Camping on Volcanoes in the Snow

Mount Shasta

I've always been interested in volcanoes. I ran across the "Volcanic Legacy Tour" car tour and decided to take it. The west coast is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and California is right in the middle of it. The only hang up is the record snowfall from Central California through Washington State.

My trip started in Santa Monica at the REI store, were I picked up some safety equipment and tips. I drove to my friends house in Fresno and spent a few days with her. Then camped along the Bridalveil Creek near Glacier Point in Yosemite not far from the falls. I tried out my cold weather gear for a few days then traveled north.

It's a long drive to Oregon. My Destination was Crater Lake. I stopped for the night in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Only one road was open and only for a few miles. Lassen is a dormant volcano that last erupted in 1917. I camped just below the snow line on an old debris field. The snow was deep and prevented me from doing much hiking. I headed to Mount Shasta next.

Mount Shasta is also a dormant volcano. It last erupted 1786. Like Lassen, Shasta was covered in snow. Access to Mt. Shasta was blocked by snow and the only way to get there was by a mult-day hike. I camped in the Shasta wilderness and explored the forest at the base of the volcano. Snow was definitely hindering my hiking. The night before leaving the snow covered wilderness I went for a night hike. The pitch darkness was spooky. Massive creatures appeared out of nowhere. When my headlamp illuminated that terrifying monster I realized it was just a stubby tree. The deafening silence was occasionally interrupted by the sound of some woodland creature running for it's life. Running from the most terrifying predator in the area. Me.

A Bald Eagle flies low overhead.

I traveled further north along the Volcanic Legacy Tour. I drove up through Klamath Falls and through the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Basin. The view of the many Cinder cones was impressive. While taking a few snap shots I witnessed two Red Tail Hawks defending their nest from aThe view of the many Cinder cones was impressive. While taking a few snap shots I witnessed two Red Tail Hawks defending their nest from a Bald Eagle. The Eagle was driven off and I snapped a picture as he flew over my head.

Crater Lake still covered with snow.

I arrived at Crater Lake to find only one road open. The rest were closed due to snow. The campgrounds were closed so I found a patch or ground that wasn't too covered with snow and set up a tent for the night.

I spent a couple days camped there while exploring the area on foot. I would occasionally see a person out for the day but for the most part I was alone. I guess most people just don't want to camp when the overnight low is below freezing. To me the peace and quiet and the views were worth it. Crater Lake is a caldera in the middle of Mount Mazama. Mount Mazama last erupted 7,000 years ago but it's still alive. A couple times while laying in my tent trying to sleep, the ground moved due the magma underneath. It felt like the mountain took a breath and sighed. I would return to Crater Lake later in the year while hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail. The park has a certain magical allure to it. With each return trip I would discover a different side to it.