There are two routes from Lake Tahoe northwest to Lassen. The fast way is up the Nevada side of the lake and highways. The other way is CA 89 North the whole way. It meanders more, but it was a beautiful sampling of lake vistas, lush forests, little towns with 25 mph speed limits, and seldom another vehicle. We climbed and descended more times than we counted. Serene.
We figured at worst if we couldn't get a site in the Park we'd boondock in the surrounding National Forest. First come on a Friday can be sketchy, so we stopped at the Sulphur Springs (with a bubbling mud pot!), and pulled over for a few Kodak moments, but otherwise aimed Ernie for the only campground that was open and wasn't tent only.
Manzanita Lake Campground has four loops, A - D. Loops A and C take reservations, and were reserved up. Loop D is for tents. We were early enough we had a wide selection in Loop B, about half the sites, and found one with sun for our solar panel and a reasonably flat pad. We still haven't needed to chock Ernie to level.
After a simple but delicious sandwich (avocado & tomatoes go together like PB&J), we pedaled off to find trailheads. The easy flat trail around Lake Manzanita provided some surprisingly dramatic views of Lassen Peak. The longer trail to Chaos Crags and Crags Lake was a steady climb for 2 miles and the first dramatic view of the crags (side of a volcano with a bare flat surface interrupted by jutting craggy rocks above). The "lake" was at the bottom of a boulder strewn scramble, but from the top of the rock wall it was clear that the lake was a realtor's description of an anemic pond. We chose not to do the scramble down, and then scramble right back up, and so we settled for the 2 mile hike back down to the trailhead.
Day 2
The outside low was 38°, but inside it only dropped to 48. After a hearty breakfast we headed out to do some trails! The park provided us with a nice pamphlet listing all the trails by area with useful specs (length, difficulty 1-4, elevation changes, directions), and Sharon picked a few. The first on the list was to "boiling lake", ice cold but with volcanic gasses releasing it is supposed to look like it's boiling. Alas, too much snow (June 2nd!) kept the trailhead closed. The campground we're staying in opened May 25th, and several other campgrounds in the park haven't yet opened. This is a cool place.
Our second hiking try was more successful. Only one car parked, no crowd! As we hiked we met the other car people on their way out. But two other couples caught and passed us on the trail. Maybe we have better pics of the scenery than they do. Or maybe Sharon is just a slow and cautious hiker.
In any case, the Kings River trail is a three mile lollipop. The in/out stick is relatively flat, though over a lot of snow, and several streams. But the lollipop! About a mile and one way, we climb to a peak with nice views of the forest and far away lakes, with hints of a canyon to one side of us. Then we descend to the bottom of that canyon, and there is the waterfall! It is a steep canyon, and the river is white water all the way down. It is a steep climb up the steps beside the unending waterfall, with its rock/water/air conflict on your immediate left. The cascading aeration is captivating, each nuance appreciated. And then back on the stick.
Then we switched gears, returning to Lake Manzanita, eating lunch, then pumping up the SUPs and paddling off. The water was pretty calm, with a bit of wind blowing from the northeast corner of the lake. We paddled around the shoreline, and it was tranquil. There were several fishermen on the lake, and a couple of kayaks, and a dozen Canada Geese.
I paddled my SUP as a kayak, with a camp chair seat. It was kinder on my back, by far, than standing, and I feel completely comfortable kayaking. This works for me!
Returning to the campsite, we saw Carl and Laura, who later stopped by to chat and see Ernie. A bit later, our site neighbor Gabe came by for a look. Just as when he came to the Beach for a visit, people gravitate towards Ernie.
After our solar showers and a scrumptious vegetarian Mexican dish Sharon cooked up, we enjoyed a quiet little fire in our fire ring, complements of wood left by previous tenants and kindling around the site.
Pics are at https://photos.app.goo.gl/mMLujc6uga8t4x833
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