Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway

The Art of the Journey: Exploring the Best Scenic Drives to Take This Spring

~Life is a highway~

What if the road itself was the destination—and your RV the front porch from which you watched it all unfold? For those drawn to the rhythm of slow travel, the journey isn’t measured in miles covered but in moments gathered: a sunrise over quiet mesas, a roadside café that wasn’t on the map, the hush of wind moving through tall pines just beyond your campsite.

Across America, countless RV travelers are rediscovering a simple truth: the joy of the open road often outweighs the pull of any final stop. Scenic drives become more than a way to get somewhere—they are immersive corridors of landscape, history, and small-town charm, best experienced at an unhurried pace. With the freedom to linger, detour, and stay awhile, every bend in the road holds the promise of something unexpected.

This spring, consider trading speed for stillness. Seek out routes that wind through blooming deserts, rolling hills, and mountain passes just waking from winter. Follow roads that invite you to pull over often, explore deeply, and settle in when a place feels right. Because in the world of RV travel, the richest journeys aren’t rushed—they’re savored, one scenic mile at a time.

The allure of scenic drives: More than just a route

Scenic drives are an invitation to slow down and experience the road as something richer than a line between two points. For the RV traveler, they blend the quiet thrill of discovery with the restorative rhythm of nature and the character of the communities along the way. Unlike highways built for speed and efficiency, these routes wander with intention—through landscapes of striking beauty and places steeped in history—turning every mile into part of the story.

From winding mountain passes to sunlit coastal cliffs and green, rolling valleys, scenic byways offer an intimate, ever-changing window into the regions they cross. They encourage unplanned stops, longer stays, and the kind of moments that linger long after the engine is turned off.

As you set out this spring, keep in mind that conditions can shift quickly. Check current road reports and park advisories before you go, and leave room in your plans for flexibility. Then settle into the journey and enjoy the season as it unfolds—mile by mile, bloom by bloom.

Top scenic drives to consider this spring

Chasing spring one scenic mile at a time

With the spirit of slow travel in mind, the question becomes less about where to go—and more about which roads are worth savoring. Spring, with its shifting light and renewed landscapes, offers some of the finest conditions for unhurried exploration.

Here are ten scenic drives that truly shine this time of year—routes where the journey invites you to linger, look closer, and let the road lead the way.

Blue Ridge Parkway *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

1. Blue Ridge Parkway – All-American Road, Virginia & North Carolina

Spring’s colors unfolding along America’s favorite mountain drive

Often called “America’s favorite drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway is less a road and more a slow-moving immersion into the heart of the Appalachian highlands. Stretching between Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this iconic route unfolds in gentle curves through rolling mountains, misty ridgelines, and valleys alive with spring renewal. For RV travelers, it’s an ideal corridor for lingering—where overlooks invite long pauses, trails lead to hidden waterfalls, and nearby towns like Asheville and Roanoke offer a welcoming mix of culture, food, and mountain charm.

For a deeper dive into planning your journey—mile-by-mile highlights, seasonal tips, and must-see detours—see The Ultimate Guide to Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway, a helpful companion for making the most of this legendary route.

Why spring? Spring transforms the parkway into a living tapestry. Blooming rhododendrons and dogwoods layer the landscape in soft whites and vibrant pinks set against the deep greens of awakening forests. Mild temperatures make it comfortable for both driving and exploring while wildlife—deer, songbirds, and migrating species—becomes more active, adding to the sense that the mountains are stirring back to life.

Distance: 469 miles
Notable stops: Mabry Mill • Grandfather Mountain • Linn Cove Viaduct • Linville Falls • Craggy Gardens • Folk Art Center

Sky Island Scenic Byway *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

2. Sky Island Scenic Byway, Arizona

From desert floor to alpine forest

Sky Island Scenic Byway climbs into the dramatic heights of Mount Lemmon offering a striking contrast to the surrounding Sonoran Desert. This 27-mile route takes travelers from desert lowlands through oak and pine forests revealing the “sky island” concept—a mountain rising like an island of greenery above a sea of desert. For RV travelers and slow-travel enthusiasts, the byway is an invitation to pause frequently: hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and picnic areas are scattered along the route, encouraging immersion in both the landscape and local culture.

For a detailed look at what makes this drive special, see Slow Travel on the Sky Island Scenic Byway: Exploring Mount Lemmon in a Desert Sea which highlights the natural beauty, wildlife, and seasonal experiences that await along the road.

Why spring? Spring brings mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and clear desert-to-mountain views making it an ideal time to explore the byway without the crowds escaping the summer heat.

Distance: 27 miles
Notable stops: Babad Do’ag Vista • Mount Lemmon Ski Valley • Molino Canyon • Thimble Creek Vista • San Pedro Vista • Palisades Visitor Center • Mount Lemmon Ski Valley

Skyline Drive *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

3. Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

A ridge-top journey through spring’s quiet awakening

Tracing the crest of the Blue Ridge, Skyline Drive offers a front-row seat to the quiet beauty of Shenandoah National Park. This 105-mile route feels tailor-made for slow travel with more than 70 overlooks revealing layers of forested ridges, mist-filled valleys, and the soft textures of spring awakening. For RV travelers, it’s a gentle, unhurried drive where the journey is punctuated by frequent opportunities to pull off, step outside, and simply take it all in.

Along the way, overlooks like Range View at mile 17.1 open to sweeping vistas of the Blue Ridge and Stony Man Mountains while Big Run Overlook at mile 81.2 delivers a striking contrast—Rockytop Ridge stretching in one direction and the quartz-streaked face of Rocky Mountain gleaming on clear days in the other. Each stop feels like a small discovery, rewarding those who take their time.

For a deeper perspective on how this route compares—and complements—its more famous neighbor, see Skyline Drive: A Scenic Alternative to the Blue Ridge Parkway which explores why many travelers find this drive equally compelling in its own quieter way.

Why spring? Spring breathes fresh life into Skyline Drive. Wildflowers begin to carpet the forest floor, waterfalls run fuller from seasonal rains, and the trees glow with that first, luminous green. Wildlife is more active, temperatures are comfortable, and the crowds are often lighter than peak summer—making it an ideal season to experience the park’s serene side.

Distance: 105 miles
Notable stops: Crimora Lake Overlook • Spitler Knoll Overlook • Hogback Overlook • Harry F. Byrd Visitor Center

Lassen Volcanic National Patk *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

4. Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway – All-American Road, California & Oregon

From steaming peaks to crystal lakes—spring’s volcanic wonders

Stretching along the Cascade Range, the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway takes travelers through some of the most dramatic and less-visited volcanic landscapes in the West. Connecting Lassen Volcanic National Park in the south to Crater Lake National Park in the north, this All-American Road is ideal for slow travel—offering frequent stops to explore geothermal areas, volcanic peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and hiking trails that lead to waterfalls and lava tubes.

