Mt. Lassen

Mt. Lassen is the southern most peak in the Cascades chain. Positioned in far northern California east of Redding and Red Bluff, the world's largest plug dome volcano rises to 10,457 feet. Lassen's last eruptive activity occurred as recently as 1914 in a seven year cycle. The park area surrounding the volcanic peak still shows many signs of recent volcanic activity with steam, boiling mud pots, and sulfur fumaroles releasing energy from deep under ground. During the summer months the area is an active tourist attraction, but winter conditions demand more robust disposition and equipment to tackle the mountain.

A well groomed trail leads to the summit from a trail head adjacent to highway 89 which circles through the park around the east side of the mountain, eventually connecting with highway 44 to Redding. The trail head lies at 8512 feet, which is the highest point along the park highway. The gain on this climb is just 1945 feet, so it is a summit that even family groups can shoot for as long as everyone in the party has good aerobic conditioning and strong legs with good balance. However, be aware that Lassen is like any other Cascade peak that rises over 10,000 feet: Even in clear summer weather the wind chill and air temperatures can produce subzero conditions at the summit. Always carry a shell and insulating clothing along with all the normal Ten Essentials.