thecityofredding

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 03:29:44 GMT

Less than an hour from Redding lies the hidden gem, Lassen National Park. Lassen Peak is not only a stunning natural beauty, but it is also Earth’s largest lava dome! Lassen Peak Volcano is one of only two volcanoes that have been active in the USA in the last 100 years.

Between summertimes filled with gorgeous hikes, hot springs, and watersports on the lakes, and winters of glittering scenery, skiing, and snowshoeing, Lassen National Park brings over 350,000 visitors each year. Read on to learn about the sights on offer and the different ways to enjoy Lassen National Park as the seasons change.

Volcanic Sights In Lassen National Park

Lassen National Park is a rich volcanic site, home to all four possible kinds of volcanoes: shield, plug dome, cinder cone, and composite. These can be accessed through 150 miles of world-class trails. Keep in mind, however, that heavy snowfall in the winter means that the hiking trails are only accessible from June through October.

There is incredible volcanic activity all over the park, but here are some of the highlights:

Bumpass Hell

The biggest hydrothermal area in Lassen National Park, Bumpass Hell is a network of steam vents, clear pools, and bubbling mud pots. A 3-mile loop winds through it, with a wooden boardwalk to take you safely right down to the water. Remember to be careful as you explore - this area is named after Kendall Bumpass , who scalded himself discovering it!

Sulphur Works

Sulphur Works is the most accessible site of volcanic activity in Lassen National Park, with mud pots and steam vents visible from the parking lot, and a paved sidewalk leading you down to them.

Terminal Geyser

This huge steam vent in the middle of a stream isn’t technically a geyser, but it makes for a dramatic sight nevertheless! Find it on a beautiful 5-mile trail that will take you through the stunning forest with impressive views alongside the stream.

Boiling Springs Lake

Nestled among alpine trees and wildflowers, the Boiling Lake is one of the true marvels of Lassen National Park. It is kept above 125° degrees by underwater steam vents, which also contribute to its dramatic chalky appearance.

Devil’s Kitchen Trail

This trail is a lovely 4.2-mile loop through marshland, meadows, and woods, with plenty of offshoots to interesting hikes. The main trail takes you to a so-called ‘cauldron’ - a system of boiling pools and hissing fumaroles .

Summertime at Lassen National Park

There’s plenty to enjoy in Lassen National Park in the summer and the fall. Here are some of the main highlights!

Lakes

Lassen National Park has over 200 lakes and ponds, some of them under the influence of steam vents and volcanic activity. There are plenty of opportunities for boating and swimming. Manzanita Lake is a hub with a rental store where you can hire kayaks, paddleboards, and anything else you need to enjoy the water.

There is excellent fishing throughout the area, with particularly good trout populations in Manzanita Lake, Butte Lake, and Horseshoe Lake.

Stargazing

Lassen National Park is an incredible place to see the stars. The altitude and lack of light pollution in the park give you crystal clear views. Of course, you can stargaze any time of the year, but the Dark Sky Festival is held in Lassen National Park every August.

Camping

There are seven campsites throughout the park, including group camps and places for RVs. Many of the sites are lakeside, with excellent access to the water. These sites are so popular from June to September that it’s best to reserve your place in advance, to ensure that you’ll get all the glorious family memories a camping trip to Lassen will give!

In 2017, Lassen opened the Volcanic Adventure Camp . This is designed to cater to large groups of young people, as the perfect site for youth groups, schools, and non-profit initiatives to give children and teenagers the chance to experience nature up close.

Wintertime at Lassen National Park

In winter and early spring, trails may be blocked by 30+ feet of snow, but that’s only the beginning of a whole new season of activity in Lassen National Park. Winter sports and icy beauty come to dominate the scene from November through April.

Cross-Country Skiing

The park offers excellent cross-country skiing during the winter months. For beginners, try out the park highway, which is flat and smooth and offers beautiful views of the snow-covered mountains. For more experienced skiers, there are many routes to explore.

If you’re skiing, make sure to visit the Sulphur Works, where the steaming water melts the snow.

Sledding

All the snow Lassen gets in the winter makes for the perfect conditions for sledding. The south-western slopes are popular with families looking for an afternoon zipping down the slopes - not to mention all the potential for snowmen and snowball fights.

Snowshoeing

The park’s unique volcanic features make snowshoeing particularly rewarding - on snowshoes, you can hike a multitude of incredible routes that take you places in the park that are more difficult to reach in the summer.

