Park News U.S. Department of the Interior Lassen Volcanic National Park

Peak Experiences May - November 2008 The offi cial newspaper of Lassen Volcanic National Park

Artist Rendering

Welcome to Lassen Volcanic It’s Easy Being Green National Park! Take a moment, close your eyes, and imagine visitors and spread the word on building green what a green building might look like. Did you and operating in a more sustainable way,” said Thank you for choosing to visit your see something painted green? Did it have straw Ric. With sustainability on their minds, Dan and national park. I invite you to stay a little bail walls and grass growing on the roof, or was Ric “reduced, reused, and recycled” their way to longer and really get to know Lassen it a complex modern structure with angular create a building that required less raw materials, Volcanic National Park on a deeper level. The landscape of the park is as diverse metallic walls and a shiny fi nished surface? Did used local raw materials when possible, and as the ways you can enjoy it. Here you a picture even come to mind? Do you need will operate using less water and energy than a will fi nd opportunities to visit over fi fty some help? The new Kohm Yah-mah-nee visitor standard building of its size. tranquil mountain lakes, hike trails that have sweeping vistas or go deep into old- center (pictured above under construction in growth forests, explore active hydrothermal November 2007) has met the high environmental With plenty of forethought, the removal of the areas, camp under the brilliant night sky, standards for a Leadership in Energy and Lassen Chalet from the current visitor center fi sh in slow-rolling mountain streams, and experience a peace and quiet that only Environmental Design (LEED) certifi cation site yielded 1,500 tons of reusable concrete, Lassen Volcanic can provide. from the U.S. Green Building Council. The asphalt, and gravel, saving 60 dump-trucks from visitor center is a platinum-targeted green driving 60 miles round-trip from Chester. Over Many of my fondest childhood memories involve my family and the great outdoors. building, the highest LEED rating that can be 50 tons of steel removed from the old chalet It is amazing how simple activities such as bestowed upon a building. When completed, were diverted from the landfi ll and recycled at picnicking along the shore of Lake Helen the building will simply look like most of the a local scrap yard at no cost to the park. The or hiking to Bumpass Hell can transform into lasting memories that you and your buildings in the park. But, it will showcase a new visitor center will have 90% recycled glass family will cherish for years to come. This multitude of energy conservation strategies and counter tops, will be built almost entirely out of summer, look for a variety of in-park be the product of a long string of sustainable local lumber from sustainable forests certifi ed activities designed to connect kids with nature. From an expanded Junior Ranger design, construction, and operational practices. by the Forest Stewardship Council, and will program to a “Sense of Wonder” activity use decorative stone trucked in directly from that promotes nature awareness through the “Is this the most sustainable way to do this?” local sources near Red Bluff . The visitor center use of the senses, we are here to help create Project Manager Ric Alesch of the National is sited on previously disturbed land with an those special memories. Ask a ranger or read about these activities and more on page Park Service Denver Service Center and Chief existing utilities infrastructure, reducing the three of this newspaper. of Maintenance Dan Jones, asked that question environmental impact and the need for new before they made any decision about the design support infrastructure. (Continued on page 2) I know you will enjoy your visit to the park. This will be my fi rst summer since and construction of the visitor center. Ric and arriving here last fall; maybe we will see each Dan were both aware that in the United States, other on the trails. buildings account for 39% of total energy This newspaper is made possible by a consumption, 30% of raw materials use, and donation from the Lassen Association. Darlene M. Koontz 39% of total C0 emissions. “We wanted to do 2 www.lassenassociation.org Superintendent better,” said Dan Jones. “The National Park Lassen Service has a rare opportunity to reach many Association

CONTENTS: Contact Information and Park Profi le • page 2 Hiking Trails • page 8 Ranger and Junior Ranger Program Schedule • page 3 Camping and Backpacking • page 9 Services and Facilities • page 4 Recommended Reading • pages 10-11 Our Partners, Local Businesses • page 5-7 Park and Area Map, Green Tips • page 12

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Lassen Volcanic National Park P.O. Box 100 Mineral, CA 96063 Welcome to Lassen Volcanic National Park Fees at Work in Your Park! Welcome We put your fee dollars to work. Eighty percent of your National Park Service entrance and campground fees fund vital projects right here at U.S. Department Bienvenue Lassen Volcanic National Park. of the Interior Fees have funded the installation of exhibits at the new Bienvenidos visitor center, Loomis Museum, and wayside exhibit panels throughout the park. They have paid for construction of the new Wilkommen Southwest Entrance Station, and the repair and upgrade of roads, campgrounds, trails, picnic areas, and restrooms. Benvenuti Entrance Fee Options • 7-day pass for Lassen Volcanic National Park: $10 per vehicle/motorcycle or $5 per person on foot, bicycle, or bus. • Annual pass for Lassen Volcanic National Park and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area: $25 admits all passengers in a private vehicle for one year from month of purchase. • America The Beautiful pass: $80: Provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an entrance or standard amenity fee for a year, beginning from the date of sale. The pass admits the pass holder/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder plus 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). The pass can be obtained in person at the park, by calling 1-888-ASK-USGS, ext. 1, or via the Internet at http://store.usgs.gov/pass. • Lifetime Interagency Passes: Senior (62 years old and over) $10.00; Access (Permanently disabled) Free

