Lassen Peak has been sleeping since 1921, but the volcano that forms the focus of the national park is considered armed and dangerous.
August 9, Lassen Volcanic National Park celebrates its 100th anniversary, and the volcano has been on good behavior ever since.
Early pioneer settlers in the northeastern area of California believed that Lassen Peak, the largest volcano in the southern section of the Cascade mountain chain, was defunct. Nothing to see here.
In mid-May of 1914, it started to rumble. In June, it trembled and spewed out rocks and ash. During the next 11 months, it shattered nerves with 180 steam explosions carrying lava rock and ashes, while blasting out and enlarging a 1000-foot wide crater.
On May 14, 1915, it emitted a five-mile-high smoke plume seen for 50 miles, followed by fiery lava streaming down its flanks. By morning, a lava dome filled the summit's crater.
On May 22 that year, the volcano erupted, shooting rock, ash and pumice 30,000 feet into the air. Any ranch, farm or outpost anywhere in its landing zone was destroyed.
By August 9, 1916, President Grover Cleveland signed the Congressional document adding Lassen to the federal park system as the 15th and one of the largest parks.
Best not settle too close.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is a geological laboratory of volcanic history for scientists. Among the wrecked mountains and distressed land, it contains numerous bubbling cauldrons of mud, geysers, and steam vents. It has 300 active volcanic plug domes, and all four types volcanoes (cinder cone, shield, composite, and plug dome).
Lassen Peak is one of the largest lava domes on Earth.
Among the 100th anniversary, activities is the Lassen Dark Sky Festival, August 12. Lassen is one of the last sanctuaries of natural darkness and has an incredible, dark sky with an unparalleled view of celestial wonders.
Lassen has eight campgrounds that range from developed to primitive (some can be reserved) and cabins. Three area lodges have limited guest capacity.
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