Fun Things To Do Near Chico, California: Go Climb A Volcano!
September 17th, 2007categories: Fun Things To Do Near Chico CA!, Living in Chico
We are fortunate, here in Chico, CA, to live near an abundance of wonderful recreation destinations.
Mount Lassen is an active volcano, located only about an hour north of Chico, near Chester, California, the mountain town in which I grew up.
The drive, in and of itself, is a beautiful adventure, and one of my favorites of all time. Highway 32, although very curvy, meanders alongside Deer Creek and provides gorgeous views of the creek, canyons and a variety of trees and lush greenery. Make sure that you leave early enough to explore along the way! A few of my favorite spots include the Potato Patch Campground, the falls, and the rock drinking fountain that seems to appear out of nowhere!
Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in Northeastern California, and the nearest airports include Sacramento, California, and Reno, Nevada both around 160 miles away. The park itself includes over 150 miles of hiking trails, beautiful views of the Cascades and the High Sierras, numerous lakes, and the ever-popular active hydrothermal areas. There are also several gorgeous campgrounds. It’s important to call ahead prior to visiting, due to the fact that most areas of the park have severely restricted access due to the snow base and/or weather conditions.
The view from the bottom is a lot less intimidating than it is after you’ve walked about 10 minutes!We visited the park last August, and found the weather and conditions absolutely perfect for climbing the daunting peak. The air was cool upon arrival, and there were still walls of snow evident in many areas. However, the hike up the volcano is extremely strenuous (5 miles round trip) and the sun is hot at 8500 feet. It took us about 3 hours to reach the top, and we were sun-burned by the time we made it!
We FINALLY made it to the top!!
The true beauty in the hike is the actual journey. With each turn of the switchback, visitors are rewarded with a new, stunning view.
The closer you get to the top, the more difficult and narrow the trail becomes. 
The rewards of a very long, difficult climb? Unsurpassed views of gorgeous mountain lakes and endless mountain ranges!Looking for something else fun to do?
A couple of ideas! Hiking in Bidwell Park
Swimming at One Mile
Exploring the Swimming Holes of Upper Park
Strolling through Downtown Chico
Experiencing the Farmer’s Market
Blossom Tour
Fine dining at Sierra Nevada Brewery
For more ideas on fun things to do and places to go near Chico CA, visit me again here soon!
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Looks like a great way to spend a day. One thing we do not have on the East Coast it the ability to go from sea level to the higher altitudes as part of a day trip.
Dan,
We are lucky to live in a valley, but have so many mountain destinations close by… the altitude does make that climb a bit tough though!
Just too cool. How far is this from Chico? and is it an easy day outing? Beautiful post!
signthat last one, Terry McDonald, your guy in Charlotte NC
It’s been over 30 years since I’ve been in Chico and it’s just as beautify as I remember it. We’ve spent many summers swimming in the Sacramento and a few other swimming holes around there. I especially enjoyed working at Johnny’s Lock re-keying locks for new home owners.
The trips to Lassen were wonderful. I caught my first first fish there! Summers were hot even compared to the San Fernando Valley, CA where I grew up.