(Continued from front page) ventilation and an earth-friendly cooling In addition to reducing, reusing, and partial heating system using the natural and recycling raw materials, the LEED temperature of the earth via a ground certifi cation assesses how the facility performs loop heat pump system with pipes buried and the ways in which it meets environmental underground in a revegetated area just north Contact Information sustainability goals. Additional green of the visitor center. enhancements to the visitor center include: • An off -site solar panel grid was installed as Information • The landscaping design, including part of this project, and generates about 40% Park Headquarters (year-round) species selection, placement and distribution, of its electricity during the year. is modeled after natural vegetation in the (530) 595-4444 • A computer-controlled daylight adjacent red fi r forest. The plantings will harvesting system, with no incandescent- Loomis Museum (summer only) consist of native species and groupings that based lamp fi xtures, dims the lights when (530) 595-4444 ext. 5180 require no irrigation and serve important natural daylight provides enough light to meet ecological functions such as soil stabilization, all or part of what is required. Fax Number improving the fertility of disturbed soils, • The fi rst exhibit lighting system in the (530) 595-3262 reducing the likelihood that exotic species will National Parks to use only ultra long-lasting establish in disturbed areas, and facilitating and energy-effi cient LED lamps. Website natural succession and attraction of additional www.nps.gov/lavo native species to the re-vegetated areas. The National Park Service is committed • Water conserving fi xtures such as to demonstrate how these new technologies, Email Address waterless urinals, dual fl ush and ultra low fl ush products, and practices can balance the needs [email protected] toilets, and low fl ow faucets with automatic of our visitors with energy effi ciency and sensors have been installed. stewardship of the environment well beyond Mailing Address • Finish materials with a high recycle park boundaries. A lot of hard work resulted Lassen Volcanic National Park content, such as countertops, carpet, and in the many sustainable design, construction, P.O. Box 100 restroom tiles, were selected when possible. and operational practices built into the Kohm Mineral, CA 96063-0100 • The roof’s overhangs were designed to Yah-mah-nee visitor center. However, it is shade windows during the summer months easy being green. Just start with the simple Park Profi le to prevent unwanted heat gain. During the question: “Is this the most sustainable way Lassen Volcanic National Park was fi rst winter months when the sun angle is low, to do this?” The future of the earth is in your established as Cinder Cone and Lassen direct light will help heat the building. hands. To learn more about simple energy Peak National Monuments in 1907. Lassen • The building is cooled by natural saving things you can do, see page 11. Volcanic became a national park in 1916 because of its signifi cance as an active volcanic landscape. Get Involved! began erupting in 1914, had Keeping active, meeting new people, its most spectacular activity in 1915, and learning new skills, or teaching others is experienced minor activity until 1917. All not only fun and healthy, but a way to help four types of volcanoes in the world plus accomplish work important for the resource preservation and visitor services at Lassen active hydrothermal areas are found in the Volcanic National Park. park’s 106,000 acres. Lassen Peak is one of the largest plug dome volcanoes in the world. Contribute a few hours or a few months It is considered to be active today. and assist park visitors and staff . Your time, energy, and talents would be very much Elevations above sea level - appreciated. Perhaps you would like to assist with: • Manzanita Lake: 5,900 feet (1,798 meters) * Photography • Lassen Peak: 10,457 feet (3,187 meters) * Campground Hosting * Visitor Contact Stations * Search & Rescue • Butte Lake: 6,100 feet (1,859 meters) * Ski Patrolling • Warner Valley: 5,600 feet (1,707 meters) * Visitor and Education Activities * Natural Resource Field Surveys For more information contact the Park • Juniper Lake: 6,800 feet (2,073 meters) * Non-Native Plant Removal Projects Volunteer Program Coordinator, Lassen • Southwest Area: 6,700 feet (2,042 meters) * Groundskeeping Volcanic National Park, P.O. Box 100, • Road‘s Summit: 8,512 feet (2,595 meters) * Trail, Campground, & Building Maintenance Mineral, CA 96063-0100, telephone * Clerical & Library Work (530) 595-4444 ext. 5133, e-mail 2 * Computer Projects [email protected]. Ranger Programs

SUNDAY 9:30 a.m. - Sense of Wonder Programs run from June 20 to August 17, 2008 and are 45 minutes Meet outside the Manzanita Lake Camper Store. long unless otherwise noted. Check bulletin boards for a program A special program for young children ages 4 to 6. Emphasis on outdoor schedule from August 18 to September 1, 2008. activities that promote nature awareness through the use of the senses. Parents are welcome but not required to attend. (90 minutes)

9:30 a.m. - Junior Rangers Meet at the Manzanita Lake Amphitheater. FRIDAY Become a Junior Ranger. If you are 7 to 12 years old join this fun adventure 10:00 a.m. - Blown from a Volcano and learn about the park through games, activities, and observations. Meet outside the Loomis Museum. (Two hours) Did you know that every mountain in the park is a volcano or part of one? Learn about the geology and volcanic history of the park through this 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Discovery Center interesting program. Check out the hands-on exhibits and join a park ranger for ongoing short programs and demonstrations on various natural history subjects. Inquire at 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. - Discovery Center the Loomis Museum for directions to the Discovery Center. Check out the hands-on exhibits and join a park ranger for ongoing short programs and demonstrations on various natural history subjects. Inquire at 1:00 p.m. - Predator and Prey the Loomis Museum for directions to the Discovery Center. Meet outside the Loomis Museum. Learn about the park’s predator and prey animals and hear stories about 1:30 p.m. - On the Wild Side their amazing lifestyles. Meet outside the Loomis Museum. Discover some of the “wilder sides” of the park. Topics vary from the natural 2:30 p.m. - Fault Talk to the cultural history. Meet at the Seismograph Station by the Loomis Museum. A talk and demonstration on how geologists monitor the park’s volcanic 7:30 p.m. in July. 7:00 p.m. in August. - Summit Lake Evening Program hazards and measure Lassen’s seismic activity. Meet at the Summit Lake Amphitheater. Join a park ranger for a lively program about the park’s natural or cultural MONDAY history. 10:30 a.m. - On the Wild Side Meet outside the Loomis Museum. 9:00 p.m. in June and July. 8:30 p.m. in August. - Evening Slide Program Discover some of the “wilder sides” of the park. Topics vary from the natural Meet at the Manzanita Lake Amphitheater. to the cultural history. Join a park ranger for an evening slide program about the park’s natural or cultural history. 1:30 p.m. - Cougar: The American Mountain Lion Meet outside the Loomis Museum. SATURDAY This majestic member of the cat family personifi es strength, grace, mystery, 8:00 a.m. - Early Birds and the wilderness spirit. Join a park ranger and discover little known secrets Meet outside the Manzanita Lake Camper Store. about the cougar and its lifestyle. Take an easy walk and discover the birds of Manzanita Lake. (One hour)

