Devastated Area Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

Lassen Peak erupted in May 1915. The Lassen Peak summit is about three miles away. All the way from the Lassen Peak summit to here, the forest was swept away, and replace with mud and debris from the eruptions and ensuing mudflows and avalanche.

From the parking area, the trail starts to the left (north) of the picnic table and toilets. It is wide, flat, and easy to follow as it loops through the firs that have re-populated this area since the 1915 eruptions. There are good views of this, barren side of Lassen Peak, to the west. Many artifacts such as very large boulders, and lava rocks and boulders with various volcanic features are found, labeled, and explained along the trail.

The trail loop rejoins the path from the parking area after 0.2 miles. It is well worth it to make a stop here and immerse oneself in a piece of history and geology. The placards explain this in detail and have historic photographs that are very interesting.

Fir trees.