National Park

A trip to any national park is truly an experience worthy for the entire family. These lands have been preserved and sometimes stocked with wildlife so the beauty of the environment and ecology can be maintained. A national park housing a volcano is even more spectacular.

Volcanic National Parks: Lassen National Park in California

The last eruption at Lassen Peak occurred on May 22, 1915. This mountain is located in the Cascade Range and is the most southern of the active volcanoes in this area. Ash from this eruption poured down on areas as distant as 200 miles to the east. There are several fascinating aspects of this park to explore, including bubbling hot mud pots, deafening fumaroles (holes in the volcanic structure that allow gas and steam to escape) and ground that steams. The fact that Lassen is an active volcano adds not only intrigue to the adventure but also a sense of immediacy with the signs of possible impending eruption all around the area.

There are several spots for camping in this area including Manzanita Lake, Warner Valley and Juniper Lake. Most of these campground facilities close with the arrival of snow, but hiking is still permitted. Hiking off-trails is impermissible and pets are not allowed.

Volcanic National Parks: Mount Rainier National Park

Like the Lassen Peak, Mount Rainier is an active volcano. Its first eruption occurred approximately 500,000 years ago and most recently in the 1840′s. This park makes it possible to explore and learn about glaciers, as it is located in the northern region of the Cascades, there are several glaciers cutting into it. Hiking is permitted on the Wonderland Trail. Most hikers insist this to be the most beautiful way to explore the area. At 93 miles in length, the trail crosses through lowland forests, subalpine meadows, swiftly running rivers and a view of the 25 glaciers.

Camping along this trail is permitted with a Wilderness Camping Permit. Camps along the trail, including cabins built in the late 1800′s are popular among hikers as they explore this area. Equipment necessary for hiking this trail include pocketknife, first aid kit, map and compass, tent, rain gear, stove and matches, protective clothing and sunscreen, flashlight and plenty of food and water.

Volcanic National Parks: Hawaii National Park

This park highlights two of the planet’s most active volcanoes. This park is unique in that as it is located on the island of Hawaii, the culture existing there is decidedly different from the North American mainland. Contrast this with the ever-changing volcanic environment and a visit to this national park is nothing short of spectacular. A visit to Crater Rim Drive is an eleven-mile excursion that passes through tropical rain forest, desert, and allows for scenic stops.

Exploring the park on foot is always an option as well. Hikers will be happy to find many trails to explore for the day including Kilauea Summit Trails, Waldron Ledge, Devastation Trail, and Kilauea Iki to name a few. These trails range from easy to challenging, so there is always something for the novice to experienced hiker.