TUESDAY 9:30 a.m. - Junior Rangers 9:30 a.m. - Junior Rangers Meet at the Manzanita Lake Amphitheater. Meet at the Manzanita Lake Amphitheater. Become a Junior Ranger. If you are 7 to 12 years old join this fun adventure Become a Junior Ranger. If you are 7 to 12 years old join this fun adventure and learn about the park through games, activities, and observations. and learn about the park through games, activities, and observations. (Two hours) (Two hours) 1:00 p.m. - Skins and Bones 2:30 p.m. - Pioneers Meet outside the Loomis Museum. Meet at the Manzanita Lake Amphitheater. Examine the skins and skulls of animals and hear stories about their amazing It’s 1853 along the wagon road called the Noble’s Emigrant Trail. You will lifestyles in this program. visit a pioneer camp and meet some rugged travelers who tell about their 2:30 p.m. - Pioneers journey to . Meet at the Manzanita Lake Amphitheater. WEDNESDAY It’s 1853 along the wagon road called the Noble’s Emigrant Trail. You will visit a pioneer camp and meet some rugged travelers who tell about their 10:30 a.m. - Predator and Prey journey to California. Meet outside the Loomis Museum. Learn about the park’s predator and prey animals and hear stories about 7:30 p.m. in July. 7:00 p.m. in August. - Summit Lake Evening Program their amazing lifestyles. Meet at the Summit Lake Amphitheater. Join a park ranger for a lively program about the park’s natural or cultural 2:00 p.m. - Bear Necessities history. Meet outside the Loomis Museum. Learn about black bears and how you can help keep them wild in Lassen 9:00 p.m. in June and July. 8:30 p.m. in August. - Evening Slide Program Volcanic National Park. Join us for this fun-fi lled program. Meet at the Manzanita Lake Amphitheater. Join a park ranger for an evening slide program about the park’s natural or 7:30 p.m. in July. 7:00 p.m. in August - Summit Lake Evening Program cultural history. Meet at the Summit Lake Amphitheater. Join a park ranger for a lively program about the park’s natural or cultural history. Kids - Become Junior 9:00 p.m. - Starry Nights Meet at the Devastated Area parking lot. Park Rangers! View and learn about the stars, planets, galaxies, and ancient myths under a brilliant night sky with a park ranger. Are you between ages 7 and 12? Do you want to learn and have fun while THURSDAY exploring Lassen Volcanic National 9:30 a.m. - Junior Rangers Park? Follow these 3 steps to earn Begins July 3 - Meet at the Summit Lake Amphitheater. your offi cial Junior Ranger badge. Become a Junior Ranger. If you are 7 to 12 years old join this fun adventure and learn about the park through games, activities, and observations. (Two hours) 1. Pick up an activity book from the 11:30 a.m. - Junior Firefi ghters Loomis Museum or Park Headquarters. Meet outside the Loomis Museum. 2. Attend a Junior Ranger Program Become a Junior Firefi ghter. If you are 7 to 12 years old, participate in an listed on this page. exciting program and explore the role of wildfi res in our national parks. 3. Complete the rest of your activity guide and bring it to the Loomis 1:30 p.m. - Stories in Stone Meet outside the Loomis Museum. Museum or Park Headquarters to get Learn about the fascinating stories in stone that can be seen from the your badge. Manzanita Lake area. Examine the rocks that have shaped the volcanic landscape. 3 Peak Parking Area 8500’ (2591 m. ) elevation. 7 miles beyond the Services and Facilities southwest park entrance, 22.6 miles beyond Accessibility Museum. northwest park entrance. Accessible facilities include the Loomis Picnic Areas INFORMATION Museum, Manzanita Lake Camper Store, the Picnic areas are found throughout the park (see • Peak Information Station: new Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, and the map on page 12). 6/21 - 9/1 (Sat/Sun) 9 AM - 3 PM Park Headquarters. Wheelchair-accessible • Wilderness Permits: Provided at Peak Showers and Laundry restrooms are located at the Loomis Plaza, Information Station during operating Coin-operated showers and laundry machines Summit Lake and Kings Creek picnic areas, hours. are available 24 hours a day at the Manzanita Bumpass Hell parking area, Devastated Area FOOD AND GIFTS Lake Camper Store. Trail, and Sulphur Works. Campgrounds • Peak Necessities: Gifts, supplies, snacks, with accessible sites include Manzanita Manzanita Lake Area sandwiches, and bookstore. *5/23 - 6/13 (Daily) 9 AM - 4 PM Lake, Summit Lake South, and Butte Lake. 5900’ (1798 m. ) elevation. 1 mile beyond the *weather permitting Wheelchair accessible paths include the northwest park entrance. Devastated Area Interpretive Trail, the Sulphur INFORMATION Park Headquarters - Mineral Works Area, and the Lassen Crossroads • Loomis Museum Visitor Center: Information Area. Multiple scenic pullouts 4900’ (1493 m. ) elevation. 42 miles east of Red 5/23 - 6/15 (Fri/Sat/Sun) 9 AM - 5 PM on the Main Park Road have wheelchair Bluff on Highway 36. 6/15 - 9/1 (Daily) 9 AM - 5 PM accessible wayside exhibits, as well as the INFORMATION 9/3 - 9/28 (Wed - Sun) 9 AM - 5 PM Loomis Museum and new visitor center. All • Park Headquarters Information Desk • Wilderness Permits: Required for Year-round (Mon. - Fri.) 8 AM - 4:30 PM ranger programs at the Loomis Museum are overnight backcountry trips. Provided wheelchair-accessible. • Closes 9/15 for move to new visitor center during operating hours. • Wilderness Permits: Provided at ATM FOOD AND GIFTS Information Desk during operating The Manzanita Lake Camper Store has an • Loomis Museum Visitor Center: hours and front porch after hours. ATM. Gifts and bookstore. BOOKSTORE • Manzanita Lake Camper Store: • Booknook: Gifts, books. Emergencies Supplies, gifts, sandwiches, ice cream. Dial 911 to report any emergency, 24 hours a 5/23 - 6/13 (Daily) 9 AM - 5 PM Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center day. 6/13 - 9/1 (Daily) 8 AM - 8 PM 6700’ (2042 m. ) elevation. 50 miles east of Red Gasoline 9/1 - 10/13 (Daily) 9 AM - 5 PM Bluff on Highway 36, then 6 miles north on 89. INFORMATION Gasoline is available at the Manzanita Lake Drakesbad Camper Store during operating hours. • Opens 9/22 5600’ ( 1707 m. ) elevation. 17 miles north of • Year-round (Daily) 9 AM - 5 PM Lost and Found Chester, see map on back page. • Closed Dec. 25 for holiday If you lose or fi nd an item, contact a ranger and FOOD AND LODGING • Wilderness Permits: Provided at report the item. • : Information Desk during operating 6/7 - 10/8 (Daily). For reservations call Phones hours and 24 hour vestibule after hours. (530) 529-1512. Cell phone coverage in the park is spotty • Auditorium, park fi lm, and exhibits. 6/13 - 9/1 (Daily) 9 AM - 6 PM at best. Pay phones are located outside the FOOD AND GIFTS 9/1 - 9/14 (Daily) 9 AM - 4 PM Manzanita Lake Camper Store and the Loomis • Lassen Association: Bookstore, gifts. • Concessionaire: Gifts, food, supplies.

