Natural History Wanderings

Volcanoes, Geothermal, Wildflowers, and Hikes

One of California’s “other” national parks.   While the crowds are heading to Yosemite and Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, Lassen is a lot less crowded There is geothermal activity, hiking, mountains, wildflowers in summer, wildlife, winter cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Lassen is home to the largest plug dome volcano in the world.

Camping only in the park except for Drakesbad Guest Ranch, which is in the southern end of the park and not near most of the highlights.  All other accommodations are outside the park.

Lassen’s flora includes plants of both the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Ranges resulting in the park having 779 plant species.

109 photos of wildflowers: http://home.nps.gov/lavo/naturescience/wildflowers.htm

A Flora of Lassen Nation Park, California by George Gillett, John Howell and Hans Leschke available through the California Native Plant Association: http://www.cnps.org/store.php?crn=64&rn=322&action=show_detail

Suggested day hikes:

• Bumpass Hell for the most impressive of the geothermal areas in the park
• Lassen Peak for views and volcanic features (highest point in park)
• Brokeoff Mountain for views and wildflowers
• Paradise Meadows for wildflowers
• Mills Creek Falls for waterfalls and flowers especially if you continue Conard Meadows

Lassen Park main site: http://home.nps.gov/lavo/index.htm

Lassen Volcanic National Park Information page: http://www.lassen.volcanic.national-park.com/info.htm#plant

Lassen Association: http://www.lassenassociation.org/

Article on Geothermal Activity: http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2002/fs101-02/

Birds: http://home.nps.gov/lavo/naturescience/birds.htm

Lassen Bird List : http://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/upload/Lassen%20Bird%20List.pdf