The route through Lassen Volcanic National Park highlights steaming fumaroles, boiling springs, and serene mountain lakes, while a detour toward Mount Shasta reveals striking sights such as Burney Falls, a subway cave that’s fun to hike, and waterfalls near McCloud. Mount Shasta itself is a dramatic finale, with nearby Lake Siskiyou offering a perfect weekend escape.

For more in-depth planning, see The Complete Guide to Lassen Volcanic National Park which highlights the park’s volcanic wonders and how to experience them at a relaxed pace.

Why spring? Spring brings melting snow that fills waterfalls and lakes, mild temperatures for hiking, and fewer crowds than summer making it an ideal time to explore the volcanic landscapes at your own pace.

Distance: 500 miles
Notable stops: Lassen Volcanic National Park • Burney Falls • Mount Shasta • Living Memorial Sculpture Garden • Lava Beds National Monument • Crater Lake National Park

Red Rock Scenic Byway *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

5. Highway 179, Arizona (Red Rock Scenic Byway – All-American Road)

Red rocks aglow and wildflowers in bloom

Just outside Sedona, the Red Rock Scenic Byway (Highway 179) delivers one of the most visually striking short drives in the Southwest. Though only 15 miles long, this All-American Road packs an outsized sense of place—towering red rock formations, wide desert skies, and a landscape that seems to glow from within especially in the soft light of morning and evening. For RV travelers embracing slow travel, it’s a perfect stretch to take your time with frequent pullouts, scenic viewpoints, and easy access to trails and cultural sites.

Beyond its natural beauty, the byway carries a deep sense of history and spirit. Ancient cliff dwellings in the surrounding region speak to centuries of Indigenous presence while modern visitors are often drawn to Sedona’s reputation for energy “vortexes.” Among the most well-known are Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock—landmarks that are captivating whether you come for the views, the hikes, or something more intangible.

For a deeper look at what makes this route so special, see Red Rock Scenic Byway: All-American Road, a guide that highlights its geology, culture, and best stops along the way.

While exploring the area, consider wandering through Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, a charming arts enclave or visiting the peaceful Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park where a 36-foot Buddha and vibrant stupa echo the surrounding red rock hues.

Why spring? Spring is one of the most rewarding times to experience Sedona’s red rock country. Daytime temperatures are comfortable, desert wildflowers add subtle bursts of color, and the air is often crisp and clear—ideal for photography and outdoor exploration. It’s also a season that invites lingering, before the intense heat of summer settles in.

Distance: 15 miles
Notable stops: Village of Oak Creek • Bell Rock • Cathedral Rock • Chapel of the Holy Cross • Red Rock Crossing • Sedona

Scenic Byway 12 *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

6. Utah Scenic Byway 12 – All-American Road

Red rock canyons and desert blooms

Few roads capture the spirit of the American West quite like Utah Scenic Byway 12. Often regarded as one of America’s most spectacular drives, the 123-mile stretch of Utah Scenic Byway 12 unfolds as an ever-changing journey through some of the most dramatic and diverse landscapes in the country. For RV travelers, it’s a true slow-travel dream—a road that encourages you to pause often, explore deeply, and let the scenery, not the clock, set the pace.

The drive threads together a remarkable lineup of natural wonders. From the sculpted hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park to the rugged expanses of Capitol Reef National Park, and across the vast, untamed beauty of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, every mile feels like a highlight reel. Along the way, you’ll pass through alpine forests, red rock canyons, and high desert plateaus—each landscape distinct yet seamlessly connected. It’s the kind of drive where a short detour might lead to a slot canyon, a hidden waterfall, or a quiet overlook that becomes the day’s defining moment.

For a deeper appreciation of this route’s unhurried magic, see Slow Travel on Scenic Byway 12: Where the Journey Becomes the Destination, a guide that encourages travelers to trade speed for immersion.

Why spring? Spring brings a sweet spot of conditions to southern Utah. Temperatures are generally mild making it comfortable for both driving and hiking while the crowds of peak summer have yet to arrive. Snow may still dust the higher elevations creating striking contrasts against the red rock below and desert blooms begin to emerge—subtle but beautiful against the rugged terrain.

Distance: 123 miles
Notable stops: Red Rock Canyon • Bryce Canyon National Park • Kodachrome Basin State Park • Escalante Petrified Forest State Park • Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument • Boulder Mountain • Dixie National Forest

White Sands National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

7. El Camino Real National Scenic Byway, New Mexico

Desert peaks and white sands—spring along New Mexico’s historic trail

El Camino Real National Scenic Byway traces a historic path once traveled by Spanish conquistadors on their 1,600-mile journey from what is now Mexico City to San Juan Pueblo, just north of Santa Fe. For RV travelers and slow-travel enthusiasts, this route transforms the New Mexican desert into a landscape of unexpected richness—mountains, rivers, hot springs, and cultural gems waiting to be explored at a relaxed pace.

Start your journey in Truth or Consequences where mineral hot springs offer a restorative stop and follow the road south to Las Cruces, a city framed by the towering and jagged Organ Mountains. Along the way, savor a green chili cheeseburger in Hatch, experience the cosmic wonder of Spaceport America or the Very Large Array and marvel at the otherworldly landscapes of White Sands National Park and its adjacent missile range.

For more insights on regional highlights and cultural stops along the byway, see Las Cruces: Outdoor Adventure & Rich History and There’s No Other Place on Earth like White Sands National Park.

Why spring? Spring brings milder desert temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and clearer skies—perfect conditions for both driving and exploring New Mexico’s iconic landscapes.

Distance: 299 miles
Notable stops: Las Cruces • Leasburg Dam State Park • Hatch • Truth or Consequences • Elephant Butte Lake State Park • Bosque Apache National Wildlife Refuge • Socorro • Petroglyph National Monument • Albuquerque • Santa Fe

Creole Nature Trail *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

8. Creole Nature Trail – All-American Road, Louisiana

Marshes, beaches, and wildlife

Known as Louisiana’s “Outback,” the Creole Nature Trail winds through Calcasieu Parish and Cameron Parish near Lake Charles, tracing a scenic loop along the Gulf of Mexico coastline. This All-American Road is a haven for slow travel enthusiasts, blending wide-open marshes, untouched beaches, and vibrant cultural stops with an abundance of wildlife—alligators, over 400 species of birds, and native flora that changes with the seasons.