Peak Your Curiosity! to Lassen National Park and memorable to the visitor’s national park experience,” explained Lassen Association, the park’s non-profi t Anne Dobson, retail sales outlet manager educational partner since 1939, recently and buyer. “We go the extra step to source expanded its line of merchandise providing companies willing to fabricate merchandise visitors the occasion to be inspired in new using recycled materials and in a sustainable and exciting ways. You will fi nd us working manner,” she further explained. together with Lassen Volcanic National Park bringing current park programs and projects You can create your own educational to life through our merchandise. experience by visiting any of our retail outlets and choosing books for your personal library, As stewards of Lassen Volcanic National Park, maps and fi eld guides to aid in your discovery Lassen Association supports all park themes Recycled and sustainable products are available of the park, games for the young and young through a wide variety of retail merchandise. from the Lassen Association sales outlets. at heart, kid-oriented merchandise and Most recently a line of stationary products interpretive keepsakes to share or keep! Sales made from recycled materials and printed a line of Junior Ranger and Junior Firefi ghter outlets are located within Loomis Museum in with 100% earth-friendly plant based ink are products are all designed to peak your curiosity the Manzanita Lake area, Park Headquarters now available to inspire, educate and provide and exploration of these majestic, wild lands. located in the town of Mineral, at the park’s memorable Lassen experiences. These two main entrance stations, and online at products off er new opportunities to learn “We work with vendors who share our mission www.lassenassociation.org. about leaving your green footprint on our to provide the highest quality educational planet. Collectable lapel pins and patches, products which are thought provoking, unique WHERE CAN I.... WALK A PET? Not on trails but it’s COLLECT THINGS? No collecting unattended. Most sites have tables, and allowed in developed areas (campgrounds, or removal of any objects from the park. restrooms. Water is not available at most sites. picnic areas, paved roads, and parking lots). Leave everything to play its natural role in the ecosystem. Archeological sites and artifacts are HAVE A FIRE? Campfi res are allowed GO FISHING? Permitted during the protected by law. ONLY in fi re rings provided in developed season. A California license is required for campgrounds. Backcountry fi res are not ages 16 and up. Special regulations apply FEED WILDLIFE? Not in the park! allowed. to Manzanita Lake: within 150 feet of the Animals become unnaturally dependent. Manzanita Creek inlet is closed to fi shing, Some can become dangerous and may have to GO HIKING? See page 8 for more the rest of the lake is catch and release only; be killed. Some can carry disease. Roadside information about full day, half day, and short artifi cial lures and single, barbless hooks must beggars can be hit by cars. People food is hiking trails in the park. be used. unhealthy for them. RIDE A BICYCLE? Keep bikes on GO CAMPING? See camping GO PICNICKING? See picnic paved roads only, not on any trail. information on page 9. symbols on map (page 12). Never leave food 4 CUT WOOD? Not in the park. MANY THANKS TO OUR TWO PARK PARTNERS

The Lassen Association (LA) has “Miles of its fl anks are reeking and bubbling assisted the National Park Service since 1939 in providing park visitors with hot springs, many of them so boisterous with interpretive and educational and sulphurous they seem ever ready to become merchandise about the many and spouting geysers…” varied features of the park. -John Muir “Mountains of California,” 1894

DID YOU KNOW? Lassen Volcanic National Park straddles a crossroads of four great geologic and biologic provinces—the Cascade Range, the Sierra Nevada, the Central Valley of California, and the Great Basin.

DID YOU KNOW? Lassen Volcanic National Park started as two separate national monuments designated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1907: Cinder Cone National We provide books, maps, trail guides and videos about the natural Monument and Lassen Peak National Monument. and cultural history of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Additionally, we off er a large selection of educational gift merchandise to enhance your These facts and more can be found in our publications. Come park experience and memories to take home. and explore today! Our publications are available at various sales outlets in the park or online at For information on how to join our mission visit our online membership program at www.lassenassociation.org. Or Enjoy the park’s boiling, bubbling, boisterous thermal areas as well as the contact us directly at (530)595-3399 or many other features that are ready for your exploration much in the same [email protected]. condition as when visited by John Muir 112 years ago.

5 NEARBY BUSINESSES South of Park, Highway 36: In The Park Chester and Lake Almanor (contd.) Mineral and Mill Creek

West of Park: Red Bluff

Southeast of Park, Highway 36: Chester and Lake Almanor

West of Park: Manton This paper was made possible by a donation from these local businesses and the Lassen Association.

6 NEARBY BUSINESSES Chester and Lake Almanor (contd.) Northwest of Park, Highway 44: Northwest of Park, Highway 44 & Shingletown and Viola 89: Old Station and

Northwest of Park, Highway 44: Shingletown and Viola

West of Park, Highway 44: Palo Cedro

Northwest of Park, Highway 44 & 89: Old Station and Hat Creek

Hiking Lassen Volcanic National Park $14.95; available through the Lassen Association. (530)595-3399 or [email protected]

This paper was made possible by a donation from these local businesses and the Lassen Association.

