Lassen Loop

[Ben70_imp]

I have been wanting to make it up to Lassen before the snow flies up there, and finally got a late start yesterday. Got a few pics, but needed to get home by sundown-ish so I will have to redo, probably next year.
North on 99 from Chico the two lane passes through mixed agricultural land and a few small towns to Red Bluff about 45 minutes away. Normally busy but otherwise better than the slab. I went as far into town as the first gas station, then doubled back a half mile to the 36 turn and headed straight into the foothills, rapidly gaining altitude as road rises into dry grass with oak scrub then digger pine that soon turns to thick forest.
Temp went from mid eighties to mid fifties in the 50 minutes or so it took to get to the southern park gate. Traffic went from moderate to sparse. I have tended to shy away from popular attractions because of the traffic and people, and as a result haven't been up there much over the years. In the future I will definitely take advantage of the off season, as it is spectacular.

This is taken from the visitor center parking lot at about 6000 feet. The peak is in the background. The road through the park reaches about 8000' and there is a trail you can climb the last 2000' in just 4.5 miles. I get a little short of breath at that altitude tying my shoes, so I probably won't try that.

Another pic from the parking lot.
I needed to get headed home, so dodged into the gift shop for a Lassen Volcanic National Park Sticker for my top box, next to the Crater Lake one.
Through the park will have to wait for another day. The road is closed in winter at the end of October. I told the lady in the gift shop I had come up through Red Bluff and was planning to head home by going toward Chester/ Lake Almanor and then west on 32 to Chico. She said they call that "the loop". I thought the real loop transits the park, but I guess there is room for more than one loop.
The ride home was just beautiful, GREAT motorcycling and beautiful country.
A little pasture deep in the forest on the way to the 32 turnoff. The new sticker is the green one, not as classic as the Crater Lake one, but OK. Will replace it if they come up with a more attractive one next year.
Met a sidecar rig at the 32 intersection, and soon lost him. Had been holding off on zipping in my jacket liner in the mountains, thank goodness I did or I would have melted the last few miles and wouldn't have wanted to undo it by then.
Check out Mt. Lassen on the internet. Last eruption was 1915. Well worth a full day or more if you get a chance.

Ben

[Rocky_imp]

Lovely pictures and narrative

[LongRanger_imp]

Agreed. 32 is very good, but so is 70 westbound down the Feather River Canyon. Or, follow 70 southbound towards Graeagle, meet up with 89, and follow it through Sierraville to Truckee. Fun road with minimal traffic.

[Ben70_imp]

49 is also nice, through Downieville, that's another one I should try in the off season. Feather River Canyon YES.
Forgot to mention how nicely the bike performed. This forum is more of a travelogue than fix and repair reference.
I can see why the Pikes Peak racer came to be. Nothing like pulling a hill on this bike, it seems happier under load.

Ben

[Cormanus]

Great pictures and report, Ben. Thanks.