On a Green Volcano!

We just returned home from a trip to Lassen National Park.

In case you did not know, Mt. Lassen is a dormant volcano. It last erupted in 1915 and the area became a National Park the following year. While sleeping it still has many active bits and pieces with hydrothermal areas of all types: steam vents and boiling mudpots and hot springs. Relatively close to where we live (about a 4 1/2 hour drive), it is one of our all time favorites for a long weekend vacation.

Nonetheless, we had not made it over there in about 5 years and we were interested and excited to see the changes. One change is that the fumaroles at the Sulphur Works near the south entrance are growing. I am not sure what I think of this... The last couple of times we have been there it has been different each time. New vents open, old ones stop, and activity levels switch from one to another. Looking at it, you cannot forget this is an active planet beneath our feet. These pictures were taken a few seconds apart:

fumarole: noun, A hole in a volcanic area from which hot smoke and gases escape.

It is incredibly lovely driving over the mountain. High meadows and wooded peaks along with alpine views and impossibly blue volcanic lakes. The drives goes from about 5,900ft (1798m) to the highest point, a crisp and clear 8512ft (2594m). Awesome views. Fabulous hiking trails, short and long, for everyone to enjoy.

This is Lake Helen, right below Lassen Peak. It is so deep it really is that blue.

But the highlight of this particular visit was the new Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. Recently opened in September of 2008, this beautiful building is not only a comfortable and informative information center and food & rest stop, it is an awesome example of green building and sustainable, energy efficient operation. When done it should qualify for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification. What a joy it is to see such a great public example of the benefits of energy conservation and good design. Yes! And the Park guides and displays speak to the benefits and need to go Green to help modify the human impact on this ever-changing planet.

We highly recommend checking it out. Still one of the best bargains on the planet and could become one of your favorites, too.