Lassen Peak is the southernmost peak in the Cascades. The Sierra Nevada Mountains start 10 miles further south. It erupted many times between 1914 and 1915, and steam regularly wafted from its crater until the 1940s. During one of the larger eruptions, debris was blown over five miles into the air, and ash fell as far away as Reno, Nevada.

Jason and I hiked to the top of the peak. The trail is in very good shape, and is quite popular. There was a little bit of snow left at the top, and we could just barley see the summit of Mt. Shasta to the north.

We had enough energy to explore the blasted remains of the crater. Walking through the debris was like trying to negotiate a rugged maze. The hardened lava was sharp, and the boulders scraped away at our boots. Afterwards, we all enjoyed a nice swim in Lake Helen at the base of the peak.

Kendall Vanhook Bumpass was the first explorer to witness the bubbling and steaming thermal activity near Lassen Peak. Unfortunately for Bumpass, he fell into one of the boiling pools and lost his leg from the burns he suffered. This area has been known as “Bumpass Hell” ever since. Poor Bumpass.

We stayed on the boardwalk. All of the mud pots and sulphery fumaroles reminded me of Yellowstone.

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