What To See In Lassen Volcanic National Park: Into The Darkness Of Subway Cave After A Fire Breakout

BY  Sibashree Feb 18, 2025

When you think about February, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Especially if you are living in one of the northern states. Snow? Routine life? Clouds and rainstorms? Well, I have got a solution for you.   Let’s make a list of warm places to travel in February this year. Yes, there is a possibility that you might have to face occasional rainfall, so why don’t we choose the places with warmer temperatures creating that perfect place for you to give you a break, relax, and rejuvenate?   Here are Some Warm Places to Travel in February in the USA!   No, you and I are not old! Neither are our bones chilly. All we want is to visit a place that is warm like a hug! In February, I have already had my share of cold and snow, now can we just escape somewhere with the sun shining bright on my face?   How about some beach and a tall cool glass of drink along with it? I am dying to finish the book I started at the end of January and am still not able to complete it! Visiting warm places to travel in February is not just about warmth!    It also means a break from all the socializing from Christmas and New Year! As an individual, I think everyone needs a break from all the people meeting we do daily. This travel plan will be just that, a warm hug to yourself.   New Orleans   https://www.instagram.com/p/DFGuRqIpWKi/?img_index=3 Round-the-clock nightlife, vibrant streets, and live music scenes make this Louisiana city a perfect place for you to go! Especially if you are looking for warmth and spicy! New Orleans is known for its history, a mix of cultures between American, African, and French.   What's more, you will experience a sense of celebration with carnivals and parades, a regular thing about the place! People host parties on the streets during Mardi Gras while wearing different costumes and makeup.    Known for its jazz music and historical architecture, New Orleans is perfect for you in February! If you are a little confused about things to do in New Orleans with kids, you can go visit the National WWII Museum and New Orleans Museum of Art.   Things to Do   Go to the Mardi Gras World   Attend the prayer at the St. Louis Cathedral   Explore the Audubon Park   Miami   https://www.instagram.com/p/DEVbjvMugvb/?img_index=1 If you are a beach lover, this is the place you want to go if you are looking for warm places to travel in February. Miami is in the state of Florida, US, and gives you the perfect vibe for a warm weather winter destination.   You can visit this climate for its vibrant climate, sultry beaches, and museums. One of the coolest places I think we have in Miami is the zoo! You also have the Perez Art Museum and Vizcaya Museum & Gardens to go to when you visit the city.   Things to Do   Explore the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden   Visit the Everglades National Park   Go to the Philip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science   Palm Springs   Are you craving some Desert this February? You must visit Palm Springs, in southern California with its delicious restaurants, interior design and decor stores, and vintage boutiques. The Sonoran Desert is known for its hot springs, spas, and golf courses.   If you have plans to relax and rejuvenate, this is the place to be. Additionally, you can also take long walks across Palm Canyon Drive. However, if you are someone who loves adventure, you can try horseback riding trails, biking, and hiking.   Things to Do   Explore the Moorten Botanical Garden   Visit the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens   Travel via Palm Springs Aerial Tramway   Maui, Hawaii   Hawaii cannot be just termed as a beach city; it is so much more than that. Creating a soothing climate for you in the harsh winters of February, Maui, Hawaii offers you one of the best coastlines as a view.   Furthermore, you can watch those majestic humpback whales especially because the water is translucent! The tides are much calmer so you can totally go for a swim or even kayak in the river trails around what is one of the second largest Hawaiian Islands!   Things to Do   Explore the Haleakala National Park   Visit the Maui Ocean Center   Hike the Pipiwai Trail   Key West   If you want a Caribbean vibe, you should go visit Key West! A city in the Florida Keys, this is a tropical paradise for tourists who are looking for sandy beaches, delicious food, sighting migratory birds and exotic animals.   