Lassen National Park runs ranger-led snowshoe trails to help you to see the sights and witness the park at its best.

Final Thoughts

Lassen National Park has so much to offer any visitor. Geological enthusiasts, skiers, family campers, hikers, school groups, and fly fishers will all find something to enjoy in this incredible part of the world. Whether you’re looking for a week of camping and exploring, an educational trip to learn about our nation’s geographic history, or simply a day trip full of fun in the water, Lassen National Park is worth visiting over and over again.

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The Ultimate Guide to Northern California Camping in 2021

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 03:29:37 GMT

The stunning mountains, lush forests, and blue lakes of Northern California draw millions of visitors every year. Northern California camping is some of the best in the world. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed vacation full of activities and adventure or a peaceful deep breath away from the city, this guide to northern California camping will help you find the perfect campground for you.

Northern California Camping: Rivers

Northern California is home to a vast network of beautiful rivers that make for idyllic camping sites. Fly fishers will love the ready access to trout in these rivers, and if you’re looking for adventure, you’re sure to find it in the opportunities for white water rafting and kayaking. Many of these campsites are close to stunning waterfalls which are perfect for hikers and families!

Fowlers Camp Campground

Perched beside the McCloud River, Fowlers Camp Campground is close to three stunning waterfalls, (Lower, Middle, and Upper Falls) which you can access via trails straight from the campground or by a short drive. The river has excellent fishing, and the campground is wheelchair accessible.

Open: April - October

RV-friendly: Yes

Forest Glen Campground

Forest Glen Campground sits beside the serene South Fork Trinity River and offers access to incredible hikes, fishing, and swimming. Rafting is available on other parts of the river, and the nearby Marble Caves are both a sight and an opportunity for rock climbing.

Open: May - September

RV-friendly: Yes

Douglas City Campground

With good amenities and excellent river access, Douglas City Campground has become a popular place for rafting. The Trinity River provides good fishing for steelhead, salmon, and trout, and the beaches on the campground give great opportunities for inner tubing and swimming.

Open: May - September

RV-friendly: Yes

Northern California Camping: Lakes

One of the best things about northern California camping is the wealth of lakes in this part of the world. What could be more peaceful than waking up on the shores of a pristine mountain lake? And that’s without mentioning all the exciting activities like boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding that northern California camping has to offer.

Manzanita Lake Campground, Lassen Volcanic State Park

Manzanita Lake Campground is one of the absolute must-dos of northern California camping. Situated in the stunning Lassen State Park, camping in this site allows you to explore not only the lake itself but all the volcanic landmarks of this beautiful state park.

Open: May - October

RV-friendly: Yes

Juniper Lake Campground

Juniper Lake Campground is also in Lassen Volcanic State Park, but it is much smaller and quieter than the big and busy Manzanita Lake. If you’re looking for a wilder and more private experience of northern California camping, Juniper Lake is an oasis of peace, and the campground offers stunning views of the scenery.

Open: June - October

RV-friendly : No - access is along a gravel path not recommended for RVs

Lake Almanor Campground

Lake Almanor Campground is a large and friendly campground that is perfect for families and groups who are looking to enjoy the gorgeous lake together, with access to kayak rentals and plenty of hikes and beaches to explore.

Open: May - September

RV-friendly: Yes

Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort

A large resort on the beautiful forested shores of the lake, Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort offers a range of options from cabins to tent berths. With panoramic views of the mountains, a peaceful dock, and both food options and boat rentals readily available, this is an excellent choice for northern California camping made easy.

Open: Year-round

RV-friendly : Yes

McCloud Bridge Campground

If you’re seeking a quiet and beautiful escape into nature, definitely consider camping at McCloud Bridge Campground . High up the McCloud River arm of Shasta Lake, this campground is on the smaller side of the list so far, situated on the picturesque site of an old ranch. The lakeside berths offer excellent privacy to overlook the beautiful views, and there is good fishing, particularly for brown trout, right on the shore of the campground itself.

Open: April - October

RV-friendly: Yes

Northern California Camping: Unique Natural Beauty

Northern California camping gives you access to some of the most unique natural beauty in the world. From bubbling lava beds to ancient rock formations to streaming waterfalls, campgrounds in this area will help you make lasting memories of nature’s wonders!

