Last Night in Lassen

Last Night in Lassen

On July 21, 2017

After our hike of Cinder Cone Volcano, we drove from Butte Lake camping area in the northeast corner of the park to Manzanita Lake campground in the northwest corner. In Manzanita Lake, we were able to shower, do a load of laundry, and eat dinner before heading out for a sunset hike around Manzanita Lake.

A lesson was learned this evening. When camping, if you have a chance to wash clothes, take it. You never know if laundry facilities will be available or working at your next location. The advertised laundry facilities were secured at Crater Lake for water conservation. Needless to say, by the end of the trip, freshy-fresh clothes were a privilege.

Also, Fiona and I worked on our rap album while walking around the lake. Be on the lookout for our album: “Two White Girls Who Rap Like White Girls”. Our picture is on the cover.

Hiking Cinder Cone

By wabisabisole

On July 19, 2017

In Cinder Cone Volcano, Japan, Lassen National Park

The second night in Lassen National Park, we stayed the far northeast corner at the Butte Lake campground. To access the campground, we drove down a long gravel road. In the RV, it defined a bumpy, country road.

The campground was secluded and quiet. Without the city lights, sky looked like a planetarium.

We woke early Wednesday morning to hike Cinder Cone Volcano. We wanted to start early because there is very little shade on the volcano. The trail leading up to the volcano was black sand and surrounded by tall pine trees.

The sand challenged our glutes and calf muscles and the trees provided delightful shade.

Also along the hike to the volcano, we had an upclose view of the Fantastic Lava Beds. The Fantastic Lava Beds formed when Lava seeped out the sides of the volcano and then cooled. The rocks were impressive.

The hike up the volcano reached a 45 degree angle.

Despite being a relatively short hike, it was strenuous.

From the top, we had views of the Cinder Cone Caldera, the Fantastic Lava Fields, and Mount Lassen.

We hiked down into the caldera of the volcano because we could!

It was no small accomplishment to reach the top. Especially considering the angle and lava rock path!

The highlight on the way down was playing “what are the odds” with Fiona. She lost and had to balance a pine cone on her head!

Southwest Lassen

By wabisabisole

On July 16, 2017

In Japan, Lassen National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in the Northeast corner of California. The park contains all four types of volcanoes – shield, composite, cinder cone, and plug dome. The largest volcano in the park is Lassen Peak. Lassen is also one of the largest plug dome volcanoes in the world. The last eruptions were between 1914 and 1921. We were able to visit the park between 7/10-7/12. The first night we stayed in the southwest part of the park.

We made a brief stop the first morning at Sulphur Works. Here we could view sulphur springs, fumerole, and a mudpot. A fumerole is created when the sulphur gas escapes the Earth’s surface. Here is a picture of the suphlur springs and fumerole. The steam was difficult to capture. Here is a picture of the mudpot.

I took a picture of the recipe card. Kawaii!

The park receives significant amounts of snowfall every year causing many roads and trails throughout the park to be closed during the winter. This past winter, the late season storms generated so much snow the main road through the park, Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway, remains closed. The park estimates they will be able to clear the 50 feet of snow covering the roads by August. This amount of snow and delay hasn’t been seen for at least 50 years.

We were able to drive up to Bumpass and park the rig. The Bumpass Trail remains closed because of snow. Instead, we walked up to the point where they were still clearing the road. The snow lining the roads was spectacular!

After lunch, we went for an afternoon hike to Mill Creek Falls. The hike was highlighted with beautiful terrain, wild flower fields, and views of Lassen Peak.
The falls were serene and beautiful.