The Lollipop Road

In anticipation of National Parks Week (April 17th-25th), we’re exploring several of our nation’s most popular National Parks.  Visiting a National Park is an interesting, educational and exciting activity for kids and during National Parks Week it’s FREE!

This week we’ll be exploring one of our Nation’s smallest and most unique parks, Lassen Volcanic National Park.  Located in Northeastern California, there are two main entrances to the park.  The main park road connects the Northwest entrance (about 50 miles east of Redding) and the Southwest entrance (about 45 miles east of Red Bluff).  About a three-hour drive from Reno, Nevada, this is also an easy overnight trip if you’re in the area.

If you want more of an extended vacation, you’ll find both Lava Beds National Monument  and Mount Shasta nearby.  Be aware, however, that this is snow country and the road through the park may open as late as July and close as early as October, making it a very short season.  Check the road status before you head out in order to avoid disappointment.

Regular admission is $10 per vehicle for a 7-day pass.  Allow 1/2 day to explore the park and a full day if you plan on climbing Lassen Peak.

Visitor’s Centers

Despite Lassen’s small size and snowy weather, there is a year-round visitor’s center (Kohm Yah-mah-nee) located near the Southwest entrance.  Open from 9AM-5PM (6PM in season), you’ll be able to explore exhibits, get some information on the park and participate in Ranger led activities (in season) before heading out onto the trails.  In addition to facilities, they also have a small cafe and gift shop (open year-round).

At the Northwest entrance, you’ll find a small museum and bookstore (open Memorial Day weekend through October 31) that chronicles the tales of Lassen Peak’s most recent eruptions (1914-17).  This also doubles as the visitor center for the Northwest entrance, so there are limited facilities; you will find restrooms and a picnic area nearby.

ALERT: Make sure that you have adequate fuel prior to entering the park.  Fuel is available at the Manzanita Lake Camper Store during the summer season only.  The next closest fuel is in Chester or Red Bluff.

Things To Do

Lassen is often frequented as an auto-touring destination.  Driving the main park road from north to south you’ll encounter wildlife, amazing views and easily accessible parking areas and pullouts to snap a few photos.  However, there is much more if you’re willing to explore.

Hiking

Hiking in Lassen is quite varied.  One of the most popular hikes is climbing to the top of Lassen Peak (over 10,000 feet at its summit).  Although this 5 mile (RT), 2,000-foot climb can be strenuous at times, if you’re an active family with teenage kids, it is doable.  Your reward will be a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks and the devastated area below.  If the wind is blowing just right, you might also get a whiff of the sulfur in the air.  After all, this is still an active volcano, even though it has been dormant for almost 100 years.

As with any advanced hike, you’ll need to bring plenty of water, food for emergencies, a good protective sun hat and hiking boots (although I’ve seen plenty of poor souls do it with sneakers).  Also be aware that due to the elevation at the summit, you may experience shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches or other symptoms of altitude sickness.  Each person is different, so don’t just assume that you’ll be okay.  If you experience any symptoms, you should stop and turn around immediately.

For those of us saddled with younger kids or who aren’t up to the climb, there are several other interesting trails to explore within the park.  The Devastated Area at the base of Lassen Peak offers an easy 1/2 mile trail that tours the area hit by the 1915 eruptions (part stroller friendly).  In the Manzanita Lake area, you’ll find several family friendly trails, including Lily Pond (1 mi RT), Manzanita Lake (1.5 mi RT) and Reflection Lake (0.6 mi loop).

If you’re willing to expend a bit more energy, there are a couple of moderate hikes that we highly recommend.  The first is Bumpass Hell (3 mi RT).  Although the trail is a bit rocky in places and there are some narrow passes, you’ll find that there is only a 300 foot elevation change, so the hike is doable for most families.  The surprise that awaits you is quite spectacular (okay, not Yellowstone spectacular, but still nonetheless).

The other trail that we recommend is Mill Creek Falls (4.6 mi RT).  Although this trail is a bit long, the elevation change is only about 300 feet and the scenery will be in stark contrast to what you experience at Bumpass Hell.  You’ll also have a good shot at seeing some wildlife, so keep you’re eyes open.

Other Activities

In addition to auto-touring and hiking, you’ll also find plenty of other activities to keep you busy.  You can rent kayaks from 10AM – 4PM at the Manzanita Lake Camp Store for about $10/hr.  They usually have both singles and doubles, but they are on a first-come first-served basis, so be sure to go early.  If you bring your rod, you can also fish in many of the lakes on a catch and release basis.

You’ll also find plenty of Ranger-led activities as well as a junior ranger program for the kids.  Bicycling (on paved roads only) and horseback riding are also a fun pastime.  You’ll have to bring your own and horses are restricted to select trails, so be sure to check is advance.

Take a look at the Park Newspaper for a complete listing of all there is to do in and around the park.

Be sure to check out Part 2 of this series where we take a look at Lodging, Camping and Dining in the park.

If you enjoyed these photos and would like to see more, visit Photo Friday at Deliciousbaby.

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