Northern Mountains - California - page 676

steamy mud pots, noxious sulfur vents, fumaroles, lava flows, cinder cones, craters and
crater lakes.
In earlier times the region was a summer encampment and meeting point for Native
American tribes - namely the Atsugewi, Yana, Yahi and Maidu. They hunted deer and
gathered plants for basket-making here. Some indigenous people still live nearby and work
closely with the park to help educate visitors on their ancient history and contemporary
culture.
Sights & Activities
Lassen Peak , the world's largest plug-dome volcano, rises 2000ft over the surrounding
landscape to 10,457ft above sea level. Classified as an active volcano, its most recent erup-
tion was in 1917, when it spewed a giant cloud of smoke, steam and ash 7 miles into the
atmosphere. The national park was created the following year to protect the newly formed
landscape. Some areas destroyed by the blast, including the aptly named Devastated Area
northeast of the peak, are recovering impressively.
Hwy 89, the road through the park, wraps around Lassen Peak on three sides and
provides access to dramatic geothermal formations, pure lakes, gorgeous picnic areas and
remote hiking trails.
In total, the park has 150 miles of hiking trails , including a 17-mile section of the Pa-
cific Crest Trail. Experienced hikers can attack the Lassen Peak Trail ; it takes at least 4½
hours to make the 5-mile round trip but the first 1.3 miles up to the Grandview viewpoint
are suitable for families. The 360-degree view from the top is stunning, even if the weather
is a bit hazy. Early in the season you'll need snow and ice-climbing equipment to reach the
summit. Near the Kom Yah-mah-nee visitor facility, a gentler 2.3-mile trail leads through
meadows and forest to Mill Creek Falls . Further north on Hwy 89 you'll recognize the
roadside sulfur works by its bubbling mud pots, hissing steam vent, fountains and fumar-
oles. At Bumpass Hell a moderate 1.5-mile trail and boardwalk lead to an active geo-
thermal area, with bizarrely colored pools and billowing clouds of steam.
The road and trails wind through cinder cones, lava and lush alpine glades, with views
of Juniper Lake, Snag Lake and the plains beyond. Most of the lakes at higher elevations
remain partially and beautifully frozen in summer. Leave time to fish, swim or boat on
Manzanita Lake , a slightly lower emerald gem near the northern entrance.