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Points 12-14
12. Burney FallsEleven miles beyond Fall River Mills, turn north onto Rte. 89 for the start of a six-mile journey to Burney Falls. Trails lead to the 129-foot cascades, which in the wetter months are watery plumes that burst from a cliffside. When the conditions are right, rainbows color the rising clouds of mist. For that very reason, perhaps, the local Ilmawi Indians allowed other tribes to camp beside the falls, the only part of their territory where such an intrusion was permitted.
13. Lassen National Scenic Byway
After a quick turnaround, head south on Rte. 89, which runs through the Hat Creek valley and Lassen National Forest. A lengthy, steep rim -- visible evidence of a fault in the earth's crust -- juts up just to the east.
At the junction with Rte. 44, turn toward the east on the first leg of the scenic byway. This superb route passes myriad volcanic remnants and provides access to many trails, which lead to lakes and fine views of the forest.
The soil in this region supports a variety of different trees. A list of the various species includes ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, red fir, white fir, and Douglas fir. Aspens also grow here, surviving in areas that have relatively high amounts of moisture, such as creek banks and along the fringes of open meadows.
At Rte. 36, a turn to the west leads to Lake Almanor, a restful vacation spot. The dome of nearby Lassen Peak reflects on the water's often mirrorlike surface.
14. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Few national parks can illustrate with as much clarity the fact that the earth's surface is forever changing. Rte. 89 -- which leads to the visitor center and viewing areas -- snakes through skirting steam vents, boiling mudpots, gaseous fumaroles, and cone-shaped mountains of cinder and ash.
Boardwalks lead to many of the sites, and visitors are advised to stay on the trail, for parts of this region where the earth's molten interior escapes to the surface have been known to collapse. A shining example of nature 's power is Lassen Peak, which last erupted for seven years beginning in 1914 and is the park's tallest volcano, cresting at 10,457 feet -- yet another showstopper in a national park that, despite its unsettled volcanic past, offers a relaxing escape at one of the national park system's best -- kept secrets.
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