Cinder Cone challenge includes sharp inclines and Mother Nature
Check out the Lassen Volcanic National Park slideshow below
The hike to Cinder Cone starts out at Butte Lake (though some German speakers may call it Butt Lake). It passes by the Fantastic Lava Beds through a lightly populated forest and next to campgrounds. The walking to the Cinder Cone, while mostly flat, is on cinders. These fine granules have the consistency of sand and can make footing treacherous for those not paying attention.
Again, the skies threatened with thunder and rain, but the thin band of clouds looked like it might miss the area. We set out looking for the top of the cinder cone, but on arrival at the base, we looked upon a route that was more than we expected. The sheer climb up looked to be about a 45 degree angle, and the cinder covered path would not make for easy going up to the summit of the cone.
Still for most of the group the ascent was never in question. We would make the attempt and succeed. After all, we had come a long way just to see this remnant of a bygone era. Scientists believe that the cone was formed in the early 1600s. As we climbed and scrambled toward the top, taking two steps forward and one slide back in echo of a Paula Abdul song, the skies drop a little rain on us. It wasn’t enough to deter us.
At the summit, we celebrated the conquering of a difficult climb – at least as far as climbs that do not involve equipment go. We took photos, descended a little way into the caldron and headed back toward the car.
Mother Nature was not finished with us quite yet. As we walked along the flat trail, she dropped intermittent hail on us. The white balls measured about the length of a quarter in diameter and stung just a little bit whenever they struck someone on the head or shoulders.
The funny thing is that during our adventures in the park, the most dangerous thing we stumbled on, literally, were the trees. They seemed to be rooting for my niece to fall, and she did so twice. Beware of bears and other creatures, but be more aware of what you think you know isn’t there, or you may find yourself similarly uprooted.
See the video playlist for Bumpass Hell on YouTube
The hike to Cinder Cone starts out at Butte Lake (though some German speakers may call it Butt Lake). It passes by the Fantastic Lava Beds through a lightly populated forest and next to campgrounds. The walking to the Cinder Cone, while mostly flat, is on cinders. These fine granules have the consistency of sand and can make footing treacherous for those not paying attention.
Again, the skies threatened with thunder and rain, but the thin band of clouds looked like it might miss the area. We set out looking for the top of the cinder cone, but on arrival at the base, we looked upon a route that was more than we expected. The sheer climb up looked to be about a 45 degree angle, and the cinder covered path would not make for easy going up to the summit of the cone.
Still for most of the group the ascent was never in question. We would make the attempt and succeed. After all, we had come a long way just to see this remnant of a bygone era. Scientists believe that the cone was formed in the early 1600s. As we climbed and scrambled toward the top, taking two steps forward and one slide back in echo of a Paula Abdul song, the skies drop a little rain on us. It wasn’t enough to deter us.
At the summit, we celebrated the conquering of a difficult climb – at least as far as climbs that do not involve equipment go. We took photos, descended a little way into the caldron and headed back toward the car.
Mother Nature was not finished with us quite yet. As we walked along the flat trail, she dropped intermittent hail on us. The white balls measured about the length of a quarter in diameter and stung just a little bit whenever they struck someone on the head or shoulders.
The funny thing is that during our adventures in the park, the most dangerous thing we stumbled on, literally, were the trees. They seemed to be rooting for my niece to fall, and she did so twice. Beware of bears and other creatures, but be more aware of what you think you know isn’t there, or you may find yourself similarly uprooted.
See the video playlist for Bumpass Hell on YouTube