We continued our journey through the "ring of fire" zone of southern Oregon and northern California where the landscape has been shaped by many extinct, dormant, and active volcanoes. These majestic giants appear serene and beautiful in the distance, yet they harbor an explosive force that, when released, can drastically change the surrounding landscape.
South of Crater Lake, we came across an area that was dramatically re-shaped by volcanic forces over the centuries. Mounds of lava rocks and what appeared to be cave openings caught our eye as we entered ...
Lava Beds National Monument
Eruptions 30,000+ years ago opened up the earth in this area of northern California, and the resulting flow of lava created numerous lava tube caves. The Modoc Nation called this area "the land of burnt-out fires" and considered it to be a sacred landscape. They lived on the nearby lands and at times took refuge in the caves. Sadly, this Native American community was forced off the land during a war in 1872. Today, this hallowed land is being preserved as Lava Beds National Monument.
After stopping at the Visitor Center and getting a brief orientation, we were given a permit that allowed us to freely explore the wonders that lie underground ... the lava tube caves.
With over 900 caves in the area, the park service has made a small number of these caves accessible for visitors to explore. The caves are labeled as easy, moderate, or difficult.
I thought that it was best for us to check out the easier ones that didn't require hard hats or crawling through narrow spaces on our hands and knees. Equipped with our flashlights, we enjoyed the underground beauty of Golden Dome, Sunshine, and Sentinel Caves
... and continue to marvel at the amazing creative works of art that volcanoes produce.
From there it was on to visit our 52nd national park ...
Lassen Volcanic National Park
She lays there quietly;
Beautiful in her slumber;
But can awake at any moment with a fiery blast.
The view across Manzanita Lake looks so serene and beautiful today. Yet, in May 1914, Lassen Peak awoke from a 27,000 year long "nap" with powerful and violent eruptions that re-shaped the surrounding landscape. This forceful act of nature was captured on film by Benjamin F. Loomis, and for the first time, citizens around the country could witness nature's creative and destructive forces.
Named Kohm Yah-Mah-Nee or "Snow Mountain" by the early Native American inhabitants, Lassen Peak is the star of this national park. But Lassen Peak is not the only volcano in this park. This plug dome volcano is surrounded by the three other types of volcanoes ... shield, composite, and cinder cone, making this a geologist's paradise.
But as we found, the beautiful rocky terrain that these volcanoes produce also makes this a hiker's paradise.
During our first night's stay at Manzanita Lake Campground, we were able to take the trail around Manzanita Lake for our first view of the slumbering giant.
The next morning we drove the 33-mile Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway that encircles Lassen Peak. It is the easiest way to see some of the park's features and access many of the most popular trails.
Our first stop was at King's Creek Falls Trailhead. Unfortunately, this section of the park was scarred by wildfires a few years back,
but, happily, they couldn't steal the waterfall's natural beauty.
Another must-see feature of the park is the section that makes this park a "mini Yellowstone". Bumpass Hell Trail highlights some of the many hydrothermal features of this park. The boiling mudpots, steaming ground, roaring fumaroles, and sulfurous gases found here are a result of the groundwater that is heated by the molten rock just below the surface.
Today there is a boardwalk to protect visitors. But back in 1860, Kendall Bumpass was not so lucky. He discovered this area, unfortunately, by stepping into one of the hot spots and severely burning his leg. I wouldn't recommend that as a way to get a national park trail named after you.
At the other end of the 33-mile Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway is the Kohn Yah-Mah-Nee Visitors Center. Here we found a fun feature that we wish other national parks would embrace. The park allowed us to boondock in their parking lot overnight for just $10 (or half price with our "Senior" pass).
We enjoyed the peaceful surroundings as we rested up for the "crown jewel" of Lassen hikes ... the 2.5-mile, 2000 foot climb up to the summit of Lassen Peak.
Starting early the next morning, the temps were still pleasant, but the ascent began fairly quickly.
The views of the park below soon rewarded us for our efforts.
I was quite happy to see the "you're almost there" sign,
... and very relieved to be able to pose for our "summit photo" at the top,
... while we savored the views of nature's explosive masterpiece known as Lassen Volcanic National Park.
