Lassen Peak

Southernmost volcano in the Cascade Range. Standing at a height of 3,187 m/10,457 ft, it is situated 80 km/50 mi east-southeast of Redding, in northern California. The ‘last wild Indian’ to remain free of contact with Whites – a man named Ishi – emerged from the mountain's foothills in 1911.

Lassen Peak and the adjoining national volcanic park and forest are all named after Peter Lassen, a Danish pioneer. One of few historically active volcanoes in the USA outside of Hawaii and Alaska, the mountain erupted intermittently in 1914–21 after 200 years of dormancy. Today, volcanic activity is evident in steam geysers, hot springs and mud pots. Lassen Peak rises out of a crater left by the collapse of an older volcano, and provides a fascinating subject of study for vulcanologists. The surrounding area was once home to four native groups – the Atsugewi, Maidu, Yana, and Yahi.