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Community Corner

Great Escape: Experience and Explore in Northeastern California

Lassen Volcanic National Park offers an opportunity to climb a volcano, kayak, horseback ride and create memories.

Often described as California’s “Yellowstone,” the Main Park Road entrance into Lassen Volcanic National Park runs north and south through the park, between Manzanita Lake (Hwy 44) and the Southwest park entrance on Hwy 36. 

At the southwest entrance you will find the year-round national park visitor center Kohm Yah-mah-nee, a name meaning “Snow Mountain.” 

The Lassen Café and Gift Shop inside the visitor center is a great place to get a meal of soup, salad, fruit, and sandwiches, or a cup of gourmet coffee. The dining experience surrounds you with breath-taking views of the Cascades. The shop carries artisan jewelry and artwork, and other one-of-a-kind gifts. The visitor center’s hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m., from now through Oct. 10.

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Lassen’s many geological features include the sites of Manzanita Lake, Mount Lassen, Cinder Cone and Boiling Springs Lake. The National Park Service gives a day hike guide outlining the distance and time for hikes to various points of interest. The guide designates Lassen Peak (in the southwest area of the park) as a strenuous hike of nearly five miles roundtrip, taking three to five hours to complete, with panoramic views from the peak. This active volcano in the Cascade Range has an elevation of 8,500 feet to the trail’s head.

Stay over at the Manzanita Lake Camping Cabins. Call 530-335-7557 or email ManzanitaLake@CalParksCo.com to book reservation. There are one and two room cabins, and bunk-style cabins which are economical and secure. Ask about the Camper Packages for extra convenience.

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Since tents aren’t allowed at the cabin site, check out Manzanita Lake Campgrounds with 179 camp sites, and each comes equipped with a picnic table, campfire area, and bear-proof security for food. There are flush toilets and drinkable water, plus you can visit the Manzanita Lake Camper Store for any supplies you might need.

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