Lassen Peak

Lassen Peak

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Elevation 10,463

Hiking Lassen has been on our list for quite some time. We finally got a few days to make the journey North to Lassen NP and decided to hike both Brokeoff Mountain and Lassen Peak. We drove into the park and camped at Manzanita Lake Campgrounds. 

(click on the links to see the write-up about each place)

Although we were planning on an alpine start each day, we ultimately made it over to the mountain at about 8am. 

Still plenty of snow. 

The trailhead parking lot. This early in the morning it is just about empty. 

Later, it will be packed!

There are bathrooms at the trailhead, but they were locked...

The trail heads up right from the parking lot. 

Ready to go!

After reading trail reports and reviews, we know that the lower third of the volcano is still covered in snow. As it warms, it will become quite slippery. We've donned micro spikes for this portion of the hike. I also have trekking poles and gators. May be a little overkill, but I'd rather be prepared than not. 

Just getting started. 

There are spots of snow, then dirt, then snow. 

The trail is marked with flags. 

In between patches of snow. Decided to keep the spikes on and just walk on the sandy parts. 

Another large snow field. 

The parts of the trail you can see are very well maintained. 

One of the last large snow fields. 

Keeping the micro spikes on for this one. 

Pika!!

Are these what Pikachu/Pokemon are based off of? 

The higher we go, the better the views become. 

The farthest peak is Brokeoff Mountain

More snow, follow the flags. 

Stairs!!! You know you're on a highly trafficked trail when you see stairs. 

After the off-trail experience of yesterday, these are a welcome sight. 

The switchbacks begin. 

We counted 48 of them in total. 

Some of these snow fields are sketchy later in the day. I definitely felt more comfortable with spikes on. It's a long way down if you slip. 

Switchbacks and more switchbacks. Hard to see other hikers, they just blend right in. 

Almost there!

A little hazy, but views of Shasta in the distance.

The last field of snow to cross before the scramble up to the summit.

Pick your line, many routes to scramble up.

Caught a butterfly midflight off to Charene's left

Traversing the snowfield near the summit on the way back down.

The views on the way down always seem different than on the way up.

And by late morning, the parking lot is beginning to fill up.

The drive out and on the way back to camp are stunning as well

Lassen National Park is a beautiful place to visit and like most National Parks we have been to, there can be lots of crowds. If you're interested in avoiding those crowds, make your adventuring starts in the early morning hours. We found that the park crowd usually gets out after 10 or 11 am and that's when the park seems very busy.

Now Get out there and Get Gone!