Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to a plethora of different volcano types belonging to the Pacific Ring of Fire. Lassen Peak, it's namesake, last erupted in 1915, but its activity is still very prevalent as witnessed by its hot springs and hydrothermal areas. Even though we only had a day and a half to enjoy it, we still managed to fit in lots of mountains and creeks and smores!
Totally unrelated, but I had to include it: Edel and I managed to catch a glimpse of the Space Shuttle Endeavor when it passed over San Jose. Super nerdy. Super cool.
The scenery was truly breathtaking at times. This is Lassen Peak, in all of its post-eruption glory. I am standing directly in its path of destruction from its 1915 eruption.
To the left, the mountain roads through the park were beautiful. To the right, this "Hot Rock"was ejected from the peak during the eruption, landing miles away. Days later, it was still sizzling!
Edel caught this little guy munching on a snack.
Areas of the park were recently devastated by a wildfire started by a lightning strike.
We passed by Summit Lake on our first evening. Although it's a small lake, it was very beautiful and peaceful.
Another great view of Lassen Peak.
We camped right next to Manzanita Lake. On our first night there, we took a walk around the lake during sunset.
The sunset definitely made it seem like the fall-time. My favorite season!
We were lucky enough to catch a full moon rising over Lassen Peak. It was absolutely amazing! Below, our dinners were simple, but Edel made them delicious :)
Day 2: A nice view of Lassen Peak with a little creek and a meadow.
On the drive to our hikes for the day, the drive presented some spectacular views.
Lake Helen is a cute, clear lake nestled behind Lassen Peak.
We took a 1.5 mile hike to Bumpass Hell (many jokes were made about the name along the way). Bumpass Hell is a hydrothermal area where the volcano releases pressure through steam vents and hot springs. Really really really cool.
The temperatures of some of these hot springs exceeded 300 degrees! Needless to say, we stayed on the path.
There's nothing quite like the smell of rotten eggs (sulfur) early in the morning!
Some of the boiling pits were filled with mud, like this one. The little black bits on the surface are actually pyrite, aka "Fools Gold". 
More pretty lakes and pretty views!
To the left, another vista view on the hike back to the car from Bumpass Hell. To the right, the tallest waterfall in the park, Mill Creek Falls. It's hard to gauge its height because we are so far above it, so you'll have to take my word for it. The park map claims that the hike to Mill Creek Falls was a mere 3 mile round trip, but it felt more like a 6 mile round trip! I'm going to blame the high elevations.
Some more hydrothermal activity, this time right along the highway. This particular site is known as "Sulphur Works"...it sure smelled like it!
On our way back to the campsite after day 2, we decided to stop by Lake Helen for a closer look. Edel's using his binoculars to check out hikers trekking to the summit of Lassen Peak in the background. If we had had more time, we probably would have attempted the hike as well. Definitely something to keep in mind for next time!
Love him.
We tried to cut costs by buying off-brand cheese for our cheeseburgers. BIG mistake. This particular slice had been hanging over the fire for a good 5 minutes before I took this picture, and it never melted. Moral of the story: cough up the extra few dollars and get the good cheese.
A very effective method of deflating the tent!
On our drive home the next morning, we stopped by Emerald Lake. It was very serene in the early morning air, and the water was incredibly clear!
Very pretty lake.
Although it was short, it was a great vacation, and an even greater way to send off a fabulous summer!
