The release of the movie Everest may have your adventurous side peaked, but there is no need to travel far for the adventure for which you seek. You can hike a mountain volcano within 60 miles of Redding proper.
With the warm weather becoming mild and the leaves just starting to change, it may be the perfect time to do some hiking and exploring of our beautiful mountain ranges in the North State. If you wait too long your window of opportunity to hike will most likely be covered with snow. Unless you are highly experienced, your hiking exploration may have to wait until next year.
There are several trails for the beginning hiker, as well as those who are experienced at hiking through the mountain trails. Mount Lassen’s paths offer several levels of difficulty to choose from. The beginner-level hiking trail to the top starts at the parking lot at 8,500 feet and ends at the summit at the 10,457 foot level. The trail distance is 5 miles there and back, with a round trip time of about 3–5 hours. There are a few switch backs and it can get a little steep and rocky occasionally, but it’s totally worth the effort. At the summit is one of the most spectacular views from the top looking down on the eruption area and gives visitors an idea of the awesome power of a volcano! No matter how you get there, the serene beauty of the scenery through old-growth trees and meadows of brilliant green are a sight to behold. There are also several vista points that offer spectacular views of the surrounding area.
The National Park Service can be a great place to look to for information on the Lassen National Park. If you hike to the top of Mount Lassen, you can experience a majestic view of this volcanic crater that is an active, but dormant volcano. The last eruption at Lassen Peak occurred on May 22, 1915, and spewed volcanic ash as far as 200 miles out towards the east. Go here to plan your adventure and find out about the trail and possible road closures.
Whether this is on your bucket list, a fleeting thought, or just an idea, if you decide to go, bring your hiking boots, a good hat, a few bottles of water. and your camera. After all, it’s not every day that you hike a volcano, live to tell about it, and are home for dinner that night!
Image Source: Flickr/Don DeBold
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