Leaders: Phil & Pat Gordon, 510.538.3550, PAGPEG AT aol.com. $

The time has come to return to Lassen National Park. We last visited this park in 2011, when we enjoyed the many discoveries to be found in one of California’s premier natural regions. I don’t think any of us will ever forget the purple color of the peak covered in lupine! In addition to the varied habitats: the pine and fir forests, the mountain chaparral, the mountain lakes and streams, the willow riparian, the mud pots and geysers; we are hoping to find some bird specialties of the area: Gray Jays, Clark’s Nutcrackers, Black-backed Woodpeckers, and Bald Eagles.  In 2011, we saw Northern Goshawks, White-Headed Woodpeckers, and American Dippers!

Saturday will be spent in Lassen Park. Sunday will be spent birding the area north of the park, including Burney Falls State Park, Baum and Crystal Lakes, and the Hat Creek area. Meet each morning at the Loomis Natural History Museum near the north gate entrance and the Visitor Center parking lot. Manzanita Lake is also near here.

Campsites and tent cabins are available in Lassen Park. The leaders will be camping at Lake Manzanita (http://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/manzanita-lake-campground.htm). For motel rooms, try Lassen Mineral Lodge and RV Park (530) 595-4422, (http://www.minerallodge.com).  Lodging may also be available at Shingletown, Old Station, Hat Creek, and Burney.

To reach the park from the Bay Area (about 5 hours), go north on I-5 and enter the park from the north on SR-44 from Redding; then go south on SR-89. This is the highway that runs through the park from north to south. SR-36 east from Red Bluff may also be possible. It is anticipated that at trip time both routes will be open.  All drivers must purchase entrance permits ($10 vehicle pass valid for 7 days).