Mount Lassen National Park

6. Top of Cinder Cone

Rocky lands at lower park elevations largely result from geologic disturbances. Such nearly soil free areas can show classic re-vegetation patterns. The Devastated Area is undergoing a succession process of re-vegetation, with herbs, grasses, shrub, and finally, trees retaking the land. Lodgepole Pines, generally the first trees, give way in time to other pines and firs. Although eruptions occurred during the 18th century at Cinder Cone and Fantastic Lava Beds, these areas show no significant vegetative recovery. Here you can see the center of the cone.