Here’s an idea: Instead of driving to Lake Tahoe again for your alpine getaway, consider a detour to one the least-visited national parks in the lower 48 states: Lassen Volcanic National Park. Okay, so maybe it doesn’t offer the same incredible scenery as Lake Tahoe (what place does?), but Lassen Volcanic National Park definitely has something Tahoe can’t touch: Lassen Peak, one of the most active volcanoes on the continent. If you live in Northern California, you really should visit this Yellowstone-of-the-West wonderment at least once in your life.

Magma-nimous Marvels
Surrounding the slopes of this enormous plug-dome volcano—the largest in the world—is a veritable playground of cool volcanic phenomena: boiling mud pots, steaming thermal vents, big ol’ geysers, huge pinnacles of lava, poisonous pyrite pools, and sulfur springs that stink to high heaven (Family Alert: Kids LOVE this place). And though it’s been 84 years since Lassen Peak blew its top, sending a mushroom cloud seven miles high, geologists are placing bets that the next big eruption along the Cascade Range is likely to happen here (and you thought camping was boring).

If it’s your first trip to Lassen, you’ll definitely want to see the park’s highlights, most of which are only a short hike from your car. When you enter the park, a ranger will hand you a map and guide that will explain a lot of the park’s main attractions. One of the most popular is Bumpass Hell, sixteen acres of pyrite pools, steam vents, and seething mud pots that emit rotten-egg-smelling sulphur (don’t forget the mandatory “Who farted?” joke). It’s named after the late Kendall Bumpass, who lost a leg after he plunged into a boiling pool; elevated walkways have since been added. Another hot spot is Sulphur Works, a rather odiferous collection of fumaroles—holes in the ground that emit smoke and scorching gases with a roar.

A Haven for Hikers
In addition to the volcano and its geothermal antics, Lassen Volcanic National Park is loaded with of lush forests, flower-filled meadows, and more than fifty postcard-pretty lakes. In fact, it’s an outdoor enthusiast’s dreamland, offering hundreds of miles of hiking trails, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and backcountry camping.

The most popular hike in the park is the Lassen Peak Trail, a steep 2.5-mile climb from the Park Road to the top of the 10,457-foot peak. The breathtaking 360-degree view, however, makes the effort worthwhile. The round trip takes about four to five hours, so be sure to pack a lunch and bring plenty of water.

Winter Wonderland
Since Lassen Volcanic National Park is more than a mile above sea level, snow accumulates in unbelievable quantities. Though the main road through the park closes around mid-November, the park still remains open, allowing cross-country skiers and snowshoers uninhibited access to 108,000 acres of pristine powder (snowmobiles are verboten). Marked trails of all skill levels leave from Manzanita Lake at the north entrance, though most everyone parks and plays at the south entrance of the park, where the mellow slopes are ideal for sledding.

If you’re feeling really adventurous, consider cross-country skiing the 30-mile Park Road in an overnight snow-camping trip (a truly incredible journey). If you don’t have the slightest idea how to do it, contact California Alpine Guides (www.californiaalpineguides.com; 877/686-2546) and ask to hire a guide.

The Top Lassen Region Hotels:
Drakesbad Guest Ranch: Ensconced in a high mountain valley within Lassen Park is the worst-kept secret in California—Drakesbad Guest Ranch. This alpine charmer is coveted for its rustic cabins furnished with handmade quilts and kerosene lamps. Then there’s the view—mountains, meadows and lakes—and a steaming swimming pool fed by a natural hot spring. The bad news: It’s only open from mid-June to mid-October and rooms are usually booked months in advance (www.drakesbad.com; 866/999-0914).

The Bidwell House: The beautifully restored Bidwell House is one of the prettiest B&B inns in the region. The individually decorated guest rooms are furnished with antiques, most have private bathrooms, a few have wood-burning stoves, and many have Jacuzzi tubs. Breakfast is pure gourmet, including home-baked breads and heavenly omelets (www.bidwellhouse.com; 530/258-3338)

Mill Creek Resort: Set deep within the forest, the Mill Creek Resort is everything you imagined a rustic mountain retreat to be. Their cabins, available on a daily or weekly basis, are furnished in vintage ’30s and ’40s furniture and have kitchens as well. Pets are welcome, too. A homey country general store and coffee shop serve as the resort’s center, a good place to stock up on food while exploring Lassen (www.millcreekresort.net; 888/595-4449)

Lassen Mineral Lodge: Nine miles south of Lassen Volcanic National Park’s southern entrance is the Lassen Mineral Lodge, which offers basic motel-style accommodations in a forested setting. It’s popular with hunters and fishers, and an inexpensive option for families. Also on the grounds is a general store, cross-country ski rental shop, and full-service restaurant and saloon (www.minerallodge.com; 530/595-4422).

How to Get There:
Lassen Volcanic National Park is located about 120 miles northwest of Lake Tahoe at the southernmost end of a chain of volcanoes called the Cascade Range (which includes Mount Saint Helens). From the Bay Area take Interstate 5 north to Red Bluff, then east on Hwy 36, which leads to the park’s southern gateway. If you’re arriving from the east via Interstate 80, take the U.S. Highway 395 turnoff at Reno and head to Susanville. Depending on which end of the park you’re shooting for, take either Hwy 44 (to the Northwest Entrance) or Hwy 36 (to the Southwest Entrance) from Susanville.
Only one major road, State Highway 89 (a.k.a. the Park Road), crosses the park in a 39-mile half circle with entrances and visitor centers at either end. The $10-per-car entrance fee, valid for a week, comes with a copy of the Lassen Park Guide, which lists activities, hikes, and points of interest.

Ranger stations are at each entrance and offer interpretive displays, ranger-led walks, and emergency help. The main visitor center is located just inside the northwest entrance station at the Loomis Museum. For more details, call park headquarters at 530/595-4480 or log onto www.nps.gov/lavo.