Driving the full 180 miles typically takes 8 to 10 hours when you pause to soak in the sights. Stops along the way include boardwalks through the Sabine and Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuges, quiet Gulf Coast beaches, and local spots for fishing, crabbing, or sampling authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine. Travelers can also experience a unique ferry crossing over the Calcasieu River adding a touch of adventure to the journey.

For a detailed exploration of this route’s natural and cultural highlights, see Louisiana Outback: Slow Travel along the Creole Nature Trail, a guide emphasizing immersive, unhurried discovery.

Why spring? Spring is ideal, as migrating birds, blooming marsh vegetation, and active wildlife bring the Creole Nature Trail to life with color, sound, and movement.

Distance: 180 miles
Notable stops: Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge • Pintail Drive • Sabine National Wildlife Refuge • Gulf Coast beaches • fishing and crabbing spots

Colonial Parkway *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

9. Colonial Parkway – All-American Road, Virginia

History in bloom—spring along Virginia’s Colonial Parkway

The Colonial Parkway is a 23-mile ribbon of scenic and historic charm linking three of America’s most iconic colonial sites: Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. More than just a connector, the parkway is a masterclass in American parkway design, carefully preserving its scenic and historic integrity while providing travelers a peaceful, unhurried way to experience the region. For RV travelers, it’s an ideal slow-travel route, where stops along the way invite exploration of history, nature, and culture at a comfortable pace.

For a deeper look at the sites along the route, see Exploring Virginia’s Historic Triangle: Jamestown, Williamsburg & Yorktown which highlights the rich stories, architecture, and landscapes that make the area unforgettable.

Why spring? Spring brings mild temperatures, blooming gardens, and the soft greens of the Virginia landscape making it perfect for both driving and exploring the historic sites without the summer crowds.

Distance: 23 miles
Notable stops: Jamestown • Williamsburg • Yorktown • Colonial Parkway scenic overlooks

Historic Route 66 *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

10. Historic Route 66 – All-American Road, Arizona

Classic Americana in bloom

Historic Route 66 stretches across Arizona as a living snapshot of Americana, dotted with small towns brimming with character and charm. From the wild burros of Oatman to the nostalgic downtown loop of Williams, every stop along this legendary route offers a taste of history, local culture, and a slower pace for travelers who want to linger. With its rural landscapes, neon-lit main streets, and classic diners, Arizona’s Route 66 captures the essence of family road trips, cowboy lore, and the open-road spirit that has inspired writers, filmmakers, photographers, and artists for generations.

Arizona preserves the longest continuous stretch of Route 66 in the country making it not just a road but a symbol of our past and a living heritage for the future. Along the way, towns like Kingman and Seligman invite exploration offering everything from quirky roadside attractions to opportunities for classic car enthusiasts to cruise historic streets. Dramatic red cliffs, painted mesas, and endless skies create awe-inspiring backdrops, turning each mile into a story waiting to be experienced.

For a detailed guide to planning your journey and uncovering the must-see stops, see Route 66 Across Arizona which highlights everything that makes this historic highway an enduring icon.

Why spring? Spring is an ideal season for exploring Arizona’s stretch of Route 66. Temperatures are warm but not yet the scorching heat of summer, making long drives and outdoor exploration more comfortable. Desert wildflowers begin to bloom, adding vibrant color to the iconic red cliffs, mesas, and open landscapes.

Distance: 385 miles
Notable stops: Oatman • Williams • Kingman • Seligman • classic diners and roadside attractions • red cliffs and painted mesas

Ready. Set. On the road!

Crack open the snacks, turn up the tunes, and enjoy the journey!

Making the most of your scenic drive

Consider these expert tips

Plan your stops strategically

The best scenic drives are not just about the road but the experiences along the way.

Research viewpoints, historic landmarks, and local eateries in advance
Planning stops every 30 to 60 miles can prevent fatigue and encourage exploration

Pack smart and stay safe

Bring essentials such as water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and a physical map or downloaded offline maps—cell service can be spotty in remote areas. Check your vehicle beforehand, ensuring tires, brakes, and fluids are in good condition.

Embrace flexibility

While planning is essential, allow for spontaneity. Some of the most memorable moments come from unplanned detours, roadside discoveries, and conversations with locals.

Consider environmental impact

Many scenic drives traverse sensitive natural habitats. Respect the speed limit, stay on designated roads, and dispose of waste responsibly to preserve these areas for future travelers.

The transformative power of scenic drives

An enriching activity for mental and emotional wellness

“Get your motor runnin’, head out on the highway, lookin’ for adventure, and whatever comes our way…” —Born To Be Free

There’s a special kind of freedom in taking to the road. A scenic drive transforms movement into mindfulness turning each mile into an invitation to explore, reflect, and connect—with nature, culture, and even yourself. Like the song says, you can “take the world in a love embrace,” letting every vista, waterfall, and wildflower become part of your own unfolding adventure. Spring amplifies this magic with fresh blooms, crisp air, and sunlight painting the landscape in vivid new colors.

Routes like the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pacific Coast Highway, Scenic Byway 12, and Skyline Drive offer diverse environments and histories, all experienced at a pace that encourages curiosity and reflection. With a little preparation and an open heart, these journeys can become more than trips—they become stories, memories, and moments of renewal.

Whether it’s mountain panoramas, coastal drama, emerald valleys, or vibrant ecosystems, scenic drives let you “fire all your guns at once and explode into space”—a chance to immerse yourself fully in the joy of the road. One mile at a time, adventure awaits.

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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in April 2026. Information reflects what was accurate at the time of writing. For topics that may change quickly, please verify current details before planning. To ensure honesty and avoid bias, this website features no ads, no sponsored content, and no affiliate links—just straightforward information for fellow travelers.

The Complete Guide to Lassen Volcanic National Park

Explore the otherworldly landscape and see bubbling mud pots and hot springs in this northern California park

On May 30, 1914, Lassen Peak awoke from a 27,000-year sleep with a violent explosion, the first of hundreds that rocked this Northern California mountain over the course of the next year carving out a lava-capped crater 1,000 feet across.

But the biggest eruption by far came on May 22, 1915 when a tremendous plume of steam shot into the air shattering the lava cap and sending glowing chunks of molten lava high into the sky. As they fell back onto the mountain which was already blanketed in a record 30-foot snowfall the hot rocks triggered an avalanche a half-mile wide that thundered into the valley creating a mudflow of such tremendous force that it swept over hills and into more valleys beyond, burying farms and homesteads.

Lassen Volcanic National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

No lives were lost thanks to the early alert of the initial explosions but more than a century later that torn and blasted landscape known as the Devastated Area remains. Located just northeast of Lassen Peak, it’s one of the many attractions of the 106,000-acre Lassen Volcanic National Park, an awe-inspiring showcase for the sheer power of the Earth’s volcanic forces. The most popular attraction, Bumpass Hell—a hissing, bubbling expanse of sulfuric mud pots, hot springs, and fumaroles—on the park’s southern end serves as an eerie reminder that these forces are still active today.

