Zac and I camped near Warner Valley last week for a couple nights for work. Luckily, we were able to hit up Lassen National Park in the afternoon...and this time it was open! Perfect weather, too. 
We hiked up to Lassen Peak (a little more than 10,000 feet). Good stuff. Unfortunately, no pikas were sighted which I was a little bummed about but it was still a fun time. There were two Golden-mantled Ground Squirrels (Norm's cousins) at the peak. I watched them dig up some of their food caches- peanuts, almonds and a freaking red M&M. Yup. I'm hoping no one actually fed that to the them, that it was dropped out of some trail mix and they gathered it up and cached it. But, I can't lie...this little guy does look pretty damn cute.
(above: the melting snow and ice made for some weird textures!)
Anyway, still a lot of snow on the trail as you can see. There was one particular spot that was a pretty insane drop-off that was mildly nerve-wracking to walk on. See the drop below, but that hardly does it justice.
The rocks below - prime Pika habitat but we didn't spot 'em. We were also there in the middle of the day, so they were likely hunkering down. Below that is the King of Lassen Peak.
I found a few areas that had some succulents like the one below. Didn't see many, but I always enjoy them.
There seemed to be a good number of people at the park, but luckily most of them turned out to be kinda lazy tourists, so the trail wasn't as crowded as I thought it might have been. I really can't stand crowded trails, so this was comforting. Zac loves hiking uphill, can't you tell!? My World
35 comments:
What a view! It's hard to believe it's summer from up there. You are probably the first person that have proof that squirrels do like M&Ms. :D
That looks like a great place to explore. Sorry to hear about the lack of Pikas, I had heard they were getting scarce in some places due to warmer temperatures. Lets hope that's not the case.
The red M&M looks like a a bow-tie, what a cutie. The scenes are great and I like all the different textures of the snow.
Well that was a really 'cool hike to say the least, Jill. The views are breathtaking from up there.
Thanks for the magnificent journey, I enjoyed it immensely and never would have made it with out ya!
My head for heights is not good. Love those cousins of Norm.
Oh wow, absolutely amazing place and awesome photography as always - just gorgeous!
I've always wanted to go to Lassen - I even found some old brochures from there I received when I was a teenager! What a wonderful beautiful place.
P.S. - the squirrel with the red m&m looks like he's munching on a heart!
May I use this picture for Guest Heart Thursday sometime?
clytie-randomhearts.blogspot.com
What a gorgeous area! I prefer less crowded trails too, seems easier to enjoy nature that way. LOVE your little squirrel!!
Jill that sun looks ok but I dont really fancy snow in July even though that looks a fantastic place to be.
Such gorgeous scenery and that little squirrel is over the top adorable. How cute with the red m&m, but, I, too, hope it wasn't intentionally given to him. What a view!
Absolutely gorgeous place! And your photos are superb as always! And, yes, you probably are the only one to have concrete evidence that squirrels love M&Ms! Have a great week, Jill!
Sylvia
Great shots from the trail. I wouldn't mind a little snow to break the summer heat where I live.
aloha,
this was a very nice tour of the lassen, one of my favorite areas, i love this trail you took and that amazing azure colored lake
help me decide on a photo from my garden fanatic blog, if you don't mind?
Hi Jill, Wonderful views! I liked that the succulents were taking advantage of the sun to bloom up high were there is still snow. That red M&M really pops, but (like you) I wish the squirrel wasn't enjoying it. Chocolate is dangerous for some animals.
Very funny squirrel!
But I like the other pictures too.
Have a nice day.
What a beautiful place. Looks like you and Z had plenty to enjoy. Oh, and the squirrel with the M&M: total cuteness!
You seem to have cornered the market on cute here...the M & M is strange... What a beautiful place to hike and I would be one of the lazy tourists ...@:}...Michelle
amazing! in our world conquered by summer at its best, to see snow is a special thing! thanks for sharing!
such an amazingly beautiful place and those cuties are the real survivors. You're lucky to be able to visit that place. Great shots too.
Nice series, have a wonderful week
Bram
Seen on My Wold Tuesday
I've never hiked in snow before. That is one amazing trail and to repeat everyone else, that squirell is adorable! Looks like a really fun hike.
Such grand views! The M&M eating squirrel is a little sweetie :)
Cuteness definetly runs in Norm's family tree.
that is really cute! I'd love to know if he actually liked the red dye & sugar - he may have just sampled it & then spit it out.
So refreshing to view these snow images as HOT as it has been here in KY the past 2 months. That little squirrel with the M&M is adorable,just way too cute. The scenery is breath taking Jill~
Thanks heaven that yours is set on a Pop Up Window Comment setting. I feel frustrated not being able to leave comments to others. I am about to give up and you give me hope. I seldom join because I am home all the time -
I am so thrilled looking at the plethora of activities in your end up on the norhtpole.
So much to learn, so much to see.
Never heard of this park before. It looks inviting! Love the ground squirrel with the M&M, though I do know it is not good for it! I can only imagine what the little creature was thinking as it bit into that sweet dark heart of that bright red button! I have succulents planted in my yard but the bunnies are eating them like cabbage! Poor things are all but dead except for the one I surrouned with fencing! I would have loved to see a pika. Haven't seen one since I hiked n Rocky Mountain National Park many years ago.
Beautiful pictures! What amazing views! And yes I too would be pretty freaked by that drop off! Thanks for sharing these gorgeous photos! Sherri : )
What a wonderful trip with beautiful pictures from a grandiose landscape. I think you are a magician, that the squirrels love you so.
Hugs from
isabella
Wow - such magnificent views. The air seems to clear and sharp. Lovely.
How lucky to have a job like that where you can see such beauty.
I bet that M&M is a peanut one.
Mama Bear
What a wonderful hike and your photos are gorgeous!Norm's cousin is adorable!
Wonderful hike. And the squirrel followed you the entire time?
That was a lovely hike and I'm glad I joined you! I like it when I don't see ANY people on the trails or beaches. ~karen
Squirrels like M&M's....how cute is that?
Joyce M
Wow. Fantastic journey. And I do adore the squirrel with the M&M.
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