Forests have recovered in the 99 years that have passed since the "Great Hot Blast" rocked Lassen Peak in May 1915/Kurt RepanshekFor many, the focal point of a visit to Lassen Volcanic National Park in California is a hike to the summit of Lassen Peak. But to really appreciate the volcanic forces that tore the peak open back in May 1915, take a short hike around the Devastated Area Trail.
It's really not a hiking trail, per se, but more of a geologic trail that roams only about a half-mile. But within that half-mile, you're presented with the aftermath of the volcanic eruptions (there was one on May 19, and two on May 22) that rained down rocks and boulders, mud, and hot gases -- a pyroclastic flow -- more than 2 miles from the peak. Photos taken by B.F. Loomis show the route the majority of the largest blast took on May 22 clearing a wide path through forests. At the time, U.S. Forest Service officials estimated that the eruption knocked down 5 million board feet of timber.
Today, while the forests have recovered, the might of the eruptions remains clearly visible as you walk through the Devastated Area. Scattered across the forest floor are thousands of rocks that range from roughly football-sized up to one boulder of that will dwarf anyone who stands next to it. The rocks are a mix of black dacite, red dacite, and andesite that were rocketed out of the volcano.
The scene that B.F. Loomis was confronted with on May 22, 1915, in the "Devastated Area."/B.F. Loomis
Along the loop trail, which is level and suitable for wheelchairs, you'll come upon placards equipped with audio players that help you understand the magnitude and impacts of the eruption; many hold photos of the area that Loomis took of the eruptions' aftermath. Several spots also offer great views of Lassen Peak, with the bowl that was deepened by the eruption clearly visible.
The Devastated Area Trail is just short of 10 miles from the park's Manzanita Lake Entrance Station. It's a nice short hike that provides an interesting overview, and evidence, of the eruption that brought Lassen Peak to the country's attention.
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I visited Lassen last month, and found the Devastated Area Trail to be very interesting. In addition to the interpretive panels on the walk, there are some SUV-sized boulders in the area that were tossed out by the explosion, very impressive.
The article mentioned the Lassen Peak trail as well. It is worth noting that the trail has been subject to closures due to trail reconstruction. The day we were there it was closed at Grandview, about halfway up. But still worth the hike, and indeed a grand view.
During our visit, trail crews were busy with stonework, including retaining walls, stone switchbacks, stone pedestals for interpretive panels, and in one steep spot, a stone staircase. I complimented the trail crews on their good work, which reminds me of the stone work the CCC boys used to do in the parks. It will be there for the ages. (Or at least until the next time Lassen Peak blows its top.) When the work is done, a story in the Traveler with photos of the finished stonework would be appreciated.
Tom, some photos of the trail crews and their work:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/21241366@N05/15582512081/in/pool-nationalparkstraveler
https://www.flickr.com/photos/21241366@N05/15582512651/in/pool-nationalparkstraveler
I haven't made Lassen yet, but when I visited Mt St Helens about ten years after the blast there, the Line of Devastation was almost a ruler-cut straight line. Very impressive. At that time they were just beginning to see isolated sprouts of green show.