Summer Trip 2021, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Mineral, CA

 Lassen Volcanic National Park

Butte Lake Campground

  The dominant feature of the park is Lassen Peak, the largest plug dome volcano in the world and the southernmost volcano in the Cascade Range. The park is one of the few areas in the world where all four types of volcano can be found - shield, plug dome, cinder cone and stratovolcano.

Mount Lassen

We visited Butte Lake in the far northeast part of Lassen Volcanic National Park. The road into this part of the park is a Forest Service road that is bumpy and ruff. Campers have to take it slow as to avoid shaking up there trailer to much as it is seven miles in to the campground.

We enjoyed jumping into Butte Lake to refresh ourselves as there are no showers here and no electric. We were very comfortable at our campsite with our easy up shade room providing comfort from the warm rays of the sun in the afternoon. We definitely will bring back great memories of our time spent by Butte Lake in Lassen Volcanic National Park with the many natural wonders that make this place so special.

This area of Lassen is real wilderness with geological formations such as the volcanic Cinder Cone that is the main feature of the area. The Fantastic Lava Beds that line the shoreline of Butte Lake spread for miles from there source at the base of the Cinder Cone. The Painted Dunes can be seen as you hike closer to the Cinder Cone. The colors seem to change as the sunlight gets lower to the horizon. 

 

Fantastic Lava Beds

Painted Sand Dunes

Cinder Cone

I climbed to the top of the Cinder Cone which was a challenge as the angle of accent was at least 30 degrees with a loose gravel texture all the way up, 640 feet. I made it after stopping to rest many times to catch my breath. The climb was worth it as the views were spectacular. I was able to get a good look at Lassen Peak which at over 10,000 feet in elevation, the highest point in the park.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is a geological wonder. I feel blessed that I was able to experience such a wonderous adventure so far from my home state of Florida.