First things first. This isn’t about getting to Lassen Volcanic National Park. It’s about finding Lassen in your heart and mind. Question?

“So how do I get to Lassen?”

Hmm. Maybe I wasn’t clear. The purpose here is more, um, more of an emotional and hypothetical journey than a literal one. Yes, ma’am?

“Are there any handouts?”

Good question. We —

“Maps, maybe?”

Ugh. Okay, let’s get this over with. East Lassen, the bulk of the park, is less accessible, with almost no amenities. It’s really more for campers, hikers, adventurers, and so on. West Lassen is more, let’s say, “casual visitor friendly.”

There are two entrances to Lassen from the west. The northern route, the most direct drive, starts in Redding. Take Highway 44 due west. It’s pretty much a straight shot.

Turn right when you see this sign:

If you want to get there from the south, use your GPS. Here is a link to a map to the park.

Okay, moving on.

I’d like to share with you a series of posts over the coming months with this specific national park as the common thread, tying together the history of Lassen, including features and a few famous figures, along with a side hike or two into my personal story, both past and present, to ultimately explore finding — yes, sir?

“Where is Lassen?”

Look at a map of California. It’s in the upper right, kinda in the frontal lobe area of the state. About where your skull would really throb if you started repeatedly pounding your forehead against a wall.

…Maybe I’m going about this the wrong way. My fault. Let’s start over.

You there, in the turquoise shirt, next to the woodpile. Would you mind building us a fire?

Excellent job. Thank you.

Okay now, quick show of hands. Who wants to hear a story? Everyone who hasn’t hit the back button? Wonderful!

I can tell you this much before we get started. There will be explosions, a love story, a national sensation, a flood, an unsolved murder… Tragedy. Fame. An amputation. And oh! so much more.

Still with me? Good. Come back soon!