It is one of the top choices for warm places to travel to in February as tourists. One of the warmest and sunniest places in the USA, and you should not miss it especially if you are traveling with family! It is one of the most exotic places to travel to in the USA.   Things to Do   Ride on the Conch Tour Train   Explore the Hemingway Home and Museum   Walk to the Edward B. Knight Pier   Arizona   Are you someone who loves both mountains and rivers? Known for the Grand Canyon carved by the Colorado River, Arizona is a perfect place for you. Apart from the Canyon, you will find yourself surrounded by mountains.   There are of course beautiful places to visit such as Saguaro National Park. You will find the national park filled with cacti protecting the desert landscape around you! If you are wondering about things to do in Phoenix Arizona, you can visit the Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix Zoo, and Desert Botanical Garden.   Things to Do   Walk on the top of Hoover Dam   Explore the Seven Magic Mountains   Kayak to the Emerald Cave   Las Vegas, Nevada   One of the most popular places in the USA, I am sure you have heard of Las Vegas or maybe even made a trip there. So, I am not kidding when I say you must visit Vegas in February. This is one of the perfect February vacation ideas if you are looking for one!   Are you someone who does not like the crowd too much? Well, in February, Las Vegas is perfect for you, especially with a little rush after the New Year crowd! Furthermore, you will get museums for your children to visit, a beautiful aquarium if you are looking for some beauty and peace and so many live shows!   Things to Do   Explore the Red Rock Canyon National Park   Must visit to High Roller   Go on the Gondola ride across the Venetian Las Vegas   Florida   You have to believe me when I say it is one of the best places to visit in February. Florida is filled with beaches, and a mix of cultural influences, American and Latin, it will attract you with its art scene and beauty.   However, if you are someone who likes to party, Florida has the perfect night scene in South Beach. With an upscale crowd, delicious drinks, and music turning your head, visit Florida!    Simultaneously, you cannot miss visiting Walt Disney World, single adults and adults with children included. A perfect and enchanting destination for your February travel plans.   Things to Do   A must-visit to the Universal Islands of Adventure   Take a dive into the Discovery Cove   Go to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park   Ready for Some Vacation?   So, are you ready? Get your bags in the backseat of your car or take a flight to visit one of these warm places to travel to in February! These places in the USA are all gems of places, giving you different flavors of travel. Additionally, you get a slice of life everywhere you visit.   Furthermore, you get to learn and see so much more. In February, the warm weather is the perfect gateway from your chilly weather, snow up to your boots!   Let’s plan a trip to one of these places and comment below about your experiences. Along with it, let me know by commenting if I have missed any warm place in the USA that you have visited and loved!  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit.

BY  Sibashree Aug 20, 2024

Lassen Volcanic National Park gets its name from the Lassen Peak, an active volcano in the southernmost Cascade Range. Even today, the Lassen Peak has hot springs and you will find fumaroles coming out of the peak’s mouth. These are also signs of volcanic activities in the volcanic mountains. Further, this national park houses all four types of volcanoes: plug domes, cinder cones, composites, and shields. These volcanoes make this national park a chosen destination for geologists and volcano enthusiasts. The presence of these volcanoes has also added unique hydrothermal features to this park. You will find vibrant hot springs, steam vents making hissing sounds, and mud pots with bubbling water here.  Here, I present a brief overview of the geothermal wonders of the park. I will also talk about the park’s camping provisions.  