Exploring the Summit
The landslide area immediately downslope from the mountain is known as the Devastated Area, the result of a 1915 major eruptive episode. The sharp spiked lava dome serves as a landmark for locating the summit from the Lassen Peak Trail.
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Crossing the Crater Snowfield
Crossing the snowfield was a refreshing experience while entering the crater beneath the lava dome after the hot, dusty hike up the switchbacks. The snow appeared white from a distance, but was coated with the pink dust of eroding dacite origin. Previous hikers had worn a trench through the snow, sometimes as deep as six or seven feet. |
A Violent Past
Ascending over the loose, pink dacite lava rocks soon became a chore while approaching the steep spires of the lava dome. The relatively light weight density of the rock, coupled with the clinking sound that arose as the unstable rocks moved underfoot, was not unlike walking on an irregular pile of jumbled bricks. The dark, rough rock beyond the snowfield is the "aa" lava flow that flowed 1000 feet down the west slope of the mountain in 1915. Its rough appearance is due to its thick, pasty makeup, very unlike the less viscous Hawaiian lavas. |
A Violent Past
Before the eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980, Lassen Peak was the only other volcano to erupt in the 20th century within the contiguous 48 states. In my youth, I read a lot about volcanoes, and often dreamed of seeing the only (at that time) volcano to erupt in the U.S.!! Being able to achieve a childhood dream was a great highlight of our California vacation! The view was great also! The clear air permitted long views to the entire volcanic plateau in the national park, and of the Mount Shasta volcano to the north.
Ranger's Lassen Peak pages |
