Shasta and Lassen

July 13-15, 2002

Mt. Shasta dominates the northern California skyline for about 50 miles. I first noticed a white blob on the distant horizon and thought it was a strange cloud. As we got closer it began to take shape and I realized it was a mountain towering above all the other mountains around it.

A roadside plaque read, "Dominating the landscape, Mt. Shasta can be seen for 100 miles from certain points drawing hikers, skiers and travelers. Mt. Shasta rises 11,000 ft from the base to summit for a total elevation of 14,162 ft above sea level, one of the nation's largest rises, ranking 49th. It is one of the southernmost volcanos in the Cascade range, and is the second tallest, falling short of Mt. Rainier by 248 ft. It has a 17 mile diameter with 5 glaciers, the Whitney glacier being the largest in California. The most recent eruption occurred in 1786 and was witnessed from the sea by explorer La Perouse".

Lassen Peak, as seen from the Summit Lake campground in the park.  Lassen is a volcano that lasted erupted in May, 1915. The peak is just over 10,000 ft high and is accessible by a 2 mile, 2000 ft rise trail that I would love to hike when my leg gets better.

The Bumpass Hell thermal area has the usual thermal activity associated with volcanic areas, such as bubbling mud points, hot springs, and the "rotten egg" spell. It is reached by a 3 mile (round trip) hike involving a 500 ft climb and 250 ft descent.

I really liked the feel of Lassen Volcanic National Park. It has a lot of interesting hiking trails and is not overrun with people like Yosemite. We arrived on a Saturday about noon and was able to get a good campsite.