One of our camping trips this summer was to another of our favorite National Parks, Lassen Volcanic National Park. This is the view we had of Lassen Peak when on our drive to the park about 40 miles south near Lake Almanor.
One of our favorite campgrounds in Lassen is Summit Lake North. Here Bob is having fun watching the kids having fun in their new "play" kayak we bought just that morning before driving up to go camping.
The kids couldn't wait to get the new kayak in the water while we set up camp. Here's Caleb on the inaugural run.
Hannah trying out the new kayak on Summit Lake.
Lisa going for a paddle.
Roasting marshmallows around the campfire is just the best.
Yum Yum!
"How about some marshmallows for me? Please?" asks our hungry camp-dog.
It was a pleasure to have our longtime friend Chris England join us for our trip. He and Caleb really hit it off and were constantly discussing the finer points of film making. Chris has done some great video work. If you get the chance, check out his YouTube channel: Base Camp Chris.
The next day we all hiked to the summit of Lassen Peak (10,457 feet) the southernmost active volcano in the Cascade Range.
We've been wanting to hike this peak for a number of years, but it had been closed for almost five years while the park service was rebuilding the trail.
Lined up at the trailhead are Caleb, Lisa, Chris, and Hannah (Bob was taking the picture).
On our way to the summit of Lassen. You can see some of the vents ahead of us that were formed on May 30, 1915 when Lassen erupted after 27,000 years of dormancy.
Hannah heading up the trail. The section above this is as far as we made it the last time we were here in 2013 before trail repairs were complete.
Hannah and Lisa coming up the trail. The weather was very windy, especially near the top.
Our beautiful Hannah completely in her element.
She is wearing a special hat her Dad bought her back in 2000 when he was trekking and climbing in Nepal.
Caleb and Lisa making their way across one of the many snow banks with swirling clouds all around them. The wind and clouds gave an ethereal feel that made it feel like real adventure.
Wind whipping her hair as Hannah makes a bend in the trail.
On the false summit of Lassen with the true summit just beyond.
The true summit of Lassen Peak (10,457 feet).
Lisa lovin' to be out on the trail. Here she is sitting at the top in the shelter of some rocks for lunch. As it turned out, our summit coincided with the arrival of a park ranger who was there for a talk about the peak, the park, and all the history and geology of this amazing place.
Mom and son enjoying an adventurous day together.
This is a panorama from the peak. Click this image for a much larger version to catch a glimpse of the amazing view we had.
Our wonderful son Caleb did really great on this five mile, 2,000 foot gain hike to the summit of Lassen Peak.
Lisa enjoying the views on the way down.
And that's where we were.
Happy times in camp.
Early Sunday morning fog on Summit Lake.
Lassen Peak and its reflection in Summit Lake.
Lisa enjoying her role as camp cook.
As Bob packed up camp, Chris England, Lisa, and the kids did a hike down to the beautiful waterfalls on Kings Creek.
This is one of the many smaller unnamed waterfalls on the way to Kings Creek Falls, so Chris dubbed this one "England Falls."
Our destination, beautiful Kings Creek Falls.
Lisa coming back up the trail after visiting Kings Creek Falls.
Lassen is a wonderful, uncrowded National Park with miles of spectacular hiking trails, beautiful high mountain lakes, and wonderful views everywhere. We will definitely be back again.