Lassen Volcanic National Park

Sunday was another designated big hike day. In my search for winter gardening information, I came across a brochure advertising hikes sponsored by the Mount Lassen Chapter of the California Native Plant Society.  We met up with the group at 8:30 at the Chico Park and Ride and split up into two cars and headed off on the 68 mile ride to Lassen Volcanic National Park. Our leader was an 85 year old retired biologist. Clearly, the California lifestyle keeps people in shape! We were also fortunate to have a birder and a tree/bush expert in our group.

Our actual hike started at about 6000 feet (Chico's elevation is 240 ft) and we ascended another 800 feet. We hiked in about a mile and half, mostly on a well-marked trail. The last bit of the trail was not really marked, but was well known to our group. We ended up at a beautiful and remote mountain lake, aptly named Forest Lake, where we had lunch. Pictures attached.....the place was stunning, serene, vibrant. I learned lots about the flora and fauna of the area and will definitely go back soon. I even feel like I could do a hike by myself, an adventure of another type!