Our (probably) last camping trip of this year is going to be to our favorite Northern California. I hope the weather will stay nice. Of course not that warm like in San Ramon but please no snow yet!
But the loud cricket sound gives still a summer atmosphere when we arrive at the campground.
Unfortunatelly it's raining during the first night but our tent stays dry!
The Sacramento Valley landscape from the I-5.
October 1th
By the morning is the sky clear again but the temperature in the morning is really freeeeezing! 32°F/0°C!
Sure it’s already October and we are at the elevation of 3000 feet something.
Our campsite backs into the canyon rim where a trail heads down to Burney Falls which Theodore Roosevelt pronounced one of the worlds wonders. The falls are indeed impressive but I'm a bit disappointed. The falls are actually so easy accessible which makes it quite busy even off-season. I understand why we were advised against visiting here during the summer month.
This area is a part of the Cascade Range with an all over evidence of old lava flow. The Falls Loop Trail takes us through the canyon along a steep talus slope of tons of round rocks covered with moss and ferns. This is the evidence of erosion where the lava layers have collapsed. A beautiful view even I hope it will not move when we are passing.
We take the Burney Creek Trail to Lake Britton and have picnic at the banks of this at the moment very quite lake.
Another quick walk is the Headwaters Trail where we hope to see the pits duged by the Ilmawi Native Americans to trap big game. We haven’t found any but the fall views of the creek and the pool were worth the walk.
October 2nd
The dry shrubby habitat of this area provides refuge to the mule deer that is the favorite prey of the mountain lions. Luckily we’d only encounter the deer in a pasture several times.
This area is known because of the famous Mount Shasta and Mount Lassen. The third in size is Burney Mountain (elevation 7,863 feet). It’s another beautiful day and we are hoping to get great views of the panorama.
We take the dirt road which supposed to take us up to the summit.
The massive lava flows we see all around us reveal a volcanic past.
We are climbing slowly. The road is pretty rough and very steep on the switchbacks and it takes at least an hour all the way to the top.
Maarten falls asleep and we can enjoy the breathtaking 360 degree views of the surrounding area and indeed of Mt. Shasta and Mt. Lassen. You feel like you’re on top of the world!
October 3rd
When I ask about the Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park nobody would tell me anything about that. It should be accessible only by boat. Despite we don’t have one we are heading to Mc Arthur and hoping there will be someone who can help us over the water. The scenery is beautiful also in this direction. I’m really curious about the Ahjumawi. I ask a local fellow about the Ahjumawi but he wouldn’t know it?! Than I ask about the Big Lake and he show me the way.
Driving through a vast swamp we finally arrive to the Big Lake. There is indeed no way to get to the park without a boat. We are quite disappointed of course. But there is so much to do in the area.
The Thousand Lakes Wilderness north of Lassen Volcanic NP is another attractive hiking area. We take the same fire road like yesterday to the Cypress Trailhead. We are the only ones here again. The whole area is pretty desolated especially now.
Our primary destination is Lake Eiler.
After we get over a dry creek bed the trail becomes a moderate climb, rising 1,000 feet in elevation for the first mile. Maarten is climbing in a slug pace but at last he has to be carried in his favorite ‘Snuggli’. Fortunately then it levels out to a comfortable hike.
It is very cold up here...we can even throuw snowballs!
We are passing other lake(s) but maybe because of the time of the year there is also no water in here.
Finally we spot the Lake Eiler through the trees, the largest lake in the wilderness. This lake is also quite dry so we can partly walk on the lake bottom.
After a short picnic we have to return to the trailhead before it will get dark. I hope to come back again. What a beautiful and pristine area!
On our way back we almost step on a snake (Ca Striped Racer) that quickly disappears in the dry grass.
Is Maarten still in the jetlag or are our trips really that exhausting?
October 4th
A friendly ranger has already warned us about the weather change which supposed to come this Thursday. She is quite surprised when in stead of packing our tent we are leaving for another trip today.
The morning is cold and sunny as every day and there is so much more to do. We are looking for the historical Fowlers Camp where a trail is routed upstream through forest to the Mc Cloud Middle Falls. It’s still quite sunny but Mt. Shasta is completely covered by clouds. Now and then there is some rainfall but the sun still wins its way through.
Even it’s short and easy hike Maarten is not in the mood of hiking today.
When we finally reach the Middle Falls it’s really cloudy and starts to rain. Rob and Maarten are heading back and I climb up to the falls overlook. It’s getting dark and being in a bear country I make noise with two little stones. Just to be sure not to encounter the big hairy fellows.
Rob makes some signs for me on the path and to amuse Maarten and keep him walking of course.
Next to one of Rob’s signs on the path I see a harmless California Legless Lizard.
Back at the Fowlers Camp we get some sunshine again. We consider take the well-meant advise of the ranger and return home after all.
I take a quick walk to the Lower Falls. It’s also nice but the Middle ones are indeed the best.
On my way back the snowy slopes of the majestic Mt. Shasta come through the clouds for a moment. I understand why so many people consider this impressive mountain sacred.
It starts to snow when we drive back to the campground. No doubts we are going to pack our tent as quickly as possible.
And we are even so lucky that the snow- or rainfall hasn’t reached the campground yet!
