Lassen Volcanic National Park, Mineral. CA

Lassen Volcanic National Park near Mineral California is another of the lesser visited parks.  But this place is gorgeous.  It has thermal areas, volcanic mountain peaks, lakes and when we were there, it had a few inches of snow. There is a road that will take you winding back and forth up into the mountains. Between the trees and mountains and overlooks, there is plenty to see.

bubbling mud pots

Thermal areas steaming

Seismograph, used in the early days of the park to keep track of  the volcanic activity.

Redwood National Park, California

Redwood National Park is located in northern California.  Of course, it is well known for the tall Redwood trees.  There are also beaches to enjoy.  The trees are so big that there is no good way to get a picture of them that really shows just how big they really are.

One more state-California here we come

California--The last state we will visit before we get back to Arizona

Oregon Caves National Monument, Cave Junction Oregon

We explored the Oregon Caves National Monument near Cave Junction Oregon.  We took a cave tour that brought us down a winding narrow path into the heart of the cave.  There were many beautiful and amazing formations.  The tour took about one and half hours and we went up and down about 500 steps and had to crouch down to shuffle/walk below 45 inch ceilings.  The photos never turn out very nice inside the cave but I will share some with you.  There was also a stunning chateau there that was currently closed for renovation.  It was five stories tall on one side because it was built into a hill. 

Chateau

Drapery

Soda Straws

Banana grove

Grand column

Ghost room

These steps lead up to a small room, see photo below

Crater Lake National Park in Crater Lake, Oregon

Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is a stunning sight.  We visited on a day after they had received seven inches of snow a few days earlier.  We were also fortunate enough to visit on a day when the sun was shining and visibility was great.  The only drawback about the snow is that we couldn't drive all the way around the lake because the road was closed.  But the part that we did get to see was amazing.  Crater Lake was formed when a violent eruption collapsed a tall mountain peak.  The lake is so pure because it is fed by rain and snow.  This is why it is such a vibrant blue color.  It's the deepest lake in the U.S. And it looks fantastic after a snowfall...