The southwest entrance of Lassen Volcanic National Park, at 2,050 meters elevation, is the center for winter ski activities and also has a campground and lodge. From here a pleasant trail leads through forest and across meadows to Mill Creek Falls, the highest waterfall in the park. After the park entrance, main road CA 89 climbs steadily, traversing steep terrain towards the Sulphur Works, one of the main geothermal areas in the park, and the only one adjacent to the road. There is a fierce-sounding steam vent at one side, and various hot pools, bubbling gray mudpots, fumaroles and small hissing fountains at the other. The soil around the pools and vents has been stained by sulphurous chemicals into many colorful shades of yellow, orange and brown. Raised wooden walkways allow for close viewing of the features in safety, and it is important not to stray on to the ground as the surface may be dangerously thin. All this activity is enough to significantly warm the waters of West Sulphur Creek that flows through the area, which is an example of a solfatara - a former volcanic region now not fully active. It is believed that the Sulphur Works mark the location of the main vent of the former volcano Mount Tehama.
The Path: After this, the road twists and turns while climbing another 350 meters and passes two large tranquil pools (Emerald Lake and Lake Helen), this latter named in recognition of the first white woman to ascend nearby Lassen Peak. In the valley beneath is the self-explanatory Little Hot Springs Area, with various scattered hot water sources. One mile east is the largest thermal region, at Bumpass Hell Basin, which is reached by an easy 1.5 mile trail and is one of the highlights of the park. More hot springs and pools are found in the other main center of activity at Warner Valley, 5 miles to the southeast.
The Basin: The park road reaches a high point of 8,500 feet (2,650 m) near Lassen Peak, then after here the land eventually becomes a little flatter and more forested, but still with many precipitous views into valleys below. There are two more campgrounds at Summit Lake, half way along the drive; the lake is one of several locations where long hiking trails lead into the roadless country to the east - much of this area is part of a large volcanic plateau with cinder cones, lava beds, lakes and meadows. The Pacific Crest Trail crosses this region, and continues towards more extensive areas of lava north of the park in Hat Creek Valley.
Devastated Area: Beyond Summit Lake the road crossed the Devastated Area, land that was ravaged by lava and landslides resulting from the 1915 eruption of Mount Lassen, and which has provided a model for the likely recovery of the countryside around Mount St. Helens in Washington state following the 1980 eruption.
Chaos Jumbles: More volcanic damage is evident near the north entrance station at the Chaos Jumbles, a collection of large jagged boulders that resulted from a violent air-cushioned rock slide emanating from the nearby Castle Crags volcano, 300 years ago. This is close to Manzanita Lake, a popular spot for fishing and boating, and the location of the largest campground in the park. In recent years, sightings of black bears have become more frequent in this area.
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