If you’ve ever visited Lassen Volcanic National Park, you’ll probably have hiked the Bumpass Hell Trail. It’s one of those must-do hikes. But that’s not the only trail you should tackle. Contributing photographer and editor Rebecca Latson hiked Cinder Cone Trail in the more remote northeastern portion of the park and firmly believes the rewards are worth the effort.

There’s something to be said for a simple composition, you know. Something to be said for an image not requiring much parsing through the various details combined to create a shot, the gist of which might take time to fully comprehend. A simple image can pack a punch and create an emotional response despite, or perhaps because of, its minimalism.

Have you ever stopped to think about the number of National Park System units created around volcanoes and volcanic features?

With the exception of a couple of longer road trips, Traveler contributing photographer Rebecca Latson kept her cameras closer to home during 2022. Rebecca shares with you her favorite photo columns from all the ones published over the course of the year.