7 Day Hiking Hi, I’m Joe Pettegrew, Lassen Volcanic’s trail crew leader. We have over 150 miles of hiking trails here in the park. Our most popular day hikes are listed on this page. To help you choose, I’ve given them a rating, but keep in mind this is just one hiker’s opinion. If you are visiting in June or early July, some trails might still be closed by snow, so ask a ranger which trails are open. Please help us protect this special place by following a few rules:

Stay on established trails and boardwalks. This is especially important in thermal areas where the ground may be dangerously thin.

Pets are not allowed on park trails. top: Kings Creek Falls

Leave all rocks, plants, animals, and artifacts right: Kings Creek Cascades undisturbed for the enjoyment of future users.

Devastated Area Manzanita Lake Trail Bumpass Hell Kings Creek Falls 0.5 miles (0.8 km) loop trail 1.8 miles (2.9 km) loop trail Total Distance 3 miles (4.8 km) 3 miles (4.8 km) 0 feet 0 feet Elevation Gain 300 feet (91 meters) 700 feet (213 meters) 30 minutes with stops 1 hour Time 2 hours 2 hours Interpretive exhibits, views Fishing, mountain views Highlight Mudpots, hissing fumaroles Waterfall, wildflowers Easy walk along a paved trail. Easy walk around the lake. Keep Moderate hike over rocky terrain Moderate hike over rocky terrain Exhibits highlight the eruption your eyes and ears alert, birds, with grand vistas. The trail drops and small rock formations. Trail of Lassen Peak, with great views trout, wildflowers, and wildlife Description into an active hydrothermal forks at end of meadow. The along the entire trail. Accessible frequent the lake shore. Trail can basin. Stay on the boardwalk for horse trail (north fork) is less to wheelchairs. be rocky at times. your safety. strenuous.

Devastated Area Parking Lot, Pick up the trail at any point and Trailhead 23 miles S. of Loomis and 6 miles 17 miles S. of Loomis and 13 10 miles S. of Loomis. loop back. Location from Southwest Entrance. miles from Southwest Entrance.

Look around, you will see rocks The lake was formed when Listen for Big Boiler, a hissing One of the best trails to see as large as dump trucks that rock avalanche debris from fumarole that can reach 310 ° F wildflowers. Different species Nature Note were carried down from the partially dammed (154 °C) and sounds like a busy can be seen blooming almost the 1915 eruption of Lassen Peak. Manzanita Creek. airport runway. entire summer season.

Joe’s Rating Easy Walks Moderate Hikes

Cinder Cone Terrace, Shadow, and Cliff Lakes Trail Brokeoff Mountain Lassen Peak 4 miles (6.4 km) 3.5 miles (5.6 km) Total Distance 7 miles (11.25 km) 5 miles (8 km) 700 feet (213 meters) 550 feet (168 meters) Elevation Gain 2600 feet (792 meters) 1957 feet (596 meters) 3 hours 3 hours Time 4-5 hours 4-5 hours Hike inside summit crater 3 mountain lakes Highlight Panoramic views Panoramic views Hike begins along Fantastic Lava Hike takes you alongside three Steep trail and tricky early season Steep trail with loose rocks and Beds, opens up with views of alpine mountain lakes: Terrace, stream crossings give way to cinders. Follow switchbacks up the Painted Dunes, and becomes Shadow, and Cliff Lakes. The Description panoramic views of the entire the mountain and please help steep with a loose cinder base trail is steep between lakes, but park, the Sacramento Valley, save Lassen Peak by staying on during the summit climb. mostly flat otherwise. and Mount Shasta. the official trail.

The trail begins near the Butte 19 miles S. of Loomis and 10 Trailhead 29 miles S. of Loomis and 1 mile 22 miles S. of Loomis and 7 miles Lake boat ramp. miles from Southwest Entrance. Location from Southwest Entrance. from Southwest Entrance.

Scientists believe the Cinder Each lake is very different in size, Brokeoff Mountain is part of Climb an active, but dormant, Cone formed around 350 years shoreline features, and depth. the eroded rim of the ancient volcano. The 1915 lava flow Nature Note ago. Notice the large lava bombs Cliff Lake sits quietly beneath Brokeoff Volcano. See if you can near the summit showcases the along the trail near the cone. towering Reading Peak. imagine it on the summit. youngest rocks in California.

Joe’s Rating Moderately Strenuous Hikes Strenuous Hikes

Plan Ahead As a day hiker, no permits are required. You are entirely on your own, and cell phones may not work in the Help Save Lassen Peak! park. Your descent into Wilderness, however brief, marks your entry into a world in which preparation, Thousands of hikers self-reliance, and common sense are crucial. Wear each year make the trip sturdy boots, carry plenty of water and food, and wear to the summit of Lassen sunscreen. Peak. Hiking Lassen Peak can be one of the most Weather Conditions Change memorable experiences Severe storms can occur suddenly. Climb peaks and of your lifetime, but ridges early in the morning. Head for lower elevation please take only memories during lightning activity. and leave only footprints on the designated trail. Finish Hikes Before Sunset Shortcuts quickly erode Sunset times are earlier in areas shadowed by mountains. volcanic soils and damage alpine plants such as the Always carry a fl ashlight with spare batteries and warm Lassen Peak Smelowskia, found in only one place in Visitors Prepare To Hike clothing in case of unexpected delays. the world: Lassen Peak! Lassen Peak 8 Campgrounds

