mount lassen peak

Every year we take a National Parks trip and in 2014 it was the loop in northern California and southern Oregon’s turn. My son and I had always wanted to take the trail to the top of Mount Lassen but, unfortunately, the trail was closed for the final year of the multi-year trail rehabilitation project. Nevertheless there were plenty of other trails to enjoy in Lassen Volcanic, many with the peak of Mount Lassen in view. Now that the restoration is compete, perhaps someday we will have the opportunity to return and reach the summit.

Its a straight up hill hike and weather is always cold especially on top. The views if not cloudy are awesome and has very spiritual feeling to it. plus the volcano is still active so you get to visit sulfar springs to warm up on hike up. plus the danger of it possibly erupting!!!!

We are campers and hikers. The varied camping and hiking sites offer most anyone an opportunity to experience a special National Park. We live fairly close and go there several times a year, from an afternoon picnic to a longer camping trip. Trails vary from very east to difficult. And the experience is diverse. Even the services are fine. The Manzanita Lake Store is small but full of tourist items and good snacks and beverages. The two visitor centers are interesting. Staff at every location is very very helpful. We have taken a variety of people of different ages and always enjoy it.

The Lassen Peak trail is moderately steep and as of September 2014 is undergoing significant trail maintenance. The top half of the trail is closed so you can only hike the first 1.3 miles, which is about half way up. Beyond that the trail is closed and upon observation from the closure point it looks much steeper than the first part – in fact the part we could see was mostly stone steps.As you hike up the part that is open, you may be sharing the trail with construction crews who are re-contouring some of the switchback corners with new stone work and adding platform areas where you can step off the trail for a breather without blocking the passage of others. They will be carting boulders up the trail in motorized carts that they walk behind. Whenever a hiker approaches they stop the cart and shut off the engine till you pass so it’s not a big deal other than the noise of the motors.Anyway, the trail portion that is open is well worn and plenty wide enough for two way traffic without the need for someone to step aside. The trail is mostly sunny but there are a few spots that have a bit of shade in small patches. On the end of the section that is currently open for hiking there are some big rocks with flat tops for sitting and taking in the view for awhile. If you started your hike in the morning (say between 9:00 and 11:00), this is good place to eat that lunch you had the foresight to bring along with you. Of course it goes without saying that you also brought drinking water as you would on any such hike.The open section of trail is for the most part on the western slope – something to consider on warm days. On the way up you get great views to the west where you can see Helen Lake, Lake, Mt. Diller, Pilot Pinnacle, Broke off mountain and off into the western distance. You will also have great views to the south where you’ll be able to see Lake Almanor and a series of ridges and valley’s off into the distance.Unless it’s a cool day, start early to avoid mid day heat. Having said that, even if it’s warm at the parking lot trail head, it may be cool (or cold) higher up. When we hiked all the way to the top a few decades ago it was quite chilly on top – even though it was late August and quite warm at the parking lot. In fact our kids had a snowball fight up there. The section of trail currently open for use ascends at a moderate angle pretty much continually (no ups and downs --- just up). I’m 66 years old (how the heck did that happen?), and a bit overweight (I know how that happened), and my wife is 63 and has an artificial knee. I’m a photographer so I make many stops on the way up and down to set up the tripod and take some shots. Given all of that, we did the entire round trip (including a picnic lunch at the end of the open section, in a bit over 3 hours.If you found this information useful in your decision making process, you gleaned information you may not have otherwise discovered, or you just enjoyed reading it and appreciate the time I put into writing it, please give me a "helpful" vote. You’re welcome to contact me through danhartfordphoto dot com (where you can see photos of my travels) or through the “Ask Caifdan69 about .........” button at the bottom of this review

The whole volcanic park was both interesting and beautiful with an extinct volcano and active geysers. Views on the drive through were amazing with considerable wild life, flora and fauna. One could simply drive through, picnic or walk. This park compares favourably with many better known parks in California.

Make sure before you go, to check out if access to the top is available. They are doing a major renovation project and access to the top of the peak is limited to public access only about once per month. We made sure our trip was planned on one of those weekends. Awesome hike up. CCC were busy working on the trail rock walls. Got an early start around 9am and already many people hiking. If you are not in good shape expect to suffer a bit. Its not a hike for those that arent in decent shape. Yes, you can take your time hiking this but the longer it takes, the longer you are in the sun as there is NO shade, thus the early hike time. Also, for most people this high elevation will make for some heavy breathing if you are not in shape for this. I saw many groups of people that should not have been attempting this hike. I saw a group of adults hauling up small, young children that were literally crying as their parents kept urging them on. Really consider your fitness level before attempting this hike. My husband and I in our early 50's hike in WA state all the time on mountains like this so this hike was a cake walk for us. Made the summit in less than an hour and even faster coming down. Not much in terms of views. The sky was very hazy in the distance esp North towards Shasta. Everyday we were in the park there was a heavy haze over the mountain ranges. Still, this is a classic hike in this awesome park and if you are able to do it, its a must do hike.

Steep but short (about 4.5 miles round trip). great views and the top is like a moonscape! Spend the time on top to hike to through the lava beds to the far side of the mountain