Lassen National Park 2015

Nearing the end of July 2015, coinciding with the appearance of a July Blue Moon, we stayed four nights at the Warner Valley Campground, located about 17 miles from the nearest town of Chester and about half a mile from the Drakesbad Guest Ranch located at road's end. For the past 9 years, our friend Steve has been the summertime camp host at this small primitive campground without flush toilets and showers. For much amenities, campers have to venture down the dirt road to the Drakesbad Guest Ranch where one could also get three square meals a day if they didn't want to cook outdoors. Besides visiting with Steve and watching the endless stream of PCT through-hikers, equally representing both sexes during a banner year for attempts according to Steve thanks in part to the movie "Wild" with Reese Witherspoon, we completed three hikes over three consecutive days. Needless to say, my feet and legs were talking to me all night long. We climbed Brokeoff Mountain, a 7-mile hike with 2,700 feet of elevation gain, followed by Lassen Peak at 5 miles and 2,100 feet of gain, and Cinder Cone at 4.2 miles with 900 feet of gain. The last hike, Cinder Cone, required a 600 feet ascent straight up on about 25% plus grade over loose volcanic rock. It was two steps up with a one step slide back if you were careful. All were very challenging over different terrain and I'm glad I did them in hindsight. Lassen National Park is great visit with lots of variety for those willing to dawn their hiking boots. Again, I haven't been very active with my camera, but here a link to some pictures by Geno on Picasa. Below are a few of my pictures from our hike up Cinder Cone.

From Lassen National Park 2015, the Cinder Cone