Visited one of California’s hidden gems during Independence Day weekend — Lassen Volcanic National Park.
The devastation from the 1915 eruption is the primary draw of the park, as well as the geothermal features caused by the still-present magma three miles below the earth’s surface.
These shots are mostly of an area called Bumpas Hell, a dramatic basin of sulphur, boiling mud pits, and steam vents. The closest route to this area was still covered in snow, so we hiked 2.5 miles up Lassen from Kings Creek (5 mile round trip).
I’ve also added some shots of local fauna and flora, including the Lassen Indian Paintbrush, a distinct species of flower believed to be found only in the Lassen Volcano environs.