America's hidden gems: The 20 least-crowded national parks in 2009

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America's least-visited national parks20. Canyonlands National Park, Utah19. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California18. Channel Islands National Park17. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado16. Big Bend National Park, Texas15. Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska14. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota13. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado12. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas11. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida10. Congaree National Park, South Carolina9. Great Basin National Park, Nevada8. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska7. North Cascades National Park, Washington6. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan5. Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Alaska4. Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska3. Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Alaska2. National Park of American Samoa, American Samoa1. Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska

Lassen Peak, which last erupted in 1915, is the largest of more than 30 volcanic domes in the park, which is about 165 miles north of Sacramento. Hissing fumaroles (steam vents) and boiling mud pots from those volcanoes continue to shape the park's landscape. Though the climate is unpredictable, summer, with its warm, dry weather, may be the best time for a visit.<br>
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<b>Visitors in 2009 (through August):</b> 266,721<br>
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<b>More info: </b><br>
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<a href=" http://www.nps.gov/LAVO">http://www.nps.gov/LAVO</a><br>
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<i>Pictured: Boiling Springs Lake </i>

19. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

( Russell Virgilio / National Park Service )

Lassen Peak, which last erupted in 1915, is the largest of more than 30 volcanic domes in the park, which is about 165 miles north of Sacramento. Hissing fumaroles (steam vents) and boiling mud pots from those volcanoes continue to shape the park's landscape. Though the climate is unpredictable, summer, with its warm, dry weather, may be the best time for a visit.

Visitors in 2009 (through August): 266,721

More info:

http://www.nps.gov/LAVO

Pictured: Boiling Springs Lake