Geothermal Areas In Lassen Volcanic National Park The Lassen Volcanic National Park had 418,978 visitors in 2023, and we can say that its hydrothermal features are a major factor in crowd-pulling here. Snow falling on the park highlands and rainwater keep feeding the geothermal systems. Under the Lassen Peak, there is a molten or hot rock body. This hot rock body makes the water warm once it reaches underground. When the water becomes hot, you see the water boiling in the geothermal pools and mud pots. As the temperature of the water rises, it gets transformed into fumaroles. Fumaroles exude from various cracks in the earth. In Lassen Volcanic National Park, you will observe fumaroles at Sulphur Works, Devils Kitchen, and Bumpass Hell.  Little Hot Springs Valley You can have a look at the Little Hot Springs Valley from Lassen Peak (the largest plug demo volcano in the world) and other mountains lining it.   Further, various seasonal creeks drain into this valley, feeding the geothermal water. If you overlook the valley from the mountain peaks in the summer, you will see many wildflowers smiling. In particular, grass and the wildflower vegetation across the East Sulphur Creek edge is quite dense, thanks to various hypothermal activities. You can also look at the Little Hot Springs Valley from a pullout, just one mile away on the south. The view from this pullout is scenic, with lush green slopes before your eyes. If you look at the slopes with binoculars, you will find black bears roaming around.  Bumpass Hell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OE_c2SzWNw As you walk 7 miles from the southwest entrance of the park, you will find a parking area on the park highway. Here, you will find the trail to Bumpass Hell. With a 3-mile hiking trail(round trip), Bumpass Hell is the largest geothermal area in the park. You can only hike the Bumpass Hell trail in autumn and summer. It remains closed during spring and winter. The temperature of the geothermal water in the Bumpass Hell area can reach up to 322 degrees.  The elevation of this trail is 8,000 feet. However, because of its moderate difficulty level, you will find many visitors here on weekends. The water in this hydrothermal area is emerald green or blue in color. Further, the minerals in the water stain the rocks and soil in yellow and orange shades.  Sulphur Works It can’t get easier than hiking to Sulphur Works if you want to explore the geothermal wonders of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Here, you can see how volcanic activities have created the most interesting geology with shifting new and ancient grounds.  The landscape here experiences regular updates because of geothermal activities and natural activities like erosion. Also, thanks to the volcanic activities, you will encounter colorful rocks, steam vents, and the most pungent sulphuric smell here. Sulphur Works is important in the Lassen Volcanic National Park history, and it was earlier known as Supan's Sulphur Works. Mathias B. Supan, a pioneer of the American West, used to extract minerals from the ground here in the mid-19th century.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTvAs6VPfIE The hydrothermal area of Sulphur Works is interesting as it is located at the center of a wide basin. Brokeoff Mountain, Mount Conard, Pilot Pinnacle, and Mount Diller surround this basin. According to geologists, these mountains are eroded formations or remains of Mount Tehama or Brokeoff Volcano. Boiling Springs Lake A trail starting from the Warner Valley trailhead will take you to the Boiling Springs Lake, filled with hot and bubbling water. The temperature of the water in this lake is 125 degrees.  You will also find steam vents and mud pots on the shore. The mud pots on the southeastern shore of the lake demand a special mention.  As you continue on the Boiling Springs Lake trail, you will see colorful wildflowers. The vegetation of Douglas-fir, sugar pine, incense-cedar, white pine, and ponderosa pine will soothe your eyes here. This trail is also a birder’s paradise and one of the best places in the park to observe birds.  Devils Kitchen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Pah0QzBkN0 This hike, starting from the Warner Valley Trailhead, is moderate, and it will take you to an area filled with boiling pools, mud pots, and steam vents. You can call Devils Kitchen a  Cauldron. The piled-up cracked red and yellow stones here give this place a colorful appearance. These colorful stones show deposits of various minerals found in volcanic eruptions. The Cauldron will keep making hissing, belching, and plopping sounds, and the unique odor filling the air creates the perfect ambiance of a natural kitchen. Something is definitely cooking in this kitchen!  