Mount Lassen Volcanic NP

8. On Top of Cinder Cone

The eastern part of the park is a vast lava plateau more than 1 mile above sea level. Here are found small cinder cones - Fairfield Peak, Hat Mountain, and Crater Butte. Forested with pine and fir, this area is studded with small lakes, but it boasts few streams. Hiking to the top of Cinder Cone became one of the fun things the kids liked to do. Here the family has reached the top of this Cinder Cone. In the background you can see the vast lava plateau. A trail to the top lets you take two steps forward and slide down one step. The entire cone is composed of small loose lava cinders.