Each campsite has a table, bear -proof box, and fi re ring. Season There are no hook-ups. # of Sites Daily Fees Features Notes (weather permitting) Butte Lake - 6100’ 101 6/6 - 9/16 $16 A, F, V, W, B, RV, G, R rough gravel road Crags - 5700’ 45 6/13 - 9/2 $12 V, W, RV, G, N Juniper Lake - 6800’ 18 6/27 - 9/15 $10 V, B, G, N rough gravel road; trailers not advised Manzanita Lake - 5900’ 179 5/23 - 9/15 $18 A, F, V, W, B, RV, S/L/S, DS, G, R pull-through RV sites available Summit Lake North - 6700’ 46 6/27 - 9/15 $18 F, W, B, RV, G, R Summit Lake South - 6700’ 48 6/27 - 9/2 $16 A, V, W, B, RV, G, R Southwest Walk-In - 6700’ 20 opens mid-August $14 F, V, W, N Warner Valley - 5600’ 18 6/5 - 9/22 $14 V, W, RV, G, N rough gravel road; trailers not advised Butte Lake Group Sites - 6100’ 6 6/6 - 9/16 $50 V, W, B, RV, G, RR Lost Creek Group Sites - 5900’ 8 6/13 - 9/15 $50 V, W, RV, G, RR closed 7/28 - 8/11 Juniper Lake Group Sites - 6800’ 2 6/27 - 9/15 $30 V, B, G, RR First-Come, First-Served All campgrounds, except for the group sites, have designated A Accessible sites available S/L/S Pay showers/laundry/services nearby fi rst-come, fi rst-served campsites. You cannot reserve these sites, F Flush toilets DS Dump station but they can fi ll up. You may not hold a site for someone who has V Vault toilets G Generators allowed 8 AM - 8 PM not arrived. W Potable water until Sept. 15 R Partially reservable Reservable Sites B Boat launch N No reservable sites You can reserve a site at all campgrounds with a “R” on the chart RV RV sites available RR Reservation required and you must reserve a site with “RR” on the chart. Reservable sites can fi ll up. For reservations call Campfi re Restrictions 1-877-444-6777 or visit http://www.recreation.gov Gather only dead and down wood. Open fi res are restricted to metal fi re rings only. Fires must be out cold before you leave. Overfl ow Camping No overfl ow camping exists in the park, however the park rarely fi lls all Campsite Capacities available campsites. Camping or overnight vehicle parking in pullouts, A maximum of two vehicles is allowed at each campsite, except at parking areas, picnic grounds, or any place other than a designated designated group sites. A motorhome, tow vehicle, any trailer, car campground is not permitted. or truck count as one vehicle. Campsite capacity is limited to six persons and three tents. Group campsite capacity is 25 persons per Check-in & Check-out site. Group campsites at Juniper Lake Campground are restricted Check-in any time, but sites may not be available until 12 NOON. to tent camping only with a maximum of 15 persons per site. Check-out time is 12 NOON. Length of Stay Quiet Hours Camping is limited to 14 days per year per campground, except at Each visitor deserves to hear the natural sounds of this beautiful Summit Lake, which is limited to 7 days per year. environment. Respect this by complying with the law: generator operation prohibited 8 PM - 8 AM; quiet hours 10 PM - 6 AM. Discounts Holders of Senior and Access passes receive a 50% discount on Stock Corrals camping fees, except for group campsites. Stock corrals are available at Butte, Summit, and Juniper Lakes. Reservations are required: call (530) 335-7029.

Wilderness Camping? A Permit Is Required Permits Campsites A free wilderness permit is required for overnight camping in Lassen Camp at least 300’ from other groups, 100’ from streams and Volcanic’s backcountry wilderness. You are limited to a maximum of lakes, and at least 1/2 mile from any developed area. Camping is 10 people per permit per site; up to 20 people may hike together. prohibited within 1/4 mile, and/or within sight of the same, from ANY hydrothermal feature as well as the following: Cascade Springs, Kings Permits are available in person during operating hours at the Loomis Creek Falls, Cinder Cone, Painted Dunes, Lassen Peak, Cliff Lake, Museum, Park Headquarters, Lassen Peak Information Station Little Willow Lake, Crags Lake, Mt. Harkness Summit, Crumbaugh (weekends only), and the Summit Lake, Juniper Lake, Butte Lake, and Lake, Hat Creek Cabin, Echo Lake, trail from Summit Lake to Echo Warner Valley Ranger Stations (self-registration). Permits are also Lake, and the Upper and Lower Kings Creek Meadows. available in advance through our website or by phone at 530-595-4444.

Please use the food storage lockers provided to store all your food and anything that emits an odor (toothpaste, soap, cosmetics, toiletries) when camping. Bears are attracted to anything that has a scent. We recommend the use of portable food storage canisters while camping in the backcountry where storage lockers are not available. Be sure to place these containers at least 100 feet away from your campsite. Most importantly do not feed any bear or any other animal (including jays, ducks and geese). The old adage “a fed bear is a dead bear” is true. Problem bears are no longer captured and relocated. If a bear becomes a threat to human safety, it will have to be destroyed. If you do encounter a bear in a developed area such as a campground, be aggressive and yell and make loud noises to scare it away. You can also throw rocks or sticks at the bear (not at its head) to scare it. Be sure to report the incident to a campground host or any Park Service employee as soon as possible. If you happen to come across a bear when in an undeveloped area, do not approach the bear. Keep a distance of at least 50 yards and do not interfere with what the Food storage lockers like this are found at all bear is doing. Take a step back and consider yourself lucky to have seen developed campsites one of the bears of Lassen Volcanic. 9 Peak Blooms up in full bloom. Experience a symphony in your park The fl owers are like music, blooming in contributed by Angel R. Roy perfect harmony every season. A symphony is showcased in a blaze of color and beauty. The morning mountain Depending on the air is still cold. She clings preceding winter, you to the earth for protection can visit from May against the harsh wind. through September Soon the air will be warm, and experience a and butterfl ies and other fl oral concert. As one pollinators will buzz from fl owering plant plays bloom to showy bloom. a last, lingering note, Brightly hued fl owers are all another reaches a around her, competing to stunning crescendo. Lassen Peak Smelowskia entice these helpful insects. She lies unnoticed at the The rarest note a diverse sampling: here several regions and end of her stem as she waits played in the park climates converge. You can fi nd plant species to undergo a spectacular is the Lassen Peak from the southern Cascades, Sierra Nevada, transition. As the sun heats Pussy Paw Smelowskia, which Great Basin, and the Central Valley regions. In the ground, she rises fully performs on and warmer months, you can explore the fl owering upright on her stem, showing off her delicate, around Lassen Peak, and exists nowhere else plants, and in winter, marvel at the conditions papery pink fl ower head. She is the pussy paw, in the world. This plant usually blooms in July they can withstand as they await the next and she makes this adaptation on every warm and August. A performance by these elegant opportunity to take the stage. day. Now the pollinators will visit her and help little white fl owers is subtle, but her species continue. the impression is lasting.

