Days 9 and 10 were all about Lassen Volcanic National Park, and it was a stunning place. Awesome views, alien landscapes, new animals, intense heat, snow patches, and lots of hiking. We camped out in the park last night, but spent most of the days traveling to various areas within it exploring, hiking, and learning the history of this harsh and beautiful environment.
Lassen Peak from maybe 30 or 40 miles
The first spot we hit was called "Devastated Area" named after the fact that when Lassen Peak erupted in 1915, boulders were blown from the top to points many miles away and avalanches of molten rocks and snow flowed down the mountain, completely leveling the forest in its path.
This boulder formed 27,000 years ago when Lassen first erupted, but was sent to this spot (miles away from the mountain) during the eruption of 1915
All these giant boulders were sent flying down the mountain and ended up where they now rest. The one above is known as "hot rock" because when it was found 3 days after the eruption, it was still hot to the touch.
Remnants of a forest fire. It's a very dry place.
After Devastated Area, we took a walk along King's Creek. It was lush and green with a creek hidden between patches of moist grass.
Grace thought these mossy branches looked like furry green fingers
King's Creek was gorgeous and provides relief from the hot and dry climate
G enjoying King's Creek Falls
King's Creek Falls
After the creek we went searching for Bumpass Hell, but we stopped by Lassen Peak for what we thought would be a quick jaunt because the trail was only partially open; you couldn't get to the top of the peak. It turned out that 1.3 miles goes pretty far when its ascending, and the elevation/heat really took a lot out of us. We got very high up the mountain, and the views were absolutely incredible.
We were the only people on the mountain. The other people there were playing in the snow.
We thought it was going to end at the sign post...
We climbed up Lassen Peak in sandals... not the best footwear for the task... But the snow felt really good in the heat.
The view was panoramic and majestic
Our camper van from the highest point we climbed. The van has been flawless the entire trip; thank you so much Grandpa and Grandma Smith for letting us use it!
My shirt was soaked, had to remove it.
Really gross, fat flies
We went back to our camping spot in the heart of the park. We skipped dinner because we were so tired. We got a great fire going and I enjoyed some excellent pipe tobacco, a gift from one of my dearest friends, Chris.
G roasted a few marshmallows for dinner. I didn't partake; I was too exhausted to eat...
It was really roaring at this point!
The next morning (Day Ten) we stopped by Lake Helena for oatmeal and coffee. The lake was like a mirror and it was completely silent except for one lonesome frog...
This spider was as big as a quarter and was hanging out by the hand sanitizer dispenser in the bathroom at Lake Helena. This one's for you mom... ;)
Next we headed out for Bumpass Hell. This area is located above a bed of magma and you can tell that it's restless under there... It's named after a guy named Bumpass who was walking along the boardwalk many years ago. The board gave way and his leg went straight into the boiling water, coming out severely burned. This place is intense... The smell of sulphur was extremely powerful and the look of it was like nothing I've ever experienced before... The water was milky gray, boiling, gurgling and splashing around, there was steam shooting out of the ground in places, and the ground was very clay-like.
Don't fall in there...
Gurgling, boiling hot sulphur water; a bubble about to burst.
One of the coolest places we've seen so far.
This was amazing; the dark colored stuff floating on top is liquid pyrite. Pyrite is better known as fool's gold. At room temperature it is a solid mineral, but in the boiling sulphur water it's reduced to a frothy top layer.
Bumpass Hell
For the last of Lassen we decided to trek to the eastern part of the park to check out the lava beds and Butte Lake. By this time we were really hot and really tired from 3 intense hikes in less than 24 hours. We only did a short hike before getting our heads wet and cranking the AC in the van as we left. But I'm glad we got to see the bizarre piles of black lava rocks.
Out there are giant mounds of lava rocks
Redwoods may have the biggest trees and clovers, but Lassen has the biggest pinecones. G had to bring a few home with us!
Butte lake with the lava beds
More lava beds
Cinder Cone in the background. We thought we would try to climb it, and then realized how ridiculous the idea was...
Lot's of butterflies in Lassen
We're now hanging out in Quincy, CA where we are recuperating from the exercise and heat a bit. It is very hot right now so we've plugged in and turned on the AC. For the next few days we'll be making our way back to the coast, down the 101 toward Los Angeles by Tuesday where we will be visiting and staying with our friends Jordan and Kristina. We are both really looking forward to seeing them and getting back to civilization for a few days! The next little while will involve a lot of driving but hopefully we'll see some cool stuff on the way down to keep ya posted.
