Lassen Volcanic National Park may not be the most visited National Park, but it's not for lack of beauty. The entire valley in this picture was once a giant volcano that died 400,000 years ago. The distant peaks are its remnants. A number of active volcanoes are still present in the park, one erupting as recently as 1915. Below the snow capped peaks are hundreds of miles of rugged hiking trails and lakes winding through dense pine forests. Because chain saws are restricted in national park wilderness areas, many of the trails are lined with fallen trees from winter storms and volcanic debris, making the Lassen section of the Pacific Crest Trail particularly strenuous and frustrating for backpackers.
Pro Tip: Make your way to the park for a full moon. Rangers offer full moon hikes to Lassen Peak, which offers a full moon viewing unlike any other. Should you find yourself in the back country, there's nothing quite so comforting as a bright moon to light the way for tired backpackers.