For a quick fall adventure, we decided to head to Lassen Volcanic National Park. Located about 50 miles east of Redding in northern California, it was perfect for a weekend getaway.
Lassen Peak most recently erupted in 1914-1915 and Lassen Volcanic National Park was established in 1916. From boiling mud pots to steaming fumaroles, Lassen's continuing volcanic activity is the main attraction in the Park.
Loomis Museum
We started our day out at the Loomis Museum and visitor center where we were treated to a film about the park, a lovely display of Atsugewi baskets, as well as equipment and photos B.F. Loomis used to document the 1914-15 eruption. The Adventure Boys were excited about the film and their souvenirs, but us adults were impressed with a historic seismograph which, apparently, is the oldest still in operational order. That, plus the original architecture made this history-loving girl's heart happy.
Kings Creek Picnic Area
For lunch, we picnicked at Kings Creek Picnic area. It was a basic picnic site with Kings Creek meandering through a meadow a short walk away from the tables. All three Adventure Boys felt the water, but only *one* Adventure Boy got his foot wet. Whoops!
Bumpass Hell
After lunch, we continued on to our main adventure of the trip: Bumpass Hell! The largest hydrothermal area in the park, Bumpass Hell was named after an early settler who broke through the thin soil and badly burned his leg. Featuring several mud pots, boiling pools, and fumaroles along a boardwalk combined with stunning vistas make it well worth the 3 mile round-trip hike.
With our three Adventure Boys in tow (Baby in the moby wrap, Toddler in a backpack, and Preschooler hiking at least 2 miles, then riding on Adventure Dad's shoulders), we hiked the Bumpass Hell trail in about two and a half hours. While not your typical "kid" hike, it was definitely doable and, thanks to the boardwalk and signs at the hydrothermal area, fun for all of us.
While the Boys slept, the adults enjoyed breath-taking vistas and a brief look at Sulfur Works (right alongside the road) as we drove to Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center at the south end of the park. We ended the day by driving back through the park, and made it back to our campground in time for dinner and a bit of stargazing.
Subway Cave
The next day, we packed up camp and headed on one more adventure to Subway Cave in Lassen National Forest. With sturdy staircases at both ends of the tube and good signage, it is the perfect kids spelunking experience. It was perfectly dark, and the Adventure Boys felt pretty cool, each getting to hold their own light through the tunnel.
In fact, we enjoyed it so much, we turned around and walked back through the tube instead of climbing up and out at the far end. While not in the National Park, I would say it is a must see if you've got kids along for the ride. Plus, it's still in keeping with the "volcanic" theme of the trip.
Accomodations
While there are several campsites within Lassen Volcanic National Park, we decided it would be too cold for us to camp at such high elevations. So, in an effort to avoid cold nights (and subsequent whining from Adventure Boys and Mom alike), we decided to camp outside the park at a lower elevation at Hat Creek Hereford Ranch RV Park and Campground. And it worked perfectly! Our morning and evening temperatures were warm at camp, and day time temps in the park were cool enough to enjoy hiking. Plus, the RV Park has showers, wi-fi, and grass, which is nice when you're still interacting with civilization.
Lassen Peak most recently erupted in 1914-1915 and Lassen Volcanic National Park was established in 1916. From boiling mud pots to steaming fumaroles, Lassen's continuing volcanic activity is the main attraction in the Park.
Loomis Museum
We started our day out at the Loomis Museum and visitor center where we were treated to a film about the park, a lovely display of Atsugewi baskets, as well as equipment and photos B.F. Loomis used to document the 1914-15 eruption. The Adventure Boys were excited about the film and their souvenirs, but us adults were impressed with a historic seismograph which, apparently, is the oldest still in operational order. That, plus the original architecture made this history-loving girl's heart happy.Kings Creek Picnic Area
For lunch, we picnicked at Kings Creek Picnic area. It was a basic picnic site with Kings Creek meandering through a meadow a short walk away from the tables. All three Adventure Boys felt the water, but only *one* Adventure Boy got his foot wet. Whoops!
Bumpass Hell
After lunch, we continued on to our main adventure of the trip: Bumpass Hell! The largest hydrothermal area in the park, Bumpass Hell was named after an early settler who broke through the thin soil and badly burned his leg. Featuring several mud pots, boiling pools, and fumaroles along a boardwalk combined with stunning vistas make it well worth the 3 mile round-trip hike.
With our three Adventure Boys in tow (Baby in the moby wrap, Toddler in a backpack, and Preschooler hiking at least 2 miles, then riding on Adventure Dad's shoulders), we hiked the Bumpass Hell trail in about two and a half hours. While not your typical "kid" hike, it was definitely doable and, thanks to the boardwalk and signs at the hydrothermal area, fun for all of us.
While the Boys slept, the adults enjoyed breath-taking vistas and a brief look at Sulfur Works (right alongside the road) as we drove to Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center at the south end of the park. We ended the day by driving back through the park, and made it back to our campground in time for dinner and a bit of stargazing.
Subway Cave
The next day, we packed up camp and headed on one more adventure to Subway Cave in Lassen National Forest. With sturdy staircases at both ends of the tube and good signage, it is the perfect kids spelunking experience. It was perfectly dark, and the Adventure Boys felt pretty cool, each getting to hold their own light through the tunnel.In fact, we enjoyed it so much, we turned around and walked back through the tube instead of climbing up and out at the far end. While not in the National Park, I would say it is a must see if you've got kids along for the ride. Plus, it's still in keeping with the "volcanic" theme of the trip.
Accomodations
While there are several campsites within Lassen Volcanic National Park, we decided it would be too cold for us to camp at such high elevations. So, in an effort to avoid cold nights (and subsequent whining from Adventure Boys and Mom alike), we decided to camp outside the park at a lower elevation at Hat Creek Hereford Ranch RV Park and Campground. And it worked perfectly! Our morning and evening temperatures were warm at camp, and day time temps in the park were cool enough to enjoy hiking. Plus, the RV Park has showers, wi-fi, and grass, which is nice when you're still interacting with civilization.
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