Lassen Peak is the southern most volcano in the Cascade Range. Being the high point of Lassen Volcanic National Park the whole area has numerous options for ski descents. With a summit elevation of 10,457 feet there is numerous 2,000 foot descents. The latest eruption was on May 22, 1915 and it spread ash 280 miles to the east. The park itself is 106,372 acres with numerous mountains and hot springs within the area. With an average snowfall of 660 inches it is the snowiest place in California.
Lassen Peak is known among native populations as Amblu Kai, which means “Mountain Ripped Apart” or “Fire Mountain”. The first white man to reach Lassen Peak was Jedediah Smith, who passed through the area in 1821. Lassen Peak was named in honor of a Danish blacksmith, Peter Lassen, who guided immigrants past the peak. The first recorded ascent took place in 1851, led by Grover K. Godfrey. Theodore Roosevelt established the Lassen Peak National Monument in 1907. Once the volcano became active again in 1914, the monument was expanded to establish the Lassen Volcanic National Park on August 9, 1916.
Driving Down I-5 to Lassen Peak Trailhead
After two great days riding off of Mount Shasta Amar and I decided to head south. The plan was to climb Lassen Peak and from the summit ride numerous different aspects. We would start early in the day and start off on the East side before ending via the west side.
Driving down Interstate 5 we had a clear via of the west side of Lassen Peak. being Mid May we could see that it was starting to melt off but still had an abundant snowpack. Wrapping around the southern slopes we were soon at the main trailhead. We would spend the night camping there before starting our climb early in the morning.
Starting our Ski Tour at the Lassen Peak Trailhead
We woke up to a stunning sunrise as we shuffled out of our sleeping bags. It was a calm and clear morning as I boiled water for coffee and oatmeal. Before long the early morning alpenglow hit Diller Mountain turning it a bright red. With the plan of being on the summit around 11 a.m. we took in the views of surrounding scenery while packing our gear.
Not knowing how the snow would be we decided to take both our skins and our crampons. Though it would be straightforeword we needed to prepare for icy slopes. Before long we were off from the Lassen Peak Trailhead and doing a low angle traverse to the southeast bowl.
Once in the southeast bowl it was time to gain elevation to the summit. During the summer there is a trail all the way to the top but it was buried under feet of snow. Unlike other volcanoes in the Cascade Range this was a seasonal snowpack so there were no concerns of crevasses.
Making our way up the low slopes the terrain got steeper on the upper headwall. While firm we were able to get traction as long as we didn’t sidehill. Using the full surface of my skins I was able to keep climbing without slipping out. It was that delicate line between just steep enough and too steep but we were able to ascend without the use of crampons.
Arriving at the Summit Crater
Before long we were already on the crater rim and just below the true summit of Lassen Peak. With it only taking us an hour to get to the top we were already ahead of schedule. Being that it was the perfect day to climb we weren’t alone on the mountain.
The summit area was much firmer then the lower slopes as we made our way to the top. Being only an additional 50 feet with a bootpack in place we decided to hike it. Though the slopes were smooth on the lower portion this area was rough and would be a teeth chattering descent.
Finally we were standing on the top of Lassen Peak and looking at our ski descent options. We were a bit early as we slowly transitioned from touring mode to riding. Standing up top we soaked in the views of the surrounding landscape. Off to the north Mount Shasta rose above the surrounding peaks. We had just come down after spending two days in the area.
It was an obvious chose of where to do as we stood on top of the northeast slopes. This area had received the most sun so far and would be the best skiing. We would be able to drop off the summit proper and immediately be descending. There would be no need to ride the firm ice on the crater rim as we transitioned on the edge of our line.
The First Run Down the NE Side of Lassen Peak
Amar dropped in and from his first turn I could tell the snow was in perfect condition. Below him there was already someone hiking up as if a sign to let us know it was soft enough. This area is known as the Devastation zone as at one time the whole face slid off. Now it is possibly the best run off the top of Lassen Peak.
Once Amar had taken a few turns I dropped into the line making turns right off the top. By now the area had just enough sun not being too soft or icy. Leaving the uniquely shaped weather tower behind we planned to ride as low as the snow was good.
In the end we decended all the way into the flats of the valley before stopping. We had two options for ascending back to the top of Lassen Peak and went over our options. Either we could climb back up what we had just skied or wrap around to the southeast bowl.
In the end we decided to do a low angle traverse around the west side. The reason behind this was to see the terrain as well as climb back up our original route. Since we had been able to skin it before we knew that we wouldn’t have to bootpack. If we had climbed back up our ascent route we would have had to bootpack the enitre route.
Heading Back up for our Second Descent
Soon enough we were back on our old skin track and heading towards the crater once again. Though it had been a bit less direct then climbing up the face we had saved energy by skinning. By now it was a bit early in the afternoon and hopefully the western slopes had softened enough.
Making our way over to the west end of the Crater Rim we took a short break to take in the views. There was still more then two feet of snowpack that we reference from a sign that was almost buried. Since we had climbed around the southwest side of the slopes we knew it was too late in the season for that line.
Making our way across the crater rim we were soon on top of the west face. It was one of those rare days without wind or clouds as we slowly transitioned for our final descent of the day. We had already seen the face on our drive down and we knew that it was still in.
Standing on the edge we switched over to our boards preparing to ride almost 1,500 feet before traversing back to the car. While the snow was bumpy on top it would be much better once descending. After a quick confirmation that we were on the right line it was time to drop in.
Skiing the West Slopes of Lassen Peak Back to the Car
With a quick traverse we were making our way down the west slopes of Lassen Peak. It had a completely different feel then the north face but just as good snow. Almost immediately we were on a smooth surface and loosing elevation fast.
While I stuck to the skiers left side Amar went for the skiers right side. Making turns next to the rocks we could see the different colors of the slopes. This was the most recent lava flow being just under 100 years old.
Before long we were following the main bully over to the southwest side. Like our previous descent we would ride until the snow became too slushy before climbing a bit of elevation. Within the next hour we would be back at the parking lot and off to our next destination.
Exiting via Eagle and Lassen Peak Col
Soon enough the snow started getting too soft and it was time for our final ascent. Making our way to the low point between Eagle and Lassen Peak we would be able to ski back to the car. We had already been out for 5 hours and had 2 descents so we were happy with our time in the area. By now the snow was already cooked and any other ski descent wouldn’t be enjoyable.
Amar was able to make his way over the low col without the use of skins while I had to transition. Once on the top we made a low angle traverse to the Lassen Peak Trailhead.
Once at the car it was time to throw our gear in the back and drive towards the next destination. In the end we had traveled over 7.5 miles and 5,2000 feet of great terrain. I was surprised by how good the skiing was and knew I would be returning in the future. It was time to leave California and head up to Oregon to check out the volcanic landscape. The following day we would be ski touring around Mount Mazama with a camp on the Crater Lake Rim.