Lassen Peak — Local services in Chester

My family went camping here in 1954 when I was a kid. I have returned as an adult twice and enjoyed myself immensely. Now, as I get older, which happens when you don't die, I regret not going to Lassen more often.

Mt. Lassen/Lassen Peak has to be one of the best vacations I have ever taken. Okay, the fishing sucked, but the hikes were incredible, the sights beautiful, and the experience of Lassen is wonderfully stored away in my vault of treasured memories.

WARNING: Take water, plenty of water...with electrolytes. I believe many signs in the park tell visitors to carry water. Think one of those Camelback water pouches. No B.S.It can, and does, get quite hot during the day and chilly at night. Bring appropriate clothing and sleeping gear.

My favorite hikes were Bumpass Hell, the Devastated Area (1915 eruption), and Paradise Meadows. But every hike, every walk to the shower, or little store...just being outside was great.

The number of day hikes kept me busy each visit. Waterfalls, lakes, meadows, to barren landscapes. It is a massive park with fantastic terrain. It is one of those unique places where there is something for everyone. And, at the end of an invigorating and refreshing hike through nature, you end your day sitting outside enjoying the evening and the clean air of the mountains.

Then, of course, a certain day arrives where you must pack everything up and head back to the city, civilization...and the cars, and the people, and the noise, and the pollution, and the traffic, and the aggravation, and...

Been on the list for a long time. Hiked on July 20. We went up to the top of Brokeoff Mountain the day before. Much more difficult and less traveled than this trail.

Conditions were beautiful the day we went. Followed suggestions of other and got on the mountain early while the snow was firm. Bottom third was covered in snow. We used trekking poles and micro spikes and felt comfortable in the snow. Those in tennis shoes were slipping and falling. Some places would be dangerous slipping around.

Once you get to the switchbacks, it’s easy peasy. Very groomed and even has stairs! The top was gorgeous. We came to the peak just as a marriage proposal was happening! She said yes!!

Be sure to make the scramble to the actual highest peak if you want to be on the top...

Don’t let this 5 mile (round trip) trek make you think it’s gonna be easy. In 2.5 miles (one way) it has an elevation gain of 2000ft. There trail is not too steep, just that it goes up at a constant inclination. The first 1 mile is easy since you’re fresh and not tired. After that the air starts to get thinner due to the elevation and the wind picks up. I’m not the fittest out there but with a steady and slow pace you can easily reach the summit in 2-2.5 hours. Make sure you have a wind proof jacket, cap, sunglasses and sun screen with you. The downward journeys pretty easy and would take about an hour.

To be honest, it is not as beautiful as Yosemite but this trek gives a really nice sense of accomplishment. The view of Mt. Shasta (14000 ft) is wonderful...