The Extra Mile to Burney Falls Near Lassen National Volcanic Park

To think if not for the snow in Lassen, which closed many of the trails, we would have missed Burney Falls. That would have been a bummer.

Burney Falls was incredible. A Hawaiian style waterfalls that dumps 100 million gallons of water a day - it is not California's highest or largest water falls, but it is spectacular.

After spending the morning at Lassen National Volcanic Park we drove the 45 minutes to Burney Falls. We ate our lunch in the picnic area, and then took the boys on the the mile or so hike around the falls. The trails lead to the base of the falls, with awesome views.

The map described the trail as moderate, but it isn't. Even a novice hiker can make the trek no problem. Our boys didn't even complain about the distance before we reached the end. The positive attributes of the hike were extensive. From great lookouts to volcanic bolders, it was very cool.

Any trip to Lassen would be incomplete without a trip to Burney Falls.

Lassen Camping Trip: Volcanoes, Warm Weather and Snow Play

On June 28 it rained in California. This was a big deal! On record it had never rained in California on that day. And it rained all day. Rain in California means snow in the mountains.

Our trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park was complicated and complimented by the June 28 snow. In Lassen they were contending with 30 foot snow drifts, which meant that much of the main road through the park was closed, and many of the hiking trails. The ranger told us the reason was the warm weather, it was in the 70s, contributed to avalanches at higher elevations. It was recommended that we walk a mile or so in on the neatly paved, but closed roads.  Considering our boys patience for longer hikes at this age, it wasn't a big problem. So although they didn't want cars on the roads, the closed road became our hiking trail.

We stayed at the KOA in Shingletown 30 minutes from the North entrance to Lassen.  The North side had far less snow, so more was open. On our first day we explored this area of the park, and on our way home we visited the South area of the park. This required maneuvering through country roads and small towns to drive around the circumference of the park -- it took us about 90 minutes.

Lassen is an exceptionally beautiful park. The volcano blew in both 1914 and 1915, and today there is still bubbling, acidic water underneath the dry cracked ground in the sulfur works. In the area you also can see volcanic rocks that traveled as far as 30 miles from Lassen. The road let us get close to much of the what the park has to offer, but it will be worth it to visit in September when snow is not a problem.

Dude, Where's Our Tent? Getting Ready for the Lassen Camping Trip

How is it that everytime we go camping I spend a day trying to track down all of our camping equipment? I also swear when we get home, I'm going to put it in one central place so that we can easily find it again next time. Then we get home from the trip and the equipment gets scattered to the four corners of the the basement and garage.

So, today is my camping scavenger hunt. Next weekend we are going to Lassen National Volcanic Park for three days. We got into the KOA before the 4th of July rush. We've wanted to go to Lassen for a long time, and finally we get to go.  I've got five tabs opened with possible places to visit, from Turtle Bay to Burney Falls, and of course the volcano. I can't wait! Camping, hiking, swimming and then we return home for the annual 4th of July neighborhood kids and dogs parade, followed by the San Jose Giants game and fireworks.  Fun, fun, fun!

Now if I can just find our tent.