Yellowstone - Lassen First Stop

After what seems to be endless preparations, we finally shove off and are back on the road again. You'd think after as many trips we've taken, getting ready would get easier, but it never seems to.

Got my maps & smart phone nav systems all ready to go	And we're off down the driveway!
First we head north up the East Bay	Then up the fast, but boring I-5

We stop for lunch at Granzella's - a favorite deli in Williams CA. On our way back we'll pick up some jars of their excellent garlic or jalapeno stuffed olives for dirty vodka martinis. 

Just look for the sign

Entrance to Granzella's

After a few hours of driving and listening to the Playaway of Mark Twain's "Roughing It", which is excellent by the way, we get our first glimpses of Lassen Peak, the most southernmost active volcano in the Cascade Range. Right now it seems pretty quiet since its last major eruption around 1915. We make it to the southern gate to Lassen Volcanic National Park just before it closes. After taking a look at my senior pass (one of the greatest benefits of getting old) the Ranger waves us on.

Lassen Peak on the left

South entrance to Lassen Volcanic Park

The road steadily climbs as we enter the park affording magnificent views on this clear day. The landscape becomes more and more volcanic. Yes we are on the flanks of an active volcano - hope it stays quiet for awhile longer at least.

Views from the road

Large cinder cone with lava outcrops

Wow - what's that white deposit? It probably ain't snow.

Both the Summit Lake campgrounds are too full to find a good site for us (you were right Cork about how crowded these get). So we continue on to Crags where we find a nice campsite with enough light before sunset to get set up.

Our campsite at Crags in Lassen Park

Last rays of the sun light up the tops of the Ponderosas

Peter settles down with a beer to study the maps

Invigorated by the high mountain air, we get an early start the next morning. Although Lassen has many great hikes and things to see, we can come back later as we want to get closer to Yellowstone.

Hwy 395 north of Lassen

Pit Falls on the Pit River

Last glimpse of Lassen Peak

The countryside in this very northern part of California is dotted with high ranch lands.  This late in the summer, much of the wheat and hay have already been harvested. Just before crossing the border into Oregon we get a kick out of the small community of New Pine Creek with a population of 98.

Northern California ranch

This place looks like a trip

In closing, if you are interested in visiting this area, AAA's map of Northern California is a keeper. Yes, you can buy one on Amazon, but it might cost you more than simply joining AAA where all maps and guidebooks are free of charge and mailed right to your house. NO - I am not paid in any way by AAA to say this (although I would like to be).