Lassen Volcanic National Park (or LAVO, as it's known in National Park alpha code) is, without a doubt, one of the unsung stars of the National Park System. We stopped here essentially because it was between where we were and where we wanted to be. Now, it's one of our favorite park adventures. In large part, this was due to the scenery, which was almost other-worldly in its beauty. But, unlike most of the grand parks in the NPS system, this one was nearly deserted. LAVO is about as remote as you can get in the State of California, so if someone is visiting there it's because they really want to be there. There's also very little in the way of towns or amenities around the park, so this place doesn't make it easy!
On Saturday, our eyes were opened to the amazingness of this place. We started with a short hike just to get out and see the scenery, and then made our way North to Manzanita Lake, which couldn't have been more gorgeous.
There was a campground with a small store there, so we were able to grab a sandwich and have a nice picnic lunch. But, even more exciting was the fact that the lake also had a rogue river otter. Seriously! There were signs all over warning of otter danger. We couldn't imagine what that might mean, so we stopped a ranger on the trail and inquired. Apparently, a protective momma recently thought a swimmer got a bit too close and pretty much whaled on her. The ranger said she needed "hundreds" of stitches on her face and may have lost an eye. Moral of the story: otters may be cute, but they are NOT to be messed with.
Our next stop was the cinder cone trail, which I mistakenly marketed to Nathan as a quick "mile or so" hike. I'm not sure what trail I was confusing it with, but the cinder cone trail was a 4.5 mile trek that ended in a grueling slog up the side of the cinder cone in sand at about a 45 degree incline. Seriously.
It was one of the demoralizing climbs I've ever done on a hike. BUT, at the end, we were rewarded with one of the most unique sights we've yet seen in a National Park.
I have a feeling that no Star Wars fan has ever climbed this his and not said Sarlacc Pit! Even with the false advertising, Nathan was a total champ. He all but sprinted to the top of the trail, and then, which Rachel and I sat and watched, he made a solo descent into the Sarlacc Pit ... I mean, cinder cone.
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