Four kinds of volcanoes can be found in the world: cinder cone, composite, plug dome, and shield. Lassen Volcanic has all four along with chiseled rock spires, lava fields, and huge boulders tossed about like bowling balls by the formative explosions of 1914 and 1915.

This magical landscape was protected in 1907 as two separate national monuments, Lassen Peak and Cinder Cone then Congress unified them into one national park in 1916. The park was created to protect all these amazing volcanic features after the eruption and ever since then people have come to see this otherworldly landscape.

Perhaps due to its out-of-the-way location, an hour’s drive on mountainous roads off Interstate 5, Lassen Volcanic National Park receives just 500,000 visitors a year. It’s kind of this gem that people don’t know about just three to four hours from San Francisco.

You’ll experience the eerie majesty of Lassen’s cratered landscape—and pass a series of geological wonders—as you drive the Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway which makes a semicircle around Lassen Peak, still 10,457 feet high even after blowing its top.

To the east are three additional park sections—Butte Lake, Juniper Lake, and Warner Valley—all accessed by separate roads from the northeast and southeast. Since you can’t reach these areas from the park highway check maps beforehand to determine your route if you plan to visit them.

Plan your trip

Two entrance stations at the park’s south and north ends provide access to Lassen Volcanic Park Highway which runs generally north to south making a horseshoe bend around Lassen Peak.

Driving from San Francisco, the park is 247 miles to the north. Enter the park at the southwest gate and stop at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center to get oriented. Here you’ll find maps and signage explaining what’s open in the park, current trail conditions, and information on ranger programming. If you’re driving from Portland, 453 miles to the north you’ll enter at the northern entrance and continue to the Loomis Museum where a smaller visitor center provides updates on park conditions and happenings.

Be sure to download the park app which provides a guided audio tour of 16 stops along the park highway almost all of which can be seen from pullouts on the road or from accessible parking areas. There’s no cell service in the park but you can use the free Wi-Fi at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee center to download the app. If entering from the north, you must download it ahead of time as the Loomis Museum has no Wi-Fi. “If you don’t download it in advance, the last reliable cell service north of the park is in Shingletown,” notes Arreglo, referring to a small community about 17 miles west of the north entrance.

In the late summer and fall of 2021, California’s devastating Dixie Fire burned 73,240 acres in the park. In addition to leaving behind huge swaths of blackened pine forest, the fire buckled park roads and destroyed lookouts and other facilities, some still closed for repairs. Nonetheless, the average visitor doesn’t experience many significant impacts. Most damage to attractions along the park highway was repaired before the park reopened this past summer.

Lassen Volcanic gets snow early and it stays late often lingering well into June on the higher trails. Wildflowers which begin to emerge in late May and blanket the slopes and valleys all summer have become even more profuse since the fire.

The 30-mile highway through Lassen Volcanic National Park has opened for the 2023 summer season though sections might seem like winter. A higher-than-average snowpack has been fully cleared. Visitors to the park should prepare for winter conditions at higher elevations and possible delays due to ongoing road work.

Nights can be cool even in summer though daytime temperatures can climb into the 90s. By mid-fall, temperatures creep towards freezing. The park remains open year-round despite cold winters although most of the campgrounds close and the park highway isn’t plowed then. Rangers close the gates located just inside the north entrance and just past the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center at the south end with the first significant lasting snowfall typically in November. The Kohm Yah-mah-nee center remains open providing the only park services until the Loomis Museum reopens in May.

Where to stay and eat

Lassen Volcanic National Park’s only hotel-style lodging, the Drakesbad Guest Ranch in Warner Valley remains temporarily closed due to damage from the Dixie Fire. The pine-paneled cabins encircling the sunny meadow survived intact but infrastructure repairs are still necessary before reopening.

The park has seven campgrounds with all sites featuring picnic tables, fire rings, and lockable bear-proof cupboards.

Manzanita Lake Campground just inside the park’s northern entrance in a shady pine forest uphill from the lakeshore is the largest and best developed campground with 179 sites ($26 per night) and amenities including hot showers, an RV dump station, a laundry, and a camp store. It also features 20 uber-rustic one- and two-room camping cabins (both shower areas have an accessible stall with bench seat and hand rails) and a larger eight-bed bunkhouse ($76 to $101 per night) without electricity. They have beds but you’ll need to bring your own bedding and linens.

Summit Lake North and South campgrounds which bookend a pretty, pine-fringed alpine lake in the park’s center have 46 sites ($24 per night) between them. The 101 sites ($22 per night) at Butte Lake Campground cluster in a dense pine forest adjacent to the lake reachable by a 6-mile dirt road.

At Juniper Lake Campground 18 sites ($12 per night) line the shore of the deep blue lake shaded by tall ponderosa and Jeffrey pines and you’ll find a mostly level campground with wheelchair-accessible sites.

Butte Lake and Manzanita Lake campgrounds have wider roads making them good choices for those traveling in an RV. Manzanita Lake, Summit Lake, and Butte Lake campgrounds will be reservation-only starting in 2023 (check the park website for exact dates). Make your reservations through recreation.gov.

The park’s only restaurant, Lassen Café & Gift inside the Kohm Yah-mah-nee center serves soup, salads, and other simple fare along with hot coffee and ice cream. You can pick up to-go sandwiches and snacks at the Manzanita Camp Store.

Picnicking is the way to go in Lassen so stock up on supplies before heading into the park. Devastated Area, Kings Creek Meadow, and Lake Helen are all in the park’s center. Manzanita Lake feature level picnic sites, accessible parking, and restrooms.

Things to do

Drive Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway. From the jagged cliffs of Chaos Crags and mounds of black lava boulders at Chaos Jumbles to the azure waters of Lake Helen and the viewpoints overlooking Hat Creek, Little Hot Springs Creek, and Diamond Peak every stunning stop on the 30-mile park highway route is indicated by a numbered road marker matching the numbers on the park map.

Visit geothermal spots

Lassen Volcanic is dotted with areas of constant geothermal activity where boiling water spurts from vents, pools of mineral-rich mud bubble and spit, and fumaroles release vaporous clouds of steam that hang in the air like a ghostly mist.

Not far past the south entrance, stop at wheelchair-accessible Sulphur Works located right on the park highway to marvel at the silica-crusted mud pots and breathe in the malodorous vapor that gives them their name. It’s a moderate 3-mile round-trip hike to Bumpass Hell, the largest and most active of the park’s geothermal areas named for hapless explorer Kendall Bumpass who fell into one of the mud pots and suffered severe burns.

