At this season Lassen Peak is a bit of a lottery. It is high enough and far north enough to be covered in snow in mid-June. After reading some month-old reports, I concluded it was worth trying. It was still unclear how high I could drive or how much of the national park road would be open.
Driving south of the peak, I looked into it and got upset seeing so much snow on the slopes. At the park gates, I asked about conditions and got a vague answer. They didn’t even know where exactly the road was closed. Essentially, they said, “We don’t know anything, give us $35.” I paid $35 for a week-long permit, though I was only there for a day. I asked if I could sell the ticket when exiting. The ticket seller told me, “Please don’t do it.” Still not clear why not to sell a 6-day ticket to someone else.
Today’s target is Lassen Peak. I’m determined to bag it, so I drive up and almost reach the Lassen Peak Trailhead Parking when I hit a barrier. I leave the car at Bumpass Hell parking at 40.46598, -121.51454 at an altitude of 2496 meters.
Walking 1-2 miles on a clean, snow-free paved road around small Lake Helen, I see thin ice not worth a shortcut. The sides of the road still have a few meters of snow. At the Lassen Peak Trailhead parking, I step onto snow and try to follow the GPS trail. Following GPS trail on soft snow is unpleasant, and at some moment, I give up and simply climb the snow slope straight in the direction I need. The first steep, snow-covered slope and finding the trail on a few more snow-covered switchbacks are the crux of the hike.
Easy, gradual switchbacks lead to a steeper slope, then finish straight to the summit. Some people are skiing down the remaining snow in the gully. At the small top saddle, I meet more skiers preparing to descend. Nice.
The summit outcrop is easily identifiable, with a benchmark a few meters away. Three locals with harnesses and skis came from the northeast side, claiming it was tough. Maybe it is. I enjoy dominating snow-covered Shasta views. Impressive.
After the traditional apple, I head down the same trail. On the way up, I used microspikes, but mainly because I had them; otherwise, it was possible to skip them. The crux on the descent is the same slope near the parking lot. Everything else is a straightforward walk.
When driving down, I make a short stop at Sulphur Works. I didn’t expect to find an active volcano with hot springs. Boiling water and steam go from the ground. The last eruption was in 1914. Interesting. Ok, next peak on my list – Mount Eddy. Lower, but because of trees and forest, it may be less accessible. I will see tomorrow.
