homes, the wildlife, and this beautiful environment. I want these posts to be a reminder of how valuable this planet is and how vital it is that we protect it. We can not continue to ignore climate change.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is truly unique. Here you can find clear lakes, steaming fumaroles, a cinder cone, and less crowds than some of the other popular national parks. While less crowded, it is no less beautiful.
Bumpass Hell Trail: 3 mile trail worth hiking. It takes you to some of the unique volcanic features of the park (gallery below):
Cinder cone hike: only 4 miles round trip but extremely challenging with elevation and difficult terrain-worth it!! Start from the Butte Lake parking area. Gallery below:
Kings Creek Falls Trail: 3 mile loop, gorgeous, peaceful. I did this hike later in the day and passed almost no one. I didn’t really take pictures (just the one below along the way), but just enjoyed the nature. I highly recommend this trail.
Lodging: We really enjoyed our night’s stay at the Manzanita Lake campground. We rented a rustic cabin (no electricity, restrooms located in campground) and had a bonfire, grilled out, and enjoyed the background lake setting and peace and quiet.