Go stargazing

While not certified as an International Dark Sky Park, Lassen Volcanic’s high elevation, crystal clear air, and lack of light pollution make it a perfect setting for celestial viewing. As such, the park schedules numerous viewing activities including monthly full moon hikes, astronomy demonstrations, and an annual Dark Sky Festival in early August. Plan your trip to be here during a meteor shower like the Perseids and you’ll see quite a show from Summit Lake or another high point in the park. You’ll see more sky in wide-open spots like the Devastated Area and the Bumpass Hell parking lot.

Have fun in the snow

In winter, the park highway is plowed until just beyond the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center and its expansive parking lot offering easy access for those who come to see the craggy landscape made even more dramatic when iced in white. Lassen Volcanic is also popular for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The hill behind the visitor center also becomes a sledding area with people banking trails and going down on tubes, discs, and toboggans.

Hit the hiking trails

Plunging 30 feet straight down from a rock shelf, Kings Creek Falls near Summit Lake is a must-see for those who can manage the 2.3-mile round-trip loop to the overlook. Rated moderate for its 486-foot elevation gain, the trail follows the creek through wildflower-strewn meadows and meanders through fire-damaged pine forests already showing optimistic regrowth. The final stretch, a series of cliff-hugging stone steps known as the Cascades Foot Section is more challenging but is easily avoided by doing the hike as an out and back rather than as a loop.

Another short but considerably more ambitious hike is the 2-mile round trip to the Ridge Lakes which leaves from the Sulphur Works parking lot and gains 1,000 feet of elevation reaching a string of impossibly blue glacier-scooped bowls on Lassen Peak’s shoulder. Then there’s Arreglo’s favorite, the Terrace, Shadow, and Cliff Lakes Trail, a moderate four-mile round trip with 700 feet of elevation gain which departs from a trailhead just north of Lassen Peak’s parking lot. “It takes you through Paradise Valley to three gorgeous subalpine lakes one after another with these incredible views of Lassen Peak rising above them.”

Sun Dial Bridge, Redding *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Gateway towns

The closest lodging to the park is 10 minutes from the south entrance at the rustic-chic Highlands Ranch Resort. Stay in one of seven splurge-worthy, easy-to-access cottages, some with lofts to accommodate larger groups and dine at the all-American bistro in a firelit, high-beamed dining room.

However, most non-camping park visitors stay in gateway towns on different sides of the park.

Redding, the area’s largest town is popular with those driving north from San Francisco. Located on Interstate 5, 47 miles from the park’s south entrance, the town was founded as a rail hub for transporting minerals, lumber, and cattle from the surrounding mines, forests, and ranches and trains still whistle nightly through its quaint downtown.

Sacramento River from Sundial Bridge *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The area’s wealth of outdoor activities include Turtle Bay Exploration Park with the renown Sundial Bridge, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Shasta Lake, and Lake Shasta Caverns. Turtle Bay Exploration Park is a 300-acre campus along the banks of the Sacramento River. Gateway to the city’s 220-mile trail system, the Park features a botanical garden, natural history and science museum, and exploration center in the guise of a traditional forest camp. The 300-acre complex is tied together by Redding’s jewel, the Sundial Bridge that was the first American project by celebrated Spanish bridge architect Santiago Calatrava. The supporting pylon and curving, translucent deck perform as the world’s largest sundial.

Surrounded by pristine mountains, lakes, and rivers, Redding offers a wide range of RV parks and campgrounds including Green Acres RV Park, Marina RV Park, Premier RV Park, Redding RV Park, and Win-River Resort.

JGW RV Park, Redding *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Our home base while touring the Redding area was JGW RV Park, a big-rig friendly resort located 9 miles south of Redding on the Sacramento River. This is a beautiful 5-star RV park with water, sewer, and 30/50-amp electric service centrally located. The majority of pull-through sites are back-to-back and side-to side. Our site backed onto the Sacramento River. Interior roads are paved and in good condition with concrete pads.

Centrally located on the Sacramento River, Red Bluff is just 32 miles south of Redding on I-5.

Red Bluff KOA *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Big-rig friendly, Red Bluff KOA Journey (formerly Durango RV Resort) is a 5-star resort located on the Sacramento River. The park is well laid out and designed. Most sites are pull-through, 70-90 feet in length, and 30-35 feet wide. In addition, there are 11 riverfront sites and 21 water-feature spaces (fountains); these sites have utilities on both sides of the concrete pads enabling fifth wheels and travel trailers to back onto the sites and motorhomes to drive forward maximizing the view and water features. In addition, there are several buddy sites.

Farther from the park is the uber-photogenic former lumber company town of McCloud, 81 miles northwest of Lassen Volcanic’s north entrance. Here, pastel-painted clapboard buildings cluster in the shelter of Mount Shasta’s eastern slope. The McCloud Mercantile Hotel occupies the upper floor of the former McCloud Lumber Company store, each of its 12 antique-furnished rooms themed to reflect a colorful local resident or significant event. The moderately priced hotel offers two accessible rooms with open floor plans, roll-in showers, and whirlpool tubs.

On the east, 30 miles from the park’s south entrance, the tiny town of Chester borders Lake Almanor. It’s basically just a place to overnight with the Timber House Brewing and Lodge a favorite of those seeking a retro Wild West vibe enhanced by modern comforts. Accessible rooms are available. For breakfast, head to Cravings for homemade corned beef hash.

En route

All routes to Lassen Volcanic National Park include at least one stretch of the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway that encircles the park and continues north to link the park with Lava Beds National Monument and Crater Lake National Park.

Check this out to learn more:

Facts box

Location: Northern California

Size: 106,000 acres

Highest point: Lassen Peak, at 10,457 feet

Lowest point: Hot Springs Creek, at 5,275 feet

Miles of trails: 150

Main attractions: Bumpass Hell, the Devastated Area, Lassen Peak, and other geothermal and volcanic features

Entry fee: $30

Best way to see it: By car

Worth Pondering…

Lassen’s Peak looks sharper from this side than any other, and views seen from among these pinnacles and rocks are some of the most picturesque imaginable. A series of photographs would be treasured indeed.

—William H. Brewer, Up and Down California (Journals; 1860-1864)

9 Beautiful Places to Escape the Summer Heat

It’s hotter than blue blazes!

It’s been a long, hot summer—and it’s likely to just keep getting hotter. That jug of fresh iced tea isn’t meant to be sipped inside with the shades drawn and that blow-up kiddie pool you’ve outgrown doesn’t have to be your only means of summer heat relief. Because I have good news! There are quite a few places you can go to escape the heat—and none of them involve jetting to the Southern Hemisphere.