Terminal Geyser Start hiking from the Warner Valley Trailhead to reach Terminal Geyser. It is a steam vent showcasing the active volcanic activities in the park.  Unlike a geyser, it does not erupt hot water periodically, and it’s actually a fumarole. Even if you can’t see the steam, you will smell a sulfuric odor, and there will be a billowing cloud.  Cold Boiling Lake You can start trekking from Kings Creek Picnic Area to reach the Cold Boiling Lake. The road to the Cold Boiling Lake is almost flat, and the landscape has further descent to the Crumbaugh Lake.  You can see some small gas bubbles near the shore of the Cold Boiling Lake. So, it is known as a dying geothermal wonder of the park.  The Cold Boiling Lake and its shores look the best if you pay a visit in the morning after a night of snowfall.  Pilot Pinnacle Pilot Pinnacle is a remains of volcanic composites. You will find it along the ridges of Mt. Diller and Brokeoff Mountain. You can look at this area filled with mud pots, pools, and steam vents from Park Road.  Lassen Volcanic National Park Camping Lassen Volcanic National Park has seven campgrounds. However, only four campgrounds are available this year. The Dixie Fire 2021 recovery process will keep the three other campgrounds closed in 2024.  The campgrounds open this year are Butte Lake, Summit Lake, Southwest Campground (Southwest Parking), and Manzanita Lake.  Closed campgrounds are Juniper Lake, Warner Valley, and Southwest Campground (Walk-in campground).  Most campsites in the park are available at this national park on a reservation basis. You can make the reservation between June and September. You can make your reservation at recreation or call the park authority at 1-877-444-6777.  Final Words  The Lassen Volcanic National Park is a hub of scenic beauty, active volcanoes, and various geothermal features. Active volcanism and weather forces, like rain and erosion, have given this park a rich geological landscape that goes back thousands of years. With the magnificent Lassen Peak towering over the park, the hydrothermal areas are surrounded by forests and green meadows. So, various species of animals, birds, and insects reside around these geothermal areas.  So, if you are a volcano enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or a hiker, pack your bags, plan a trip to this national park, and share your experience once you come back.  Lassen Volcanic National Park FAQs  What Lives In Lassen Volcanic National Park? Home to around “300 species of vertebrates,” Lassen Volcanic National Park has many mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish. The park has three ecological zones where you can encounter rich wildlife.  Mammals: Black bear, Sierra Nevada red fox, mountain lion, America pika, snowshoe hare, Douglas’s squirrel, mule deer Birds: Steller's Jay, Clark's nutcracker, Anna’s hummingbird, woodpeckers, round-legged hawks, etc.  Amphibians: Pacific tree frog, long-toed salamander, western toad Reptiles: Sagebrush lizards, northern lizards, alligator lizards, western terrestrial garter snake, rubber boa, Northern Pacific rattlesnake, etc.  Fish: Rainbow trout, Lahontan Redside, speckled dace, etc. Along with these animals, you will also find the most beautiful  California Tortoiseshell butterflies, spiders, and other insects in the park. The total number of invertebrate species living here is 350.  What Is The Closest Town To The Lassen Volcanic National Park? Chester is the closest town to the Lassen Volcanic National Park. You can take a 40-minute drive from the southwest entrance of the park. You can relax at the eateries at Chester, and you will find some decent lodging options here.  Who Died In Lassen Volcanic National Park?  Tommy Botell, a 9-year-old boy, died in an accident in the Lassen Volcanic National Park on 18th March 2010. His elder sister, Katrina, a 13-year-old girl, was severely injured in the same accident.  The mishap took place at the Lassen Peak Trail.  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. Be Soothed And Meet History At Hot Springs National Park.

