Lassen Volcanic National Park

Above, Lassen Peak is the correct name, but many call it Mount Lassen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Following my visit to Crater Lake National Park, I headed back into California for the first time in over a week to pay a visit to Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Lassen was the first national park my parents took me to 49 years ago. On that trip, we camped in my grandfather's canvas umbrella tent at the Manzanita Lake Campground, which is located just inside of the north entrance into the park. While my mom an I had comfortable, and warm, sleeping bags on that trip, my dad had a rather thin sleeping bag and just about froze.

This time, being in The Beast, I was much more comfortable. It was in the 80s during the day, but the temperature would head down into the 40s at night. (I woke up and found Sierra under the covers between the bathroom wall and me. Apparently, the cold air was even too much for her natural fur coat.)

Above, Mt. Shasta in the morning haze. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The trip down was via U.S. 97 to Interstate 5, which is a picturesque drive that took me past Mount Shasta, another volcano in the Cascade Range (Lassen Peak is another volcano in this chain as is Mt. St. Helens and others). Lassen last erupted back in 1915 to around 1921 and has been dormant since. There are still some volcanic activity in the park.

Up until Mt. St. Helens erupted in 1980, Lassen Peak was the last volcano to erupt in the lower 48 states.

Above, the entrance to Manzanita Lake Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I pulled into the Manzanita Campground's entry, located near the store, and it was a self-registration process. All one has to do is to grab a pay envelope, go into one of the loops to find an open campsite, and complete the envelope (vehicle plate, site number, days staying) and put cash or a check in it and take it to the entrance to drop it into a pay slot. Easy!

Above, the campsite pay envelopes and pay slot. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As I mentioned, the campground has a store, as well as a gas station and showers. It also has an amphitheater where nightly informative programs are presented by the park rangers and experts.

Above, the Manzanita Lake Campground store. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Fortunate for me, there were plenty of campsites available to choose from. I found a nice site in Loop B. Loop D is strictly for tent camping.

Back in 1968, we saw no evidence of bears in the campground, just a lot of deer. There are now bear-proof containers at each campsite for campers to store their food. There were none in 1968. I only saw one deer at the campground, and that was while I was leaving the park.

After relaxing for about a couple of hours, I headed off to explore the park.

By the way, speaking of national parks, today is the last day that the Senior Pass is $10. It goes up to $80 starting tomorrow! Better get yours today!

Here are some more photos at Lassen Volcanic National Park:

Above, Sierra hanging around and enjoying the views. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a description of the 1915 eruption at Devastated Area. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, The Beast with Lassen Peak at the Devastated Area viewpoint. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a description of the eruption's effects at Devastated Area. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Lassen Peak peeks over a hill and meadow. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Lassen Peak from the Lassen Peak trailhead. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a different side of Lassen Peak. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, The Beast at Manzanita Lake Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a view of Manzanita Lake. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the bear-proof food container at my campsite. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Devastated Area. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Manzanita Lake Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.