Help with Itinerary please

Question

My family will be arriving from Reno the afternoon of Sept 1st. We will have that afternoon and all day on the 2nd to explore Lassen NP. We have an VRBO rented for 2 nights in Shingletown. We know we want to take the drive through the park, hike Bumpass Hell and visit a nice swimming area. The 3 mile hike to Bumpass is the longest hike my group will want to take. Suggestions on what to do the first afternoon we arrive? Thanks for any help, suggestions you can provide.

Answer

Arriving from Reno in the afternoon of September 1st gives you a limited window, so it’s best to plan lighter activities that don’t require long hikes or extensive travel inside Lassen Volcanic National Park. Since your VRBO is in Shingletown, you’ll have about a 20–30 minute drive to the southwest entrance of the park, which is convenient for exploring on the first afternoon.

Here are some suggestions for your arrival afternoon:

Scenic Drive: Start with a short drive through the park to get familiar with the area and enjoy the views. The southwest entrance drive toward Manzanita Lake offers a scenic introduction with minimal walking required.
Manzanita Lake: A short stroll around the lake can be refreshing after your drive. You can take in views of Lassen Peak and watch for wildlife. This area is easy and suitable for all ages, perfect for your arrival day.
Visitor Center: Stop by the Loomis Museum and visitor center at Manzanita Lake. It’s a good place to get maps, check trail conditions for the next day, and learn about the park’s volcanic features and cultural history without a strenuous hike.
Picnic or Relax: If you prefer a relaxed afternoon, bring a picnic and enjoy it at one of the lakeside picnic areas or pullouts along the scenic drive. This also helps everyone acclimate to the area before the next day’s more active hiking.

For September 2nd, when you have a full day in the park, you can plan your more active activities:

Bumpass Hell Trail: This 3-mile round trip is a must-see and features geothermal features like boiling mud pots and fumaroles. Start early to avoid crowds.
Scenic Drive: Continue along the park’s main loop roads to enjoy sights like Lassen Peak, Sulphur Works, and Manzanita Lake if you didn’t explore it fully the day before.
Swimming Area: For a nice swimming spot, the swimming areas around Manzanita Lake or Summit Lake are popular in summer and early fall. Check water levels in September and consider the cooler temperatures.

Additional Tips:

Bring plenty of water, snacks, and layers for changing temperatures.
Check for any road closures, as late summer can have occasional maintenance or fire-related restrictions.
Allow flexibility in your schedule; with a shorter arrival afternoon, adjusting based on energy levels is helpful.

Overall, your plan allows a relaxed introduction to the park on the first day, followed by a full day of hiking and scenic exploration on September 2nd. This balance will maximize enjoyment without feeling rushed.

Help with Itinerary please

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