,

Circling Manzanita

Chaos Crags (left) and Lassen Peak at Manzanita Lake (10/12/20) Shanda Ochs

Lassen Volcanic NP color spotter and park guide, Shanda Ochs took a moment to circle back to Manzanita Lake.

Shanda didn’t use “circle back,” though it’s apropo, since the two-mile Manazanita Lake trail circles the lake. Still, the term has become such a 2020 cliche. It embodies both the suggestion that you don’t have time right now, but that whatever you’re circling back to do is somewhat important.

Circling Manzanita Lake is important. If you’ve never done it, put it on your bucket list.

Manzanita Lake, Lassen Volcanic NP (10/12/20) Shanda Ochs

The lake, at 5,900′, is picture-perfect. Lassen Peak – southernmost peak in the Cascade range – and the Chaos Crags – youngest group of lava domes in Lassen Volcanic NP – reflect their barren volcanic slopes upon still water. Reaching out to touch the reflection are lurid cottonwood, mountain alder and varieties of willow that ring the lake.

Honey bee, rabbitbrush, Lassen Volcanic NP (10/12/20) Shanda Ochs

Bees visit the last blooming rabbitbrush, oblivious to the beauty of their surroundings, as they collect autumn’s last nectar.

  • Manzanita Lake, Lassen Volcanic NP (10/12/20) Shanda Ochs
  • Manzanita Lake, Lassen Volcanic NP (10/12/20) Shanda Ochs
  • Manzanita Lake, Lassen Volcanic NP (10/12/20) Shanda Ochs
  • Manzanita Lake, Lassen Volcanic NP (10/12/20) Shanda Ochs
  • Manzanita Lake, Lassen Volcanic National Park (5,900′) – Patchy to Near Peak (10-75%) Go Now!
/by