Originally Posted by
bisous
Ooh. Never thought about Lassens. I have visited Sequoia but it has been a while. Last I checked it wasn't that much closer than Yosemite but we can drive it in a day no problem. We love the big trees so that would be fun!! Starting to get excited here!!
I just saw your post about your DS and vulcanology. Put Lassen on your list for sure. It is a VERY active area (they have to redo the road every few years because the mud pots/fumaroles keep eating away at it). When we've gone in the summer, there always have been rangers there to talk about what is going on with the terrain. The visitor centers are really good, too. Check the calendar for special events. We've caught it when they had science stations set up, and my kids loved that. They also have a number of astronomy events. They participate in the Dark Sky initiative (I don't remember its actual name).
We didn't make it to Lava Beds National Monument, but it is pretty much due north of Lassen and probably worth a visit based on its name.
You said you've been to Sequoia. Have you driven all the way into the canyon in Kings Canyon? That is the part that gives Yosemite a run for its money with its granite cliffs and glacier-carved valley. We love all of both parks, but they're more than just the trees.
DS '04 "Boogaboo"
DD '08 "Lilybear"