Lassen National Park
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Lassen Peak Lassen National Park |
September 25, 2015
Having fallen into 'lazy mode' recently due to all the forest fires
and smoke, I must finally get off my duff and do something. The
160-mile drive up here is dispatched in just under three hours.
The parking lot is virtually empty at 9 a.m.
I first conquered this peak at age 12 as part of a Boy Scout Troop, then did it again in the 1970s with my late wife Pam. This will be my first ascent in the 'modern' era.
At the first switchback is a sign entreating hikers to stay on the trail, lest it be closed down in the future except to guided tours.
A strong admonishment to trail-cutters
This way is easier in any case
I never have really understood why some folk feel compelled to cut switchbacks, because doing so raises the question of why those people are out here in the first place.
Lake Helen and Brokeoff Mountain to the south
Lake Almanor shimmers 19 miles to the southeast
As advertised, it has cooled down significantly and the wind is gusting merrily. About halfway up the mountain, I am compelled to don a windbreaker. Gloves would have been nice as well, had they not been forgotten along with the knee braces.
The parking lot is way down there
Many hikers have passed me already
I am not having that much fun right now. Continuing upward feels more like an obligation than a pleasure, but I must see it through. I cannot blame the trail, however. The Park Service spent much of the last five years upgrading it after a boy was killed when a portion of the trail collapsed, and it has done a fine job.
I didn't expect to encounter any snow today
Approaching The Spine
A signpost here says it's only another half-mile to the summit. What it did not say is that there also are several more rest stops along the way. I finally make it to the top of a flat knob, where many signposts detail the features of the surrounding region. Over to the east is a slightly higher area of jagged rocks; that must be the actual mountain top.
The true summit of Lassen Peak
A short trail leads over to the chaos comprising the volcanic crater itself, but I am content to photograph it from here.
The 100-year-old crater frames Mount Shasta to the north
An interesting fissure just below
The path over to the ragged summit block abruptly degenerates into a steep, rough scramble. As I watch a couple coming down, the man slips and falls. That doesn't deter me from continuing, but the high wind does. Getting up there just doesn't seem that important today; besides, I already did that more than sixty years ago.
The end of my route
A little signpost here asks me once again to stay on the "trail", so I do.
Heading back to the more friendly interim summit
Back atop the knob, I flop down for a bit of lunch. From here I can see the entirety of the trail over to the summit block. As I gaze at it, another hiker incredulously approaches and asks whether that is the trail over there. I respond that it does indeed appear to be the trail over there.
A young couple braves the slippery scree
They're getting closer
Views from the top
In the distance, I can see that Shasta's many glaciers are not doing very well.
The ubiquitous mountain is 70 miles away
After downing a few grapes and some trail mix, it is time to leave. Were it not so windy, I would stay longer.
Nice colors
The two young hikers finally have managed to scale highest rock on the mountain:
On top of the world ⇔
One unusual feature of this hike is that the parking lot is in view most of the way down. The trek is somewhat analogous to trying to watch a pot boil; no matter how far I walk, my car still looks pretty small down there.
Another 1,500 feet to go
On the other hand, I actually can count the 23 cars in the parking lot. Prior to my recent cataract surgery, they would have been just a blur.
The Bumpass Hell trailhead is nearly full now; three hours ago, it was empty
About halfway down, it warms up enough that I can ditch my windbreaker. This walk is much more enjoyable now than on the way up.
The Spine
With about half a mile to go, I overtake a father with one boy on his shoulders and another one running behind. Upon seeing me, the runner skips well ahead, apparently not wanting me to catch up with him. It takes three of four stern commands from dad finally to slow him down. As I go by, I say, "Tough luck, kid". These are the only hikers that I would overtake today.
Family fun
Near the finish
§: Well, I am happy finally to be able to cross this one off
my bucket list. The very popular trail is a must-do.
Don't underestimate the need for warmer clothing, no matter what the
weather conditions are at the trailhead.
| Scenery |  |
| Difficulty |  |
| Solitude |  |
