One of our favorite places to go camping is Lassen Volcanic National Park. This is the fourth time we've camped in Lassen; the first time was in 2011, and then again in 2013 and 2016. Each time we've set up camp in the North Summit Campground.
One of the first hikes we went on this year was to Cold Boiling and Crumbaugh Lakes. This was a very fun and scenic three mile hike. For a topo map and stats of this hike, CLICK HERE.
Our wonderful kids on the trail to Crumbaugh Lake.
At Crumbaugh Lake.
The beautiful night sky of Lassen. Every year the Park Service holds a Dark Sky Festival in Lassen where, as they say, "visitors can see all that is out of this world."
One of the things we did this year was go on an early morning photo shoot. What made this time different was Caleb joined us with the new DSLR he received as a graduation present this year. We spent most of the morning going over settings and thinking about composition, and we had the perfect place to do it right next to our campsite at Summit Lake.
Hannah took this picture of Bob helping Caleb out with his new camera.
Caleb having fun on our photo shoot in the beautiful morning light of Lassen.
CLICK HERE to view some of the images Caleb took.
Hannah has really become a great photographer since we first started going out on photo shoots. This is a self portrait she took of herself during the morning's photo shoot.
CLICK HERE to view some of the other images she took.
By Caleb
By Hannah
By Hannah
By Hannah
By Hannah
By Caleb
By Caleb
By Bob
One of the other big adventures we did this year at Lassen was to hike from Summit Lake all the way to Butte Lake in the northeastern corner of the park. Bob and Hannah did the full hike, while Lisa and Caleb drove around to shuttle them back and to hike part way up to meet them on the four mile trail to the top of Cinder Cone. In total the trip for Bob and Hannah was 13.4 miles long.
Hannah at the beginning of our hike. Although the sign says it's only 9.6 miles to Butte Lake, we actually went 13.4 miles because we took a 3.8 mile detour to Snag Lake as well. For a topo map and stats of the route we took, CLICK HERE.
Hannah on top of the rock we took a picture of our family and kids back in 2011.
Hannah at Echo Lake.
Upper Twin Lake
The trail we hiked on was great without any really steep sections. In total, we saw only a half-dozen people until we got closer to Snag and Butte Lakes, and even then the trail was not crowded at all.
Hannah at a trail junction near Lower Twin Lake where we actually got to hike half of a mile on the Pacific Crest Trail.
Bob having a GREAT day with his daughter.
July wildflowers were everywhere.
This was one of the few sections we walked through that was part of the 2012 Reading fire.
Hannah picking flowers with her shadow.
Coming up on Rainbow Lake.
Looking across Rainbow Lake to Lassen Peak (10,457 feet).
Hannah looking back as we approach Snag Lake.
After leaving Snag Lake the hike became hot and dry as we walked alongside the Fantastic Lava Beds and Painted Dunes. We were both glad to get to this trail junction because we were about to hike back into the trees and get some shade. At this point we were only about 2.5 miles from Butte Lake and the end of the trail.
About 15 minutes after taking the last picture we met up with Lisa and Caleb where another trail leads to the summit of Cinder Cone. It was really great to see them, but Hannah and I weren't that interested in hiking up another 800 feet of hot lava sand to the summit of Cinder Cone, so we handed them the camera and they continued on. Lisa took this picture of Caleb on the top of Cinder Cone (6,907 feet).
Caleb in the distance hiking in the Cinder Cone crater.
Caleb on top of Cinder Cone with the Fantastic Lava Beds and Butte Lake behind him.
After a great day of hiking we were ready to get back to camp and enjoy beautiful Summit Lake.
Lisa and Hannah cooling off and cleaning up in Summit Lake.
Once again we had a wonderful time in Lassen Volcanic National Park. No doubt we'll be back for more great family time checking out other hikes and visiting attractions we've yet to see. Can't wait...