Historical weather data shows the five coolest summer states also happen to be filled with excellent RV camping destinations, too. The five best places to stay cool in summer are Oregon, Washington, California, Colorado, and Alaska. These cool summer states are geographically immense. Each state gives you tons of camping choices from busy national parks to remote coastal and mountain destinations.

RV owners like us are lucky. Finding the coolest camping destinations in the summer is pretty easy. With a full tank of fuel and one turn of the key, our homes on wheels carry everything we need for a summer escape away from hot spots to a cool river, mountaintop, or breezy beach. Most of us will put in a few hours of driving to reach the coolest place to camp in August.

Glacial Skywalk, Jasper National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Cool off with a trip to the mountains, the water, or up north. I’ve hand-selected nine places where you can beat the heat this summer while avoiding airport woes such as lost luggage, canceled flights, tarmac delays, and labor shortages—you know, all of the fun things people are dealing with right now not to mention the heightened cost of air travel.

Mountains

Higher elevations provide sweet relief from the sweltering heat and humidity of summer. Here are three wonderful mountainous locales where you can escape the heat.

On the road to Mount Lemmon *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Mount Lemmon, Arizona

Mount Lemmon, an oasis in the middle of the desert, is 20 degrees cooler than Tucson on average. Driving up the mountain, the plants slowly change from cactus and shrubs to oak and ponderosa pines. The area offers hiking, camping, and fishing. While you are up there, consider stopping by the Mount Lemmon Cookie Cabin for cookies, pizza, chili, and sandwiches. While you’re at 9,000 feet, check out the Arizona stars at the Mount Lemmon Skycenter.

Get more tips for visiting Mount Lemmon

Lassen Volcanic Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, California and Oregon

For truly unusual and spectacular views, pack up the RV and head for the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway connecting California’s Lassen National Park with Crater Lake in Oregon. The north-to-south route covers about 500 miles tracing along geological formations created by volcanic activity of the Cascade Mountain Range.

The drive ventures through the majestic Shasta Valley and offers unobstructed vistas of Mount Shasta, the second tallest volcano in the country. There are countless things to see and do during a visit, but don’t miss Petroglyph Point, one of the country’s largest and most accessible panels of Native American rock art.

Get more tips for visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park

Stowe Community Church *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe is a Vermont Ski town that is lovely to visit in summer thanks to an Alpine setting that doesn’t get too hot and lots of outdoor activities. For fun summer hiking, choose trails that lead to waterfalls like the easy Bingham Falls Trail in Smugglers Notch State Park or Moss Glen Falls trail in nearby Putnam State Park.

Cold Hollow Cider Mill *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

If you want a lazy day, head out of town and stop by Cold Hollow Cider Mill for a good picnic— sandwiches with Vermont cheddar cheese and hard and soft cider. Take your lunch to nearby Waterbury Center State Park on the Waterbury Reservoir.

Trapp Family Lodge *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Visit the Trapp Family Lodge (yes, those Von Trapps). In addition to its hiking and mountain biking trails, the Alpine resort offers tennis, rock-wall climbing, swimming pools, and more. They brew their excellent Austrian-style beer in their bierhall where you can dine without staying at the lodge.

Get more tips for visiting Vermont

Near Water

When it’s hot outside we all want to be near a lake, river, or ocean destination. Here are three fabulous destinations to beat the heat near the water.

Cumberland Island *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Cumberland Island, Georgia

Are you ready to hit the beach without the crowds? Where you can find a piece of the coast to call your own? Cumberland Island is Georgia’s southernmost island and a place where you can truly get away from the modern world. With no bridge to come to Cumberland Island travelers have to use a ferry or private boat to get to this beautiful place which is managed by the national park service.

Although Georgia’s Atlantic coastline is only about 100 miles long, the Peach State is home to 30 percent of the barrier islands along the Atlantic Seaboard. And Cumberland is the largest and fairest of them all with the longest expanse of the pristine seashore—18 glorious miles of deserted sand. Truly, this is a bucket list destination.

Get more tips for visiting Cumberland Island

Lake Winnipesaukee *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire

Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in New Hampshire located in the Lakes Region. It is approximately 21 miles long (northwest-southeast) and from 1 to 9 miles wide (northeast-southwest) covering 69 square miles—71 square miles when Paugus Bay is included—with a maximum depth of 180 feet. The center area of the lake is called The Broads.

The lake contains at least 264 islands, half of which are less than a quarter-acre in size, and is indented by several peninsulas yielding a total shoreline of approximately 288 miles. The driving distance around the lake is 63 miles. It is 504 feet above sea level. Winnipesaukee is the third-largest lake in New England after Lake Champlain and Moosehead Lake. Outflow is regulated by the Lakeport Dam in Lakeport, New Hampshire, on the Winnipesaukee River.

Experience the beauty of Lake Winnipesaukee during a narrated scenic tour aboard the historic M/S Mount Washington. Learn about the history of the region and local folklore surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in New England.

Get more tips for visiting Lake Winnipesaukee

La Conner *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

La Conner, Washington

La Conner is one of those places that people love to visit—time and time again. The reasons are many but one that stands out is that there are so many things to do in—and around—La Conner. A waterfront village in northwestern Washington, La Conner is nestled beside the Swinomish Channel near the mouth of the Skagit River. La Conner is a unique combination of a fishing village, artists’ colony, eclectic shops, historic buildings, and tourist destination. Relax by the water, enjoy fine restaurants, and browse through unique shops and art galleries.

Get more tips for visiting La Conner

Northern States and Canada

When the going gets hot, the hot head up north! Here are three great northern destinations that put plenty of space between you and the equator.

Jacksonville *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Jacksonville, Oregon

Jacksonville is nestled in the Siskyou Mountain foothills along the Rogue River Valley and is easy to fall in love with. The little town is at the Heart of Rogue Valley wine country which includes the Applegate Valley Wine Trail. Though sometimes busy the small-town ambiance (population 2,860), gorgeous setting, and beautifully preserved late 1800s architecture combines to make a very attractive town. The little gem of a town is highly walkable and has at least one of everything—except chain stores. Everything from wine to cheese to chocolate, art, and fine dining.

Get more tips for visiting Jacksonville

Banff National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Banff and Jasper National Parks, Alberta

If you Google “Canada nature,” you’ll see pictures of Banff National Park in the Rockies—and for good reason. Canada’s oldest and most popular national park is Mother Nature’s best. Anywhere you look, there are jagged peaks sprinkled with fluffy powder, bluer than blue glacial lakes, and majestic wildlife.

