OPINION - WHEN MOUNTAINS CALL

 

View of Mount Lassen from Backcountry Loop

Lassen National Forest - Forest Road 29N18

WHEN MOUNTAINS CALL  

 

OPINION

By Don Amador

July 12, 2023

 

Those fortunate to have been raised in the Pacific Northwest know the lessons that are learned or healing gained by exploring the mountains, forests, and streams of that special region.  In fact, noted conservationist, John Muir, once said, “The mountains are calling and I must go.”

Mixed Use Road - Lassen National Forest

 

After working on a number of stressful OHV recreation-related state legislation and federal rule-making proposals for the last several months, I answered that “Call of the Mountains” to journey up to portions of the Lassen National Forest that I had never visited. 

 

Nobles Trail Marker - Part of California Trail

So I loaded up the 2010 Nissan Xterra PRO 4-X on what would be a 265 mile day trip - from the Recreation HQ in Cottonwood, CA - to circumnavigate the Lassen Volcanic National Park on 142 miles of Forest Service roads and trails.  

 

142 Mile Loop - Lassen National Forest

The drive up from the Redding area takes about one hour but is a pleasurable experience since you have Mount Lassen in full view for most the way until you arrive on the Lassen National Forest.  

 

The graveled or native surfaced roads that are part of the loop can be traveled in a passenger car. However, they might be are more enjoyable if experienced on an Adventure Bike or 4x4 SUV so you can take one of the more difficult OHV-type trails that stem off the main loop.  

Caribou Lake - Lassen National Forest

There are a number of subalpine developed and dispersed camping opportunities in this part of the Forest where one could stage or stay overnight.  Some of them have access to a lot of OHV “green sticker” routes where you and your family could do some backcountry exploring.

Forest Road 17 is a Segment of the Lassen Backcountry Adventure Trail

Lassen National Forest

This is a beautiful alpine or sub-alpine region that has some spectacular large diameter trees, streams, lakes, and vistas.  Be sure and bring your fishing pole!

 

Wildflowers in Dixie Fire Burn Footprint

Lassen National Forest

This was one call that I was glad to answer.  Although navigating the loop was challenging given that many of the road markers were destroyed in the 2021 Dixie Fire that burned 963,309 acres, the journey was refreshing and helped remind me of why I answered another call some 33 years ago to champion our access to the great outdoors.

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