BY  sagnika Feb 13, 2025

I am a traveler by heart, and I am sure you are too! Isn’t that why you are on my blog trying to finalize that trip you are planning in February? But aren’t you a little late? Are you confused?   I have got your bud! Let me share with you some of the best places to visit in February so that you can make some of the best memories of your lifetime. You will get your February vacation ideas, and I will get to give you unwanted advice, win win!   Apart from the stunning scenery, this blog will also help you finalize the places that will get you the best deal possible! Let’s dive deeper!   The Best Places to Visit in February in the USA in 2025!   If you are someone who is a sucker for stunning scenery, let me share with you some of the best places I have visited in the USA! I visited some of the best places in the winter months in the past and will share my experience with you.   Simultaneously, I will also guide you to make a perfect itinerary. This will perfect your list of the best places to visit in February especially when it comes to choosing warmer weather like Hawaii or Texas or smoky landscape like the snowy mountains!    1. New Orleans, Louisiana   New Orleans is one of the best places to visit in February especially because of the mild weather and a hint of celebration! The Mardi Gras season brings colors, music and lively festivals into town.   Places To Visit   St. Louis Cathedral – You must visit between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to look at the outside and the inside of this 1700s circa church. It is a catholic cathedral located in the French Quarter and is the oldest active Roman Catholic Cathedral in the USA.   French Quarter – Known as the Vieux Carre, it is one of the oldest neighborhoods of the city. It has seen a lot of history and is often known as the crown jewel of New Orleans.   The National WWII Museum – The time to visit the museum is between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Apart from the exhibits, there is an eatery downstairs so you can have food if you have spent the whole day and did not realize it.   What To Do   Pray at St. Louis Cathedral – while praying, you get to see the interior of the church. It is designed with stained glass, a grand ceiling which is painted and with an active congregation!   Explore the French Quarter – you will get to see beautiful architecture along with ornate balconies! Walk along the narrow little streets with cafes and eateries, brimmed with people, merry and mixing!   Visit The National WWII Musuem – Did you know there is an interactive submarine exhibit? Apart from that, there is a 4-D theater, oh the realistic experience you will have while watching all the documented photographs and mementos of war.   2. San Antonio, Texas   The vibrant city is the perfect place for you to visit if you are making a list of the best places to visit in February. Even with its high humidity, it is perfect in February, with comfortable vibe, several cultural attractions and the hint of Spanish heritage.   Places To Visit   The Alamo – A striking fortress, this historical museum is a must for you if you are going to Texas. Apart from the artifacts, there are beautiful gardens that you should check out, as they are open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.   San Antonio Botanical Garden – If you are planning to visit the garden, you can go between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. With 38 acres of area, you will see a glass conservatory, native plants, roses, a pond with beautiful flora and fauna surrounding it and trails.   Brackenridge Park – Open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. This is a historical riverside park! There are several athletic fields along with a zoo. It is perfect for you kid or even you, if you love exploring a zoo.   What To Do   Visit The Alamo – It was built as a chapel initially, but it gives a vibe of a fortress! When exploring the artifacts, you must check the different paintings and how they tell history.   Walk across the San Antonio Botanical Garden – You can check out the exotic plants and visit the green house that houses several plants, very unique. You can also visit the cafe, which is located inside the Botanical Garden!   Explore Brackenridge Park – You can walk or hike a trail or even organize picnic areas along with play areas. Furthermore, you can take miniature train rides as they are available across the park!   3. Palm Springs, California   Known for its design elements, the cultural scene is quite trending here in Palm Springs, California. The desert city is sunny in February and is perfect for fine dining, going to world-class golf courses and exploring modern architecture.   Places To Visit   Joshua Tree National Park – The 24-hour open park is a perfect place for you if you love walking across beautiful trails, trees, native wildlife, and vegetation. There are allotted places for you to have a barbeque get-together for which you need to get a pass from recreation.gov!   Palm Springs – There are several trails that you can explore when you visit such as Araby trail or Andreas Canyon trail at Indian Canyons. Another thing you can do is visit Champagne Yacht, a perfect dinner cruise with your partner! It is one of the best cruises for couples!   