The pussy paw has found many ways to survive Opposite the shy smelowskia, in the high elevations and extreme conditions the bold and prolifi c Silver found in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Leaf Lupine charges up slopes Although only two to eight inches tall, each and drenches meadows in a can possess a taproot capable of reaching resounding blue. Silvery, velvet- water eleven feet or more below the surface. furred leaves help refl ect the High elevation pussy paws have adapted from sun’s heat, and serve as gleaming annuals to perennials, taking advantage of the pedestals for the vibrant fl owers. short growing seasons by building on previous Their scent saturates the air. If growth, rather than starting from seed after you are making your way along each thaw. These plants can be found tucked the path to Bumpass Hell, pause away in many areas of the park. A good place a moment and let the heady to spot them is on the trail to Cold Boiling fragrance fl ood your senses. Lake. If you set out early in the day you may see them lying down among more fl amboyant These plants and more wait to be Silver-Leaf Lupines blanket a hill along the Bumpass Hell Trail fl owers, but as you return they will be standing discovered by you. The park off ers

Bears Sighted in Lassen move to lower elevations for the winter? Become an Honorary Currently little is known about the only species What we know and what you need to of bear found in Lassen Volcanic National Wildlife Biologist: know Park, the black bear. There has never been a comprehensive study, but hopefully that will Report Your Wildlife As you are traveling through Lassen Volcanic change soon. We plan to conduct a study Sightings! National Park you notice of the bears that inhabit the park cars parked along the and surrounding Lassen National How would you highway and people Forest. This study will be done like to become an standing around looking by researchers from Virginia Tech Honorary Wildlife up a hill. As you slow who will answer the questions of Biologist for Lassen down and drive by, you estimated population size, food Volcanic National look up the hill to see habits, and habitat use. If funded, Park? We need your what the commotion the project will begin in 2010 or help to monitor is. That’s when you see 2011. This will be a very exciting wildlife populations. it. WOW! COOL! It’s a study and will give the park the latest Of particular bear! You pull over and and most up-to-date information This American Badger importance are join the crowd watching a on bear biology. In the meantime, was seen near the species of raptors bear wandering along the we ask that you continue to fi ll out Devastated Area Trail. (hawks, eagles, hillside tearing apart logs. a wildlife sighting form for any bear falcons and owls), You begin to wonder. you see. Your sighting reports are forest carnivores (mountain lions, bobcats, What do bears eat in this currently the only way park staff martens, weasels, coyotes, red and gray foxes), and black bears. Park staff survey wildlife, but park? How many bears This Black Bear was seen near receive information on bear activity. we cannot be everywhere at once. You can are in the park? Do they the Kings Creek Falls Trail hibernate in the park or numerous times in 2007. assist. If you see an animal you think the park should know about, document the species you observed, and record the location, date, WOW, THAT’S A GREAT SHOT! - ENTER LASSEN VOLCANIC’S PHOTO CONTEST time, and what the animal was doing. The Each year thousands of magnifi cent pictures are taken in Lassen Volcanic National entrance stations, visitor contact stations, and Park. If you have one of those “great shots” this is your chance for a year of fame. Drakesbad Guest Ranch will have copies of The Lassen Volcanic Annual Park Pass Photo Contest will run May 1 through the park’s wildlife sighting form for you to fi ll September 9, 2008. The winner’s photo will be featured on the 2009 Lassen Volcanic out and return. Or you can write down the Annual Park Pass. The winning photographer will also receive a $50 gift certifi cate, information and give it to any park employee courtesy of the Lassen Association to use at one of the park bookstores. who will route it to our wildlife biologist. The • Photos must be no larger than 5” x 7” and printed on photo quality paper observations you turn in will be entered into a • Limit of two photos per household database to document species occurrence. By • Entries must be received by the park’s Fee Offi ce no later than close of business on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008 turning in wildlife sighting forms you become • Photos will not be returned and become property of the National Park Service an Honorary Wildlife Biologist and will help The contest is open to the general public, park employees, volunteers and their families. Photos should be to preserve and protect the wildlife of Lassen mailed to Lassen Volcanic National Park, Attn: Fee Offi ce, P.O. Box 100, Mineral, California 96063-0100 Volcanic. Thank you for your cooperation, or dropped off in person at the park. Call 530-595-4444 x5103 for more information. For each photo Now go be a Honorary Wildlife Biologist! submitted, list your name, address, phone number, subject and location. 10 Climate Change in their ecosystems. The data collected will Here at Lassen Volcanic National Park, help indicate the direct and indirect eff ects on baseline data such as air quality and snowpack The role of national parks park resources and on the people who live and is being collected and will be used to determine work in the surrounding climate changes. This summer, a new study Today, climate change has environment. on pika, (a small, high elevation mammal) will become a concern for our begin at Lassen. This species may be important way of life. There are many There are indications that to researchers as an indicator of climate diff erent theories within the national parklands may change. (See this page for more information) scientifi c community about currently be aff ected by what changes could occur, climate change. At Rocky Many parks convey stories of how people how they might occur, and Mountain National Park, have responded to shifting climate patterns their eff ects on wildlife, warmer temperatures have over thousands of years. These stories plant life, and human life. allowed a greater number provide some foundational information for Currently, we are unable to of pine beetles to survive us today. With our wealth of knowledge and predict beyond a reasonable winter and an epidemic better methods of research, we can fi nd more doubt how ecosystems of pine tree disease and eff ective ways to deal with climate change. Will will react and adapt to death has resulted. An we do what needs to be done? Read about our forecasted warming increasingly hot and dry ways you can help support a healthy planet climate. We do know climate is predicted to kill below. that climate change has 90% of the joshua trees at always been a natural cyclic Joshua Tree National Park. Climate Change and You force of nature, however Science and statistics will Simple energy saving ideas you can do the majority of the global help us see the changes now to support a healthy planet scientifi c community agrees happening in our parks, that people’s lifestyles of cities and towns; the Replace incandescent bulbs. consumption and demands lifestyle choices we make If every American for natural resources has now can help protect the household replaced just thrown nature’s cycle out ecosystems that make these one bulb with a compact of balance thus rapidly places special for us and fl uorescent, it would speeding up climate generations to come. reduce electricity demand warming at an un-natural by more than 5 gigawatts pace. Your national parks play a -- the average output of role in slowing the rate of fi ve nuclear power plants. Global mean temperature climate change. One aspect For every bulb you o 0 has raised .8 C (1.33 F) of how natural healthy replace with a compact since 1880; more than ecosystems are a vital part fl uorescent, you will save 20% of this change has of this process is the role the equivalent of about Old-growth Red Fir Tree occurred since 1996. What of forests. During rapid 500 pounds of coal over evidence do we have that this increase in growth stages, trees store massive amounts of the life of the bulb, and temperature aff ects our environment and carbon as they mature. Essentially, forests and you will reduce carbon what are its consequences? National parks other ecosystems are a part of the planet’s air dioxide by up to 1,300 can help answer these questions through fi ltration system. pounds a year. research and by monitoring changes that occur (Continued on page 12)

