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North to Lassen Volcanic

Lassen Peak, Manzanita Lake, Lassen Volcanic NP (10/30/20) Clayton Peoples

Since Friday was a state holiday in Nevada (Nevada Day), Clayton Peoples drove north on US 395 from Reno, then up CA-36 through Susanville to Lassen Volcanic National Park and on to Burney Falls.

Some of the prettiest color we’ve seen has come from Susanville. Along the Susan River Canyon, west of town, black oak drape their Near Peak orange-to-rusty-brown, laden boughs.

Susan River Canyon (10/30/20) Clayton Peoples

The canyon is visible from CA-36 as it descends toward Susanville, though the best views are from within the canyon. 

A hillside above Susanville’s Victorian Elks Lodge (reputedly the most photographed structure in Lassen County) is covered with bold orange color. Susanville will peak this week.

The lodge has a fascinating history. The land on which it stands was purchased in 1884 for $450 by a dentist who studied to be an architect. All its rooms (except the kitchen and dining area) are octagonal. When the dentist (who often was paid in trade) could not pay his bills, the home was awarded to a debtor who then rented the home for $15 a month.

For those paying California mortgages, are you crying yet?

In 1921, members of the local Antlers Club formed an Elks Lodge and purchased the home for $13,000. OK, now I hear the sobbing.

In 1924, after renovations that opened the ground floor into one large hall, “500 of the antlered herd” gathered from across Northern California and Nevada to celebrate the installation of Susanville’s new B.P.O.E. Lodge #1487 with great fanfare, including: a band, a six-block-long parade, streamers, flags, costumed celebrants (from bathing suits to full dress), the unexpected appearance of 100 Elks from Westwood, the exalted ruler of every Elks Lodge in Northern California and a “grand exalted ruler” from Oroville.

Who knew anything was grand and exalted in Oroville?

Following his visit to the Susan River Canyon and its famous lodge, Clayton continued west through Lassen Volcanic National Park along CA-89 and CA-44. to Burney Falls.

Clayton characterized Burney Falls as Patchy to Near Peak. “The park, in general, has lots of Black Oaks in full color. Near the creek/falls, however, they still have some more to go before reaching peak. Of special note, the Black Oaks that “frame” the falls from the upper vista are still mostly green.” He estimated it would be another week before they’re yellow/orange.

He found Manzanita Lake still ringed with beautiful patches of yellow that accent reflections of Chaos Crags and Lassen Peak, though about 40% of the deciduous foliage has lost its color; the rest is dropping fast; and Clayton estimates peak will wane over the coming week.

Laura Christman found pretty much the same while kayaking at Butte Lake within the national park, yesterday … Peak to Past Peak with some nice splashes of yellow against the backdrop of dark cinder mountains, blue sky and dark-green conifers.

  • Susan River Canyon (4,186′) – Near Peak to Peak (50-100%) GO NOW!
  • Manzanita Lake, Lassen Volcanic National Park (5,900′) – Peak to Past Peak, GO NOW, You Almost Missed It.
  • Butte Lake, Lassen Volcanic National Park (6,053′) – Peak to Past Peak, GO NOW, You Almost Missed It.
  • MacArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park (3,281) – Patchy to Near Peak (10-75%) Go Now.