Agua Caliente Cultural Museum – The museum exhibits the history of the natives, the Agua Caliente Tribal people. The Gallery is about 10,000 square feet with several exhibition areas. You have to pay $10 as an adult while children under 5 years are free to visit! Seniors and children need to pay $5 as an entry fee!   What To Do   Explore Joshua Tree National Park – You can see the rock formations and effects of severe earthquakes. Furthermore, there are Joshua trees along with wildlife such as ground sloths, camels, Columbian mammoths, dire wolves, and saber-toothed cats.   Hike the Indian Canyon – It is a 2-mile hike, where you can check out the historic Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians grounds. There are several hiking trails with wildlife and vegetation!   Visit the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum – You should visit the museum if you want to learn about the history of the Cahuilla Nation! With digital animation and projection of pictures and paintings, you will get to learn about the migration stories of Cahuilla Indians.   4. Kauai, Hawaii   The average temperature of the place is warm so, if you are craving some sun, you know what to do! Known as the “Garden Isle” it is one of the perfect places for you to visit this February. Lush beauty all around, you can do several activities to make the best of the trip.   Places To Visit   Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park – Spread across 17 miles, the Na pali Coast is extraordinarily beautiful. With hidden caves, towering cliffs and clear turquoise water below, it is nature’s gift to mankind!   Waimea Canyon State Park – You can get a perfect view of Niihau Island from the viewpoint at the canyon. The Park is stretched across 14 miles with a depth of 3600 feet giving you some of the coolest views of deep valley gorges.   Wailua River – The river is beautiful and when you visit, you can check out one of the main attractions, the Kauai vistas of Mt. Waialeale. It takes about 5 hours to complete the 2 miles of the river while kayaking! So, if you were wondering about warm places to travel to in February, here we are!   What To Do   Hike the Na Pali Coast – Known as the Kalalau Trail, it is a challenging 11-mile trail that is not for beginners. A challenging hike, you get to see the Hanakapiai Falls and visit the Hanakapiai Beach!   Explore the Waimea Canyon – You will take a minimum of 9 hours and 21 minutes to explore the whole canyon! It is challenging but if you are looking for some quite time, it is a popular trail for camping, hiking and backpacking.   Go Kayaking at the Wailua River – You can try something new with the different kayak guides and trips organized! You get brief, then gear up and paddle across the clear waters of the river! All your sightseeing is covered while you kayak your way across the river.   5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee   In February, you must visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park if you are a mountain lover! Afterall, with fewer landscapes, you can enjoy the snow landscapes and beauty of the scenic views.   Places To Visit   Cades Cove – A valley, the popular destination is known for its wildlife, scenic views and historical buildings. Log cabins and churches are worth taking pictures of along with spotting black deer, white-tailed deer, raccoons and coyotes!   Grotto Falls Trail – with a 2.6-mile distance to cover, this trail actually leads to a waterfall of 25 foot! The mountain cove at the top will give you some of the best views of the exotic forest around it.   Kuwohi – The highest point of the valley, Kuwohi is worth visiting if you are visiting Tennessee. The mountain in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a perfect place for you to visit at a height of 6643 feet!   What To Do   Visit Cades Cove – I would suggest you drive down the Cades Cove Loop Road, a beautiful scenic road creating a perfect romantic drive! Once you reach it, you will be surprised with the beautiful historic structures, explore the culture heritage along with the wildlife.   Trek the Grotto Falls Trail – You get to see rhododendron when passing the old forests along with the various falls that spread across the trail. The trail is moderate so if you do not have any experience, having a guide might help!   Go to Kuwohi – You have to hike the trail, a bit difficult considering it is the highest mountain in the valley. You can check out a Deer Farm situated quite close to it along with a Gazebo at Applebarn in Sevierville!   Keep the Wheels Turning...   Why is winter the best time to travel? If you are asking this, I am sure you have gone through the best places to visit in February this year. With beautiful landscape, mild weather, and amazing scenery, you will enjoy the best of any place you visit.   Furthermore, you can also decide on making plans to visit any one of these locations if you have more days for your vacation! Comment and let us know what you think is the best place to travel in February.  Also read Luxury Antarctica Holidays | Beautiful Places In Antarctica. Best Romantic Experiences In Orlando | A Travel Guide For Couples. 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