The Climb of Lassen Peak Volcano

The Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in Northern California, holds a special attraction for me as it contains all four types of volcanoes found on earth: 1. Stratovolcanoes; 2. Shield volcanoes; 3. Cinder cones; 4. Plug Domes.

Lassen Peak, the highest point in the park, is the largest plug dome volcano in the world! Vicki and I decided to climb the mountain

Lassen Peak was proclaimed a U.S. National Monument in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt. During its many eruptive episodes from 1914-21, the area was redesignated Lassen Volcanic National Park in 1916.

The park is situated in Northern California at the southernmost limit of the Cascade Range. Its remote location results in light visitation which allows the hiker more solitude than in the more popular parks. Most of the park is designated as wilderness.

Looking north from Lake Helen, the summit of Lassen Peak stands at 10,457 feet above sea level. The Lassen Peak Trail is about 2.5 miles in length with an elevation gain of well over 2000 feet from the trailhead.

The first 3/4 of a mile rises moderately through the sparse pine forests to the edge of treeline. Vicki and I enjoyed views toward Brokeoff Mountain to the south.

The middle reaches of the trail are steep switchbacks that cross the loose dacite material above treeline. The lava dome rising in the distance is known as Vulcan's Eye.

Hiking the switchbacks was rough and monotonous, despite the magnificent views from the peak. After climbing for over one and one-half miles, Vicki decided not to continue with the climb about the 9,700 foot elevation. I was determined to finish the climb and continued on to the summit.