Castle Crags State Park Campground

Soaring granite formations form the dramatic backdrop for Castle Crags State Park Campground . This campground in the forest is in the middle of incredible hiking trails with views of Mt Shasta. It also is close enough to take advantage of the fishing in the Sacramento River

Open: Year-round (reservations 6 months in advance)

RV-friendly: Yes

Indian Well Campground, Lava Beds National Monument

Indian Well Campground is close to incredible lava tube caves that are open for visitors to explore. These unique phenomena are the main attraction, but you are also close to Medicine Lake and other hikes.

Open: Year-round

RV-friendly: Yes

McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park

The jaw-dropping McArthur-Burney Falls is one of the most impressive and beautiful waterfalls in California, and the campground here gives you prime access to enjoy them. Along with the falls, the campground here puts you in reach of Lake Britton for swimming and fishing, along with boat rental at a small marina. The park itself is full of gorgeous hikes, including parts of the famous Pacific Crest Trail.

Open: Year-round

RV-friendly: Yes

Final Thoughts on Northern California Camping

This highlight reel of all of the wonderful northern California camping options open to you is just the beginning. There is always more to discover, from the secret lakes you stumble onto in your hikes to the best places to catch salmon to the thrills of navigating rapids through the mountains. Once you’ve camped in this part of the world, you’ll be hooked!

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Make the most of the season by following these simple guidelines

Hello@Maisey.Pro (Maisey Pro) — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 00:16:45 GMT

The new season is a great reason to make and keep resolutions. Whether it’s eating right or cleaning out the garage, here are some tips for making and keeping resolutions.

Make a list

Lists are great ways to stay on track. Write down some big things you want to accomplish and some smaller things, too.

Check the list regularly

Don’t forget to check in and see how you’re doing. Just because you don’t achieve the big goals right away doesn’t mean you’re not making progress.

Reward yourself

When you succeed in achieving a goal, be it a big one or a small one, make sure to pat yourself on the back.

Think positively

Positive thinking is a major factor in success. So instead of mulling over things that didn’t go quite right, remind yourself of things that did.

Keep in touch with site visitors and boost loyalty

Hello@Maisey.Pro (Maisey Pro) — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 00:16:44 GMT

There are so many good reasons to communicate with site visitors. Tell them about sales and new products or update them with tips and information.

Here are some reasons to make blogging part of your regular routine.

Blogging is an easy way to engage with site visitors

Writing a blog post is easy once you get the hang of it. Posts don’t need to be long or complicated. Just write about what you know, and do your best to write well.

Show customers your personality

When you write a blog post, you can really let your personality shine through. This can be a great tool for showing your distinct personality.

Blogging is a terrific form of communication

Blogs are a great communication tool. They tend to be longer than social media posts, which gives you plenty of space for sharing insights, handy tips and more.

It’s a great way to support and boost SEO

Search engines like sites that regularly post fresh content, and a blog is a great way of doing this. With relevant metadata for every post so search engines can find your content.

Drive traffic to your site

Every time you add a new post, people who have subscribed to it will have a reason to come back to your site. If the post is a good read, they’ll share it with others, bringing even more traffic!

Blogging is free

Maintaining a blog on your site is absolutely free. You can hire bloggers if you like or assign regularly blogging tasks to everyone in your company.

A natural way to build your brand

A blog is a wonderful way to build your brand’s distinct voice. Write about issues that are related to your industry and your customers.

Tips for writing great posts that increase your site traffic

Hello@Maisey.Pro (Maisey Pro) — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 00:16:44 GMT

Write about something you know. If you don’t know much about a specific topic that will interest your readers, invite an expert to write about it.

Speak to your audience

You know your audience better than anyone else, so keep them in mind as you write your blog posts. Write about things they care about. If you have a company Facebook page, look here to find topics to write about

Take a few moments to plan your post

Once you have a great idea for a post, write the first draft. Some people like to start with the title and then work on the paragraphs. Other people like to start with subtitles and go from there. Choose the method that works for you.

Don’t forget to add images

Be sure to include a few high-quality images in your blog. Images break up the text and make it more readable. They can also convey emotions or ideas that are hard to put into words.

Edit carefully before posting

Once you’re happy with the text, put it aside for a day or two, and then re-read it. You’ll probably find a few things you want to add, and a couple more that you want to remove. Have a friend or colleague look it over to make sure there are no mistakes. When your post is error-free, set it up in your blog and publish.