Icefields Parkway *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

After visiting Banff, take the Icefields Parkway—one of the world’s most scenic drives with more than 100 ancient glaciers—north to Jasper. One of Canada’s prettiest and wildest national parks, Jasper is massive at 4,247 square miles, making it the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. And it’s a great place to spot wildlife including black and grizzly bears, elk and moose, and big horn sheep and Rocky Mountain goats.

Get more tips for visiting Canada’s Mountain Parks

Wells Gray Provincial Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Wells Gray, British Columbia

Wells Gray is not as highly acclaimed as Mount Robson or the national parks in the Canadian Rockies. And having been there, I have no idea why. I mean… this place is awesome!

Wells Gray has something to offer every outdoor interest: lush alpine meadows, excellent birding and wildlife viewing opportunities, hiking, boating, canoeing, and kayaking. Guiding businesses offer horseback riding, canoeing, whitewater rafting, fishing, and hiking. The history enthusiast can learn about the early homesteaders, trappers, and prospectors or about the natural forces that produced Wells Gray’s many volcanoes, waterfalls, mineral springs, and glaciers.

Many people head to Wells Gray for the lakes but there are also over 40 named waterfalls in the park. Many of them are in remote corners of the park but eight of them are easy to reach from Clearwater Valley Road.

Get more tips for visiting Wells Gray

Your summer vacation does not have to be hiding indoors in front of the air conditioner trying to stay cool from high temperatures or unbearable humidity. There are lots of places where you can enjoy beautiful pleasant temperatures while spending time outside. Whether you prefer cities, towns, or national or state parks, mild summer weather is available in many spectacular destinations.

Worth Pondering…

It’s a sure sign of summer if the chair gets up when you do.

—Walter Winchell

The Ultimate Guide to Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park is most popular during the summer when its most beautiful features are revealed after a long snowy winter

While Lassen Volcanic National Park is just as serene and peaceful as other California national parks, it was established to protect and aid the research of a turbulent landscape. The birth of this park as a federally protected area really began in the summer of 1914 when three climbers ascended Lassen Peak in an attempt to uncover the reasons why the dormant volcano had recently started rumbling deep beneath its surface.

As they neared the top, the volcano began to erupt, spewing ash and debris into the air forming a 12-mile long mudflow that flooded across the region. The climbers narrowly escaped and survived the event—an event that would become one of intense study for many years to come. In 1915, the peak blew its top. The catastrophic eruption forced rock, trees, and debris miles down into valleys devastating the surrounding areas and changing its landscape forever. Then in 1917, the volcano fell dormant.

Today, the active but sleeping volcano is the high point of a lively wilderness environment. Across 160,000 acres, elevations range from 5,300 to over 10,000 feet creating a diverse landscape of jagged mountain peaks, alpine lakes, forests, meadows, streams, waterfalls, and of course, volcanoes. There are hot springs, geysers, fumaroles, mud pots, steam vents, and other geothermal features in the area as well from where bubbling activity still appears reminding us of the region’s stormy past.

With all of that said, it is not surprising that Lassen Volcanic National Park is known for its extreme weather. During heavy snow years, the main park road along the Lassen Volcanic National Park Scenic Highway (the main park road) may not open until May and sometimes not until mid-July putting visitors at the mercy of Mother Nature during any season of the year. Lassen Volcanic fully opened for summertime activities this year in late June. All the park’s roads, campgrounds, and trailheads are open for the first time in seven months with some high-country trails in sun-shielded sites still covered with some patches of snow.

Lassen features a landscape built primarily by volcanic blasts and lava flows with the last series of major eruptions from 1914 to 1918. Its high country is cut by ice and snow. The park’s 106,000 acres is a matrix of lava peaks, basalt flows, and geothermal basins that is set amid forests, lakes, and streams. The centerpiece, 10,457-foot Lassen Peak, has just an inch or two of snow left on portions of the switch-backed trail that leads up from the parking lot. It is expected to melt off soon.

As a national park, Lassen is like Yosemite’s little brother—it gets about 750,000 visitors each year (542,274 in 2020) compared to Yosemite’s 5 million (2,268,313 in 2020). It is a unique destination for camping, hiking, trout fishing, and wilderness treks. The Pacific Crest Trail also runs through much of the park.

With summer heating up, here is the ultimate guide to Lassen Volcanic with ideas on how to enjoy the park’s greatest hits and stay cool.

Camping

Along the Lassen Park Highway, you can find major campgrounds and camping cabins at Manzanita Lake (multiple loops, 179 sites, 20 cabins). Or check out Summit Lake with two separate campground areas and 94 sites which opened June 25. Near the southern entrance station, Southwest Walk-in has 20 sites, first come, first served. In the park’s more remote regions, the campground at Butte Lake (101 sites) is located across the entrance road from the car-top boat access.

Camps are also available at the distant Warner Valley (17 sites, first-come, first-served) and the even more remote Juniper Lake (16 sites, first come, first served, opened June 25). Access to these spots is along dirt roads and SUVs are advised to reach them.

Three easy hikes

The park’s most popular hike, the Bumpass Hell geothermal area (named after a guy who accidentally fell in), is now open. It’s a 3-mile round trip: a short climb and then a descent to a basin filled with boiling pots, hot springs, steam vents, and hydrothermals. A series of boardwalks provide access to the basin.

From Hat Lake along the Lassen Park Highway, there’s a pretty hike along a creek past a waterfall (a short cutoff on the right provides the best view) to gorgeous Paradise Meadow. It’s a 2.8 miles round trip with a 700-foot climb on the way in. The meadow is nestled in a mountain bowl at 7,100 feet where visitors will find an explosion of wildflowers.

Mill Creek Falls, a gorgeous 75-foot chute-like waterfall, is a 3.8-mile round trip. The route starts near the southwest parking area (near the park entrance, behind the amphitheater), then is routed through the forest with a few small stream crossings.

Two tougher hikes

The park’s signature hike, the Lassen Peak Trail, has recently become accessible for hiking as the snow melts off the south-facing switchbacks. It’s a 5-mile round-trip with a 2,000-foot climb on the way up to the rim. Then it’s a short jaunt across the caldera to the plug dome summit crag. As you approach, the best route up to the pinnacle is on the far side on the left.

From the trailhead at Butte Lake, the park’s most unusual climb is the 2-mile trek to the rim of the Cinder Cone (4.5 miles roundtrip). It’s somewhat of a slog through volcanic rubble but the reward is a view inside the collapsed caldera of the cone and views of the Spectacular Lava Beds and also to Lassen Peak. A trail rings the rim of the cone with a cutoff spur that plunges to the bottom.

Lakes

The park’s most famous lake is Manzanita Lake, located a short distance from the Highway 44/89 entrance station. During the summer, it is a favorite area for kids of all ages to hike, swim, and paddle. With a kayak or canoe, you can paddle across the lake with a backdrop of Lassen Peak. Kayak rentals are available at the Camper Store. The lake is also a destination for flyfishers with special regulations in effect for catch-and-release wild trout.

