Chico is full of amazing outdoor opportunities to visit the best that northern California has to offer. However, many of these often fall to the wayside because of low priority, intimidation, or just by people being completely unaware! Adventure Outings is a program for students, run by students to expand the knowledge, love, and experience for the great outdoors and all that it has to offer!
This past September, Adventure Outings took off on an expedition to the Lassen Volcanic National Park! This park is one of the few areas in the world where all four types of volcano’s can be found: plug dome, shield, cinder cone, and strato. On the first day, the group stopped at the National Park visiting center and learned about the history of the Volcanic Park and how each volcano was prevalent to Lassen. Also, everyone was able to explore the area surrounding Lassen Peak, which is still active with boiling mud pots, stinking fumaroles, and churning hot springs. After a long day of exploring and relaxed hikes, everyone headed to camp early for a leisurely hang out and nap. The night was enjoyed by the camp fire; playing games, reading poems, and telling stories all while eating delicious banana boat treats!
The next morning everyone packed up camp and explored on into the Volcanic Park by making the great climb up Cinder Dome Volcano! The climb was vigorous and challenging which added to the excitement of the overall triumphant accomplishment to the top! In addition with the winds were blowing so fast and hard, picking up all the rocks and ash, it felt that it would clean you straight off the mountain! Once to the top, the views of Lassen were absolutely breath taking and invigorating that illustrated the impact of beauty and balance of the great outdoors!
Lassen Volcanic National Park is most definitely a must see destination for everyone! It is so incredibly close to Chico that it must be taken advantage of! I highly encourage and recommend everyone go out and explore the beautiful environment of Lassen.