Mt. Lassen Peak

Lassen Peak, AKA Mount Lassen, is the southernmost active volcano in the Cascade Range. It sits mocking a peaceful slumber in the middle of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Even though it's last eruption was in 1917, it was on May 22, 1915, that a powerful explosive eruption devastated nearby areas, and spread volcanic ash as far as 200 miles to the east. Beautiful. Powerful. Dangerous. But we went anyway! There are several trails through this park and you can even hop on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) within this park. Side note: The PCT is a 2,663 mile trail beginning in Southern California near the Mexican border, and travels north through Oregon and Washington until reaching the Canadian border.

During Christmas 2014, the Gibbs Crew took on the Manzanita Lake Trail. This scenic trail winds around Manzanita Lake, and in December, it was almost completely iced-over. The trail is 1.5 miles at an elevation of 5,890 ft. Glorious and peaceful, but a bit nerve wracking with a very active 8-year old boy who was just a bit too fascinated with that icy lake! Great times can be a risky business. Needless to say, it took us just over an hour to complete this easy trail that winds around one of the prettiest lakes in the Cascade area. I am personally awestruck by this mountainous beauty and heartily encourage hiking, camping and day visits as it's great for families!

How to get there! There are 5 entrances to this park, but we traversed through Main Park Road entrance, which runs between the Northwest (Manzanita Lake) park entrance and the Southwest park entrance. Check out the Lassen Volcanic Directions and Transportation page by the National Park Service!

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