After 2 weeks at Yosemite, it was a requirement for our mental health that we take a restful break. We found an RV resort in Red Bluff, CA and enjoyed their pool for an entire week. Sunshine and relaxation was just what we needed to recoup before getting back on the road. I highly recommend Durango RV resort for all of you out there looking for a restful camping stay in California. While the town of Red Bluff doesn’t have many unique activities to offer. It was absolutely just the restful week were were seeking.

Per our typical fashion, we couldn’t rest too long and made plans to see Lassen National Park while we were in the area. While driving from our site, temperatures went from 97 degrees and sunny to high 50’s and chilling. It was a refreshing and exhilarating shock to the body.

Lassen Volcanic National Park was our first interaction with a volcano. Driving to the park, one can see seas of pines. I’ve heard that phrase before, but up until this point I have never fully understood that saying. Imagine, as far as the eye can see, pines reaching towards the sky. Now, add in massive hills and the tops of the trees seem like waves rolling in the seas. It’s a beautiful sight to behold. Mix in pinecones as big as my kids heads (trust me, they aren’t small) and dirt roads that travel deep into the thresholds of the forest and you have a sweet, sweet paradise.

While much of Lassen was closed off due to snow, we were still able enjoy amazing views of the volcano over crystal clear lakes. The kids had their first experience with bubbling mud pits and areas where volcanic steam pushed it’s way from the earth. It was pretty incredible sights, on a smaller scale from that which would be seen at Yellowstone NP, for example.

Sweet F worked hard to receive another National Park badge and was FINALLY able to be sworn in by a park ranger, as COVID restrictions are starting to lessen. It was so sweet watching him as the ranger requested him place his right hand up, finally giving up because he’s all sorts of confused and overwhelmed. I’ll let you watch this special moment, as this is a major part of our travels and teaches us all so much about caring for our world.

We took the Manzanita Lake trail which was a 1.8 mile loop and perfect for viewing the snowy peaks. The boys were pretty bored this trip, apparently the views weren’t quite as thrilling as they had hoped. However, the bridge and a log made into a bench provided at least a little entertainment towards the end of the loop. The boys much prefer the occasional stump or log to jump on, kudos to Lassen for keeping their trails impeccable, much to my bored boys’ dismay. The lake was so tranquil and crystal clear that I imagine on a clearer day the sky’s reflection in the glass. It’s the perfect trail to walk alone to contemplate life with it’s quiet pine needle softened path. However, we had some wild minions with us who did no such reflection… in fact they were having a day of tantrums…

Those with kids might want to hit a more entertaining trail.

FUN FACT: Lassen Volcanic NP is home to Pika, a small mouse like creature that is without a tail. It lives at the highest elevation of any other mammal on earth and used as an indicator of climate change.

See more on pikas at: https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Mammals/American-Pika

If you happen to visit nearby Corning, CA and have a love for olives. It is of upmost importance that you swing by The Olive Pit and get yourself some wild flavors and lunch, of course, covered in olives. Our favorites are the garlic stuffed and the dill pickle stuffed olives. YUM.

Next stop: The REDWOODS. Stay tuned.