National Park Service rangers at Lassen also provide regular guided tours that examine summer bird species in the area (there are 213 species in the park) The one thing that never changes at Manzanita Lake is the straight-on view of Lassen Peak from its north side. Gorgeous!

Summit Lake, ringed by conifers, is also popular for kayaking with the best access on the northern shore; no rentals.

Remote Butte Lake has a designated area to launch car-top boats and from here you can paddle amid a backdrop of pine forest, volcanic crags, and shoreline rubble. The lake has fair trout fishing with fish up to about 12 inches. No motors are permitted at any of the lakes at Lassen.

Fact Box

Size: 106,372 acres

Date Established: August 9, 1916

Location: Northern California, at the southern foot of the Cascades Range

Park Elevation: 5,300 feet-10,463 feet

How the park got its name: Lassen Volcanic National Park was named after the high-point in the park, Lassen Peak (10,463 feet). Lassen Peak was named after a Danish blacksmith named Peter Lassen who explored the area and settled there in the early 1840s. It has also been called Mount Lassen or Lassen Butte. It’s Native American names varied, translating loosely as Fire Mountain, Water Mountain, Snow Mountain, and The Long High Mountain That Was Broken.

Iconic site: The unobstructed view of Lassen Peak from Manzanita Lake is a showstopper and a site that can be accessed all year long. Along the popular 1.5-mile trail that circumnavigates the lake, there are plenty of cool offshoot trails meandering the serene alpine setting. From the north side of the lake, forests of conifer trees frame-up Chaos Crags, Eagles Peak, and Lassen Peak like a painting. Stay for sunset! It’s an easy walk back to the car and the alpenglow is beautiful.

Did you know?

Sunset Magazine called Lassen The West’s most beautiful, least visited wonderland.

Lassen is one of the few places on Earth that contains all four of the world’s known types of volcanoes—stratovolcanoes, volcanic domes, shield volcanoes, and cinder cones. A shield volcano can be seen at Prospect Peak, a cinder cone volcano that formed the Painted Dunes when it erupted in 1666, Lassen Peak itself is a plug dome volcano—the largest in the world, and the stratovolcano (also known as a composite volcano) can be seen at Mount Diller.

All of the mountains in this national park are volcanic.

The only volcanic eruption occurring in a national park in the lower 48 states during the 20th century was at Lassen Volcanic.

Worth Pondering…

—William H. Brewer, Up and Down California (Journals; 1860-1864)

Geothermal Weirdness, Volcanic Landscapes, and Stunning Beauty

Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to steaming fumaroles, meadows freckled with wildflowers, clear mountain lakes, and numerous volcanoes

When it comes to National Parks with steamy geothermal features, people usually think of Yellowstone National Park—but it’s certainly not the only park that’s hot to trot.

There’s also California’s Lassen Volcanic National Park.

On June 14, 1914, three men climbed Lassen Peak to see why a seemingly dormant volcano had started rumbling 16 days before. Now, peering into a newborn crater, they felt the ground tremble. As they turned and ran down the steep slope, the mountain erupted. Rocks hurtled through the ash-filled air. One struck a man, knocking him out. Ashes rained down on the men. They seemed doomed. But the eruption stopped as suddenly as it had begun, and the three men survived.

From 1914 to early 1915, Lassen spewed steam and ashes in more than 150 eruptions. Finally, on May 19, 1915, the mountaintop exploded. Lava crashed through the 1914 crater. A 20-foot-high wall of mud, ash, and melted snow roared down the mountain, snapping tree trunks.

Three days later, a huge mass of ashes and gases shot out of the volcano, devastating a swath a mile wide and three miles long. Above the havoc, a cloud of volcanic steam and ash rose 30,000 feet.

Eruptions of steam, ash, and tephra continued until June 1917, when the volcano resumed its quiet profile, with minor steam clouds occasionally reported. Since 1921, Lassen Peak has remained quiet. But it is still considered an active volcano, the centerpiece of a vast panorama, where volcanism displays its spectaculars—wrecked mountains, devastated land, bubbling cauldrons of mud.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of the only places in the world that has all four types of volcanoes—cinder cone, composite, shield, and plug dome—so you know a park that’s packing that much heat is definitely gonna have some cool sights to see. Here are some of the park’s best other-worldly landscapes and hidden gems to explore.

Explore the Hydrothermal Areas. Boiling pools, steam rising from the ground, bubbling mud pots—these are just some of the types of hydrothermal areas that can be found within Lassen Volcanic National Park. One of the most popular of the park’s natural attractions is Bumpass Hell, a 16-acre bowl of mud pots, pools, and steam vents accessible via a three-mile roundtrip hike.

Others to check out include Devil’s Kitchen, Boiling Springs Lake, and Cold Boiling Lake.

Sulphur Works is a trail that will get you a little closer to the bubbling mudpots and steaming pools. It’s also right off the main road, so if you’re short on time but still want to check out some hot and heavy geothermal weirdness, this is your best bet. The main attraction here is a 5-foot mudpot—it’s all that remains of an extinct volcano known as Mount Tehama. Definitely be cautious here—this is an area known for looking deceptively safe, but stepping off the boardwalk could mean falling into boiling mud.

Go for a drive and see Lassen Volcanic from the comfort of your car—the 30-mile Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway is a terrific way to do just that. Allow at least an hour to do the drive non-stop, or build in more time to stop at the various highlights along the way, including Bumpass Hell Overlook where you can see the former Brokeoff Volcano, or Mt. Tehama; Kings Creek Meadow Scenic Pull-out; and Hat Creek, which is a must during fall foliage, to name just a few.

Do hike to the peak. Lassen Volcanic National Park offers more than 150 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. The keystone of the park is the peak itself, and the recent completion of the four-year Reach the Peak project restored the five-mile roundtrip Lassen Peak Trail. The hike is strenuous. Allow six hours for a terrific family experience with fantastic views of the valley and the High Sierras from the top.

Take the subway. Take the self-guided trail to Subway Cave, which is in Lassen National Forest and accessible via the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, near the town of Old Station. The cave was formed about 20,000 years ago when lava flow from Hat Creek cooled and hardened on top, while hot lava continued to flow underneath, eventually leaving tube-like caves.

Or, extend your trip and drive the 500-mile Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway All American Road from Lassen Volcanic National Park north to Crater Lake National Park in Oregon.

Worth Pondering…

Miles of its flanks are reeking and bubbling with hot springs, many of them so boisterous and sulphurous they seem ever ready to become spouting geysers…

—John Muir, Mountains of California (1894)