On Top of Old Smoky, What a View

Lassen Peak, along with fellow volcano Mt. Shasta, lords it over lesser peaks and valleys of Northern California. One-hundred-mile views are the hiker’s reward for climbing the 10,453-foot peak.

The peak is the southernmost volcano in a chain of mountains in the Cascade Range that extends from California through Oregon and Washington to British Columbia. Lassen is also part of the series of volcanoes called the Ring of Fire.

Lassen erupted many times from 1914 to 1921. A 1915 explosion, known as the Great Hot Blast, sent volcanic debris five miles into the sky.

One hike highlight is a look at the aptly named Devastated Area, a reminder of the volcano’s power, located just below the northeast summit.

To learn more about the great volcano, pick up an interpretive pamphlet at the trail head or from park headquarters. Lassen Peak Trail begins just a mile north of the park’s most popular hike--the nature trail to Bumpass Hell.

Directions to the trail head: From Interstate 5 in Red Bluff, follow California 36 to the park. California 89 extends north-south through the national park and provides access to most of its prominent features, including the well-marked trail head for Lassen Peak. Visitors centers are located near the junctions of California 44 and 89 as well as California 36 and 44.

The hike: The path begins its no-nonsense climb right away, switchbacking through a scattered stand of mountain hemlock. Even the first mile of the climb offers views: Look for Lake Almanor to the southeast, Brokeoff Peak and other park summits to the near west and the (often hazy) Sacramento Valley to the far west.

The path levels some atop the summit ridge just west of the peak before conquering Lassen Peak. Look northwest for an awesome view of Mt. Shasta. To the south are the northernmost peaks of the High Sierra.

Lassen Peak Trail

WHERE: Lassen Volcanic National Park.

DISTANCE: 5 miles round trip with 2,000 foot elevation gain.

TERRAIN: Southernmost volcano in Cascade Range.

HIGHLIGHTS: Unparalleled vistas of Northern California from world’s largest plug dome volcano.

DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Short but strenuous.

PRECAUTIONS: Prepare for high winds, cold. Avoid trail during lightning storms.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Superintendent, Lassen Volcanic National Park, P.O. Box 100, Mineral, CA 96063; tel. (916) 595-4444.