Mount Lassen Volcanic National Park

Established in 1916, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is lesser known, but one of the oldest National Parks in the United States. The park was named for Peter Lassen, a gold rush pioneer who developed trails in the area in the mid-1800’s. Mt. Lassen and surroundings mountains are all volcanic, the last of which erupted about one hundred years ago. Today, visitors can view steam vents, boiling springs, and bubbling mud pots within the park. Apparently, it is impossible to predict when this area will erupt again.

Summit Lake Campgrounds

Summit Lake Campgrounds are 17.5 miles from the park’s southwest entrance, and divided into north and south. Some loops are reservable and others are first come, first served. Both camping areas have easy access to the lake. The campground is at nearly 6700 feet and can be warm in summer months. A nice trail surrounds the lake and we found the water to be on the warm side, but serene and refreshing in the heat of summer.