Lassen Peak (10,457') and More!

Hikes to Do in Northern California: 

1. Lassen Peak Via Lassen Peak
Stats: 

Category: Strenuous 
Miles: 5
Elevation Gain: 2000' 
Location: Lassen Volcanic National Park 
Directions: Trailhead: http://goo.gl/maps/zzNgD

Description: Lassen Peak, a huge stratovolcano at 10,457' is the highest point in famous Lassen Volcanic National Park and a classic California peak.  You can consider this peak the southernmost of the Cascade Mountain Range or the end of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.  This mountain;s last eruption was in May of 1915, and it could still blow again at any time.  Before it does blow again, HIKE IT!  It is a very steep climb of 2000' in 2.5 miles and switchbacks right up the mountainside.  You start in a sub-alpine forest  emerge past the treeline at 9500', cross over large permanent snow fields until the last 200' in a Class 2 scrabble to the summit.   From the summit, are views of the entire National Park in its full splendor, a volcanic devastated area, the summit crater, the Central Valley, The Sierras, Coast Ranges, and finally picturesque 14,162' Mount Shasta with its glaciers dominating the northern skyline.  Currently the NPS ONLY opens the peak trail for about 14 days per year in the summer between Memorial and Labor Day weekends.  Check Lassen NP website for details. 

The Trail: From the parking lot you begin climbing up the trail.  At the end of the first switchback, an Interpretive Site appears, heeding you to stay on the trail.  Numerous Interpretive Sites like this line the trail every half mile or so, until near the summit and are very educational.  Pass through the beautiful sub alpine forest mainly composed of Lodgepole pines and spruce. Soon you will receive great views of Lake Helen and stunning Brokeoff Mountain, which was once part of 11,500' Mt. Tehema (once a giant volcano).  This is a very high and windy trail, so soon you might want to put on an extra layer, even in the summer. Soon you leave the trees behind as you bench 9500', and the snow fields in the Lassen Bowl (looks similar the to Baldy bowl in So Cal), begin to show themselves.  I counted about 8 or 9 during the entire hike that I took in September .  You will wind over and over again over the rocky mountain, passing scores of chipmunks, until you arrive at the last Interpretive Site near the top of Mount Lassen.  Read the interesting signs and descend into Lassen Peak's largest permanent snow field and carefully cross the snow and its creek and follow a faint climber's path to the summit, traveling the last 200' in an extremely steep

Class 2 Rock Scramble.  Allow at least 3 hours for the entire trip.  And be careful in was in the high 30's-50 F with 20 MPH winds 35 MPH Gusts almost the whole time for me on Labor Day.  Thank you Creator for his stunning scenery and return back the way you came, or explore the summit crater and jumble of volcanic rocks, which resemble the rocks of Mordor.

THANK YOU LORD, HAVE MERCY ON US!!!  BLESSED MOTHER, PRAY FOR US!!!  
Shasta County High Point, 


        

2. Bumpass Hell Geysers
Stats: 

Category: Easy
Miles: 3
Elevation Gain: 500'
Location:  Lassen Volcanic National Park
Directions:  http://goo.gl/maps/LUt1e

Description: In the opinion of many Lassen Volcanic National Park is West Coast's version of Yellowstone.  Cold and long winters burden the park each year dumping over 40' of snow.  Wildlife abounds, and endless conifer forests surround the area.  Perhaps Lassen  is most like Yellowstone inasmuch that it shares in similar geological features.  Nowhere is this more pronounced than in the geysers and hot springs of Bumpass Hell, near the heart of the park.  The world's largest non-lava volcano is there, making this a popular for old and young alike.  If you go to Lassen, and can't climb Lassen Peak or another high summit, that these geysers are for you.  

The Trail: You begin near the parking lot on a stony trail  slowly gaining elevation, with breathtaking views of Brokeoff Mountain and ancient Mt Tehema.  You travel throught this beautiful park of creation and after a mile you get your first views of the Geyser Basin, if you have bad knees or don't want to take the grueling trail back up this is a great place to views the geysers and turn back.  If you can make it, GO!  Walk down the steep trail until you are level with the geyser basin.  DO NOT Touch the boiling river or the mud.  Although the water in the creek is not always hot, the mud and soot contains minerals which can damage your body. Stay on the boardwalks and enjoy this stunning addition to Our Good Lord's Creation!     

Mary, Refuge of Sinners, Pray For Us!  
    Shasta County   Pictures from Wikipedia 

3. Lady Bird Grove of Giant Redwoods

Stats: 

Category: Easy

Miles: 1.5 Loop

Gain: 25' 

Location: Redwood National Park

Directions:  http://goo.gl/maps/Zr5Al

  

Description: A wonderful stroll throughout of God's most striking members of creation, the tallest living thing on earth- the Coast Redwood.  Take a stroll back through time among these sleeping giants and enjoy this unique specimen of creation.  Benches and extensions are both available. 

The Trail:  Cross a bridge over Bald Hills road and begin your saunter through the Redwoods, stopping to savor in God's majesty.  This is one of the most used trails in the park, and you probably won't have the trail all to yourself.  After about a mile there is a trail split and you can make this an extension.  After your loop, you can return to your car.    

Our Lady of the Forest, Pray For Us!   Humboldt  County