When we moved up to Redding, California, we weren't sure how we would spend weekends. You see, back where we had lived, we were only an hour and a half away from our favorite day trip getaways... the coast, San Francisco, the mountains, the river... But we soon found out that Redding is actually quite remote. The surrounding mountains are beautiful, and so inviting. So, we ordered some hiking boots and decided to learn to be out-doorsey.
Okay. So maybe it was just me who needed to make this change! Ben grew up on a mountain, and our two oldest do enjoy hiking. So, Fabian and I were the ones who needed to shift our mindset.
With a few days off, we thought we would venture up to Lassen Volcanic National Park and escape the heat. We left Redding, with a high of 108, and enjoyed a lovely scenic drive into the mountains, where it was only 76!
Grabbing our backpack filled with snacks, water, lunch and other supplies, we set out to find the Terminal Geyser. This hike is rated as "moderate" for adults. We have 3 children. And we survived.
The first part of this hike is stunning. I felt like we were on the set for Maria Von Trapp's musical number, "The Hills Are Alive!" The mountains in the background were practically begging us to sing.
The kids were so excited to see where the little wooden bridge was going to take us. Across a mountain spring creek, and up, up, up into the forest we went.
Our wooden bridge soon turned into a dirt path that hooked up with the PCT, and on we went. Before too long we reached the boiling mud pots. Yep. That's right.
Boiling. Mud. Pots. And the Boiling Springs Lake!
Quite interesting, really! And no, we didn't fall in. Ew. After exploring the lake and mud pots, we carried on.
Further into nature, looking for the geyser. Just as we were growing weary, we rounded a corner and there she was - Terminal Geyeser! It was so neat to be that close to the steaming geyser!
We got as close as we dared, snapped a few pictures and then crossed the creek for a picnic lunch!
Cheese + salami + fruit + wine. Wine, courtesy of the HydroFlask wine bottle!
The hike back was quite a bit of downhill, which was nice. Poor Fabian was tired, so he got a piggy back ride for a while. Lilyana and Tristan took turns taking the lead. As we came back across the cute wooden bridge, we soaked our weary feet in the cool creek.
The sun was setting. Everything looked so magical. And we were hungry! We popped into the nearby town for a bite to eat before heading home. We so enjoyed that hike and if you are ever in the Lassen area, definitely head up to Terminal Gyeser! You won't be disappointed!