American Pika Research Pika are awake and active during the day, although they only tend to be above the surface What Are Invasive Plants? Project Proposed of the rocks during the cooler morning and When plants Species may be indicator evening hours. They eat a that have of climate change wide variety of vegetation evolved in including fl owering one region Your trip to Lassen Volcanic plants, sedges, grasses, are moved to National Park provides a and lichen. Pikas do another and terrifi c opportunity to see burrow, but den and nest then establish a charismatic inhabitant of beneath the talus (a slope and spread rocky alpine slopes. This is formed from a jumble of successfully the American pika (Ochotona large rocks). outside princeps), a small (6-8” long) cultivation, they egg-shaped mammal that is When a pika goes in are considered closely related to rabbits and search of food, it will do invasive. No hares. one of two things when longer limited American Pika it fi nds it. Either the pika Common Mullein is an by their natural Recently, biologists have will eat the plant right invasive species that can competitors become concerned about the fate of the away, or it will bite off a piece of plant and crowd out the native plants pikas eat or predators, pika. Because of their thick insulating fur, carry it back to its territory where it begins invasive plants temperatures above 77oF (25oC) can be lethal building what is known as a “haypile.” Each tend to crowd out native plants. They can to a pika. As temperatures rise due to climate summer, every pika builds one large or 4 to 5 dominate a plant community by competing change, pika may have shorter periods during small haypiles, usually in a protected location for sunlight, nutrients and water, often the day to forage for food. Pika may move their under the largest boulder in its territory. reducing food and shelter for wildlife. At homes higher upslope to cooler areas, but Unlike many small mammals that inhabit cold Lassen Volcanic National Park, we use eventually, they will have nowhere higher to go. areas, pikas do not hibernate during the winter. prevention and restoration to decrease Instead they remain active beneath the rocks invasive plant populations. Soil disturbance A research project will begin this summer and snow year-round and use their haypiles is kept to a minimum and park equipment is which will initiate a long-term study of the as a food source. The pika that live on Lassen cleaned before being used to avoid spreading pika in Lassen. The data collected during this Peak have to deal with very long winters and their seeds. Every summer interagency and project will help scientists understand how one might only have 3 to 4 months to gather all the volunteer groups remove invasive plants and animal reacts to climate change. food they need, so in August and September, reseed with native plants. when the fl owers are starting to go to seed, pika How can I help protect the park? The range of the American pika starts in are very busy and make up to 13 “haying trips” • Drive only on established roads and trails. southern Canada and extends as far south each hour to gather food. • Always check your tires, clothing, pets, as Utah, northern New Mexico and the boots, and gear for unwanted seeds and plant Sierra Nevada mountains in California. How can you see a pika? The best way is to sit parts. They can fall off along the road or trail However, within this large area, pika habitat quietly in the morning or evening somewhere and start a new infestation. is discontinuous – meaning that isolated along the Bumpass Hell Trail, where the trail • When pack animals are used, carry only populations are only found at high elevations overlooks a slope of large rocks. Look for pika feed that is certifi ed weed-free. Start feeding on mountain top “islands.” Pika like the cold as they run over and around the boulders and pack animals certifi ed weed-free feed at least and have thick fur. They have small, rounded listen for the creature’s distinctive two-note 96 hours before entering the park. ears and no visible tail. “bark” (ee- eeeee). 11 Simple Energy Saving Ideas You Can Do Now Join the Green Team -Recycle! to Support A Healthy Planet You can help keep Lassen Volcanic National Park clean and (Continued from page 11) green by participating in the park’s recycling program. Seal your windows. The amount of energy that escapes through American windows This past year, with the help of volunteers, employees, and visitors like every winter is equivalent to all the oil that you, we recycled 38.81 tons of plastic, glass, aluminum, tin, and paper. fl ows through the Alaska pipeline each year. The park recycled some materials that may surprise you. The Manzanita If just 100,000 homeowners installed one Lake Campground Forest Health Restoration Project sent 1,125 tons storm window, they would keep more than four of wood chips to a cogeneration plant to generate electricity and million pounds of carbon dioxide out of the air. approximately 160 thousand board feet of logs were hauled to a sawmill for conversion into lumber. Lassen Volcanic National Park recycled or Additional energy saving actions include: This newspaper was reused a grand total of more than 1,164 tons of material last year. 1. Use both sides of paper. printed on 40% post- 2. Take short showers instead of baths. consumer recycled When you deposit empty glass, aluminum, and plastic containers in our 3. Turn off the water while you brush your teeth. paper green recycle bins, you are not only keeping more trash out of landfi lls, 4. Turn off all lights when leaving a room. but also saving energy and reducing carbon emissions. It takes less 5. Keep the refrigerator door closed as much as possible. energy to make new cans and bottles from your recycled materials than 6. When you are cold, put on a sweater instead of turning up the heat. from raw materials extracted from the earth. 7. Turn off the television, computer, and other appliances when they are not in use. With everyone’s help our recycling program will continue to grow. 8. Recycle glass, paper, and aluminum whenever possible. Please join the Green Team and recycle.

44 299 04mi 0 7km 89 Redding 44 44 Shingletown Lassen Volcanic National Park Wilson Hill Road. A21 Black Butte / Wildcat Rd. Manton Manton Rd. 89 Lanes Valley Rd. A6 Mineral 36 Paynes Park Headquarters Chester 36 36 Dales Creek 36 89

Red 32 89 Bluff 99 12