These
colorful dunes, formed out of oxidized volcanic ash layers, are one of the
highlights of Lassen National Park in Northern California. Lassen National Park
is one of the most uncommon places in California, yet is comparatively little
visited, partly because it is a long way from most other prominent natural
attractions in the state. Thus also, access is very restricted due to the heavy
snowfall that this area receives. This magnificent park may be fully open for
only three months of the year though is at least partially accessible in any
month. They lie in the shadow of Cinder Cone, an aptly named cinder cone
volcano that was formed during two eruptions that happened in the 1650s. Well,
since 1921 Lassen Peak has remained quiet. However, it is still considered an
active volcano, the centerpiece of a vast panorama, where volcanism displays
its spectaculars wrecked mountains, devastated land, bubbling cauldrons of mud.
Moreover, until Mount St. Helens blew in 1980, Lassen's eruption was the most
recent volcanic explosion in the lower 48 states. Therefore, ecologists now are
researching Lassen's landscape to see what the future may bring to the terrain
around St. Helens.
It is
amazing to visit when the road is being ploughed after a hard winter as
although the machines leave the surface clear, the vertical walls of snow at
either side may tower several feet above, encompassing the road in an amazing
white canyon. The red and orange hues of the dunes are strikingly contrasted by
the black volcanic sands. The best time to volcanic areas are visited in
summer and fall. Because heavy snows close most of the main road in winter. But
tourists still relish snowshoe hikes and cross-country skiing at the southern
and northern entrances. On a one-day visit, you can go to road, snaking across
the western side of the park between the Southwest and Manzanita Lake
Entrances, takes you adjacent major volcanic features. You can explore Bumpass
Hell and other sites along the way. If you want to stay longer, climb Cinder
Cone, an exceptional example of the results of volcanism, and, if you are
physical fit and have enough stamina for a more demanding trek, try Lassen
Peak.
