Adventure awaits: Lassen Mineral Lodge

We enjoy hiking and camping. When we planned our summer adventures, we knew that the outdoors would be a part of it. At first, I considered the idea of camping in Lassen volcanic National Park, but knowing that I would be going on my own with my two small children, I looked for an alternative. That's when I found the Lassen Mineral Lodge. It offers camping, but it also has a motel, including rooms with kitchens. As I looked at the pictures and read more about it, I was reminded of childhood trips to Ripplewood Cabins in Big Sur. I knew this would be the right choice. I was right.

Although they were all booked for their kitchenettes, they had a room available with two beds and a refrigerator. That would do. As it turned out, our room also had a nice table with three chairs, a comfy chair, and an oversized checkers game. We were in heaven!

As we checked in, our first stop was the general store. We stocked up on cereal and milk for breakfasts, picnic supplies for our lunch at Lassen, and a few other little items. Then, we settled into our room. It was across the street from the general store, restaurant, and other lodging. Outside the room, next to the door, were two chairs and a small table. It felt like a cabin. We enjoyed our breakfasts in the room, grabbed morning coffee at the restaurant, and got to know our neighbors because we wanted to talk to them.








Television, telephones, and WiFi are non-existent, and that's ok. It took us slightly off the grid, but having my cell phone and talking with other people, I felt safe.

We ate our dinners at the restaurant, which was definitely family-friendly. In fact, it's family-run. The cook's small children greeted my kids, one of the waitresses was her sister, and her children were older and helped with serving tables. The arcade and restrooms were welcoming and nice. Everyone had a smile and something nice to say. I had hoped to prepare our own meals, but since we ended up in a room sans kitchen, this worked so well. We all had a great time. We talked to others staying at Lassen Mineral Lodge. We met scientists, a doctor, a Methodist minister, a couple traveling. We learned that many people are repeat customers.

Lassen Mineral Lodge sits just nine miles away from the park and the drive was beautiful and relaxing. We enjoyed a day hiking and exploring Lassen and the volcanoes that make it. We learned some of th scientific history and my children returned sharing stories. They talked with others at Lassen Mineral Lodge and shared experiences.

We will return.





If you're looking for a national park adventure. If you love science. If you just want to get away from it all. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Lassen Mineral Lodge offer something for you. It was a great adventure for us! And, more adventure awaits!