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The Trip

Lassen National Park is no ordinary place. Located in Northern California within the lower part of the Cascade Mountain Range, Lassen Volcanic National Park is a remote and pristine park that consists of numerous habitats. The park encompasses 150 miles of trails that lead to mudpots, fumaroles, peaks, lakes, hot springs, and steaming vents, of which Chaos Jumbles, Bumpass Hell, Painted Dunes, Cinder Cone, Emerald Lake, and Cold Boiling Lake are only a few. Lassen Volcanic National Park's hydrothermal features are the most extensive in the Cascade Range and they fascinate visitors, reminding them that the volcano is still quite active.

The park's dynamic geothermal volcanic landscape mixes with quiet mature forests and gentle meadows to offer something for everyone to enjoy. Due to Lassen's remote location, traffic and camping are light compared to other national parks, and it is known as a hiker's paradise. The park itself has a rich history that includes several Native American tribes, gold rush settlers, fur trappers, Civilian Conservation Center workers, and volcanic eruptions. Finally, with over 700 flowering plant species and a wide range of wildlife, Lassen offers an incredible range of sights, sounds, and activities.

The Project

Lassen National Park has a very active program to eradicate invasive plant species from the area. We will work on bull thistle, mullein, and invasive grasses, which compete for water and limit the growth of native species in the park. Mullein, for instance, has a large central seed stalk with thousands of seeds per stalk, allowing it to spread widely and crowd out natives. Our task will be to remove as many non-native plants as possible. Another part of the project may entail helping with a bufflehead duck survey and seed collection.

Itinerary

You will arrive on Saturday afternoon, August 4, to check in, drop off your belongings, set up your tent, and then go explore the many interesting surroundings. We'll gather for our first meal on Saturday night and talk about the upcoming week's work. Then after Sunday breakfast, you have another day to explore the treasures of Lassen Volcanic National Park before we start our conservation efforts.

Monday and Tuesday will be work days. We will need to carpool to our worksite, where we will be removing invasive species of plant. In the evening, we will return to camp for dinner and relaxation. Wednesday will be another free day, during which participants are encouraged to take a look around the park and enjoy its many sights. On Thursday and Friday we will return to work, and on Saturday morning we will enjoy breakfast as our last meal together before leaving camp.

Getting There

Trip members are responsible for getting themselves to and from the campground. (Directions will be included in a later mailing.) Lassen is accessible from two airports: Sacramento and Reno. Reno/Tahoe International Airport is the closest major airport, 150 miles away. Sacramento is about 180 miles away. Both are approximately three hours by car. Redding, CA is only about an hour away from Lassen National Park. A trip roster will be provided to facilitate ride-sharing. Exact driving directions, maps, and information about places to stay before and after the trip will be sent later.

Accommodations and Food

We will be staying in tents in the group campground. The campsite will have drinking water and vault toilets. At the Manzanita campground, about 10 miles away, there are hot showers available. The showers run on quarters, but change is available at the small store there.

The food on this trip will be part of this wonderful adventure. We will be providing healthy, nutritious, vegan food experiences. You will be able to explore many vegan dishes that have plenty of flavors, tastes, and protein. The meals will be satisfying, while not including meat, fish, poultry, dairy, eggs, or honey. Trip menu planning considers that there is no refrigeration, and food must be protected from animals. Everyone takes turn pitching in with food preparation (sous chef opportunities) and kitchen cleanup. People with food allergies and/or strong food preferences should note this on their participant approval form.

Trip Difficulty

Removing invasive plants can be difficult, but we will all work at our own pace. There will be much bending, but no heavy lifting. Optional hikes on our days off are not considered difficult, with the possible exception of climbing Mt. Lassen Peak. It is important to note that the elevation of the campsite and worksites will range between 5,700 and 6,100 feet. We suggest a good conditioning program prior to the trip so that you can do a full day's work. The trip staff welcomes beginners and experienced hikers alike.

Equipment and Clothing

In addition to your regular camping gear, you must bring two pairs of sturdy work gloves, a good pair of over-the-ankle hiking boots, a pair of long pants, and a long-sleeved work shirt to wear while working. You will need to supply your own tent and all of your own camping gear. The park will furnish our work tools and Sierra Club will provide our cooking equipment. You will need a day pack to carry all you will need for the hike to the work site. You should also bring a bowl, cup, and eating utensils, as well as a leak-proof plastic food container for packing your lunch each day. While we will provide a first-aid kit for emergencies, you should bring your own personal kit and any personal medications you require. A detailed equipment list will be provided by the leader after registration is complete.

Typical summer temperatures will be around the 80s while we work during the day, and cool off to around the 40s at night. The beginning of August is typically dry, but be prepared to hike, work, play, and sleep in any kind of weather; afternoon showers are possible. Snow may remain in isolated areas of the park.

References

Maps:

• Earthwalk Press: "Lassen Volcanic National Park Hiking Map and Guide" has a topographic map of the park and hiking information.

Books:

• Richard, Ellis, Lassen Volcanic: The Story Behind the Scenery. Available from www.kcpublications.com; or call (800) 626-9673 or (702) 433-3415.
• Schaffer, Jeffery P., Lassen National Park and Vicinity. This book is informative and has many references for each section.
• B.F. Loomis, Pictorial history of the Lassen Volcano.

Websites:

• Lassen Volcanic National Park: www.nps.gov/lavo/index.htm

Up to Top

Conservation

Our work will entail removing invasive plants from around the park. Around the campfire, we may discuss native and invasive plants, along with other conservation topics of interest to the group. Park personnel will be on hand to answer questions regarding the conservation work in the area, as well.

Trip Price

See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy.

The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.

Staff

Leader:

An avid outdoor enthusiast, Bob Groff has led and participated in several service trips. He lives in Campbell, California, and is a frequent hiker and cyclist. Bob has hiked in several national parks, national forests and wilderness areas in California, Oregon, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Colorado. His objective is for you to enjoy the wonderful solitude of the backcountry. Bob is happy to answer any questions you may have about the trip or the area, and we will send bulletins prior to the trip with further details.

E-mail: rw_groff@hotmail.com

Cook:

Eric Hoyer began his involvement with Sierra Club Service Trips in 1988 and has shared his love of the wilderness on numerous service trips in California, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona and Utah. Eric is employed as a Quality Manager and will apply those skills to satisfy trip participants. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, backpacking and canoeing. The Lake Tahoe region has been a favorite of his since visiting the area as a child.

Email: ehoyer@yahoo.com

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General Notes About Sierra Club Trips

• Carbon Offsets
• Carpooling
• Electronic Devices
• Equipment
• How to Apply for a Trip
• Leader Gratuities
• Liability Release and Assumption of Risk
• Medical Issues
• Non-discrimination Statement
• Participant Approval
• Reservation and Cancellation Policy
• Seller of Travel Disclosure
• Travel Insurance
• Trip Feedback
• Wilderness Manners