Some of my very favorite days have been when Rick and I would load our pockets with food, fill a couple of water bottles and take off on our tandem bike to ride 100 or more miles right out the front door. I’m riding a little less these days but finding the same joy in throwing those snacks in the car and driving somewhere to hike or bike.
Recently our family went to Lassen Volcanic National Park to tackle the climb to Brokeoff. It’s a tough one but so incredibly beautiful! Beginning with what feels like a rain forest, meandering stream and wildflowers everywhere, then you traverse through a conifer forest until you reach the arid volcanic last mile or so. On top of the mountain is a plateau with 360* views of Shasta, Lassen peak and Lake Almanor. Totally worth the price of admission. The hike is longer and has more elevation gain than Lassen Summit, if you’re not looking for something that challenging there are plenty of options in the park. ALL stunning.
Then there’s alway Drakesbad. Located within the Lassen Park boundary and accessed from Chester/Warner Valley Rd. It is a lovely guest ranch with a hot spring fed swimming pool, hiking trails, horses for hire and fresh delicious food. If you make a reservation for lunch or dinner you can use the facilities all day. My 16 year old granddaughter, Kailey, and I went for lunch and walked the trails but the best was the pool which we were lucky enough to have all to ourselves! Really a relaxing spot.
Rick and I even took a bike ride in the park last month, it's super challenging but the scenery, and the company :), make the miles just fly by.
As summer winds down wouldn’t a visit Lassen for a drive, bike or hike be fun? I always consider it our Hometown National Park!
Photo credit Rick Stewart
No comments:
Post a Comment
Welcome to my blog! Thanks for checking it out~
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.