Fascinating volcanic rocks suggest an enormous debris avalanche shook the area just a few centuries ago. Swim in the lake and hike around the mountains.
Chaos Crags and Jumbles consists of a vast set of lava domes and the remnants of a rock avalanche that flattened everything beneath it 340 years ago. Chaos Jumbles today features colorful lava rocks and different types of intriguing geological formations. Notice how the forest grows sparser on the rocky basin at the foot of the mountains.
Admire the stunning views of Chaos Crags, with the Jumbles making up the foreground. As you approach the volcanic domes, look for the pink oxidized rocks of the Jumbles between the stunted coniferous trees making up the Dwarf Forest.
The geological avalanche here dispersed rocks up to a distance of 2 miles (3 kilometers) and helped to form the nearby Manzanita Lake by blocking the stream and flooding the basin. Spot the darker patches on the rocks, indicating two different streams of magma were mixed in previous eruptions.
Embark on the 4-mile (6-kilometer) Chaos Crags Trail. The path meanders around the rocks and reaches the lake. Hike around the base of the Chaos Crags lava domes, which were pushed from the earth more than 1,000 years ago. Rent kayaks and cabins near the lake and go swimming in the brisk water. Sleep beneath the stars in the campground and snap photos of the tip of Lassen Peak.
Learn about the fascinating natural history of this region on a ranger-led tour. The park contains examples of lava plateaus, cinder cones and hot springs, among other geological formations. What makes the park exceptional is how relatively recently its terrain was shaped, with natural structures dating back just a few thousand years.
Find Chaos Crags and Jumbles in the heart of Lassen Volcanic National Park, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) north of Mill Creek. Drive from Mill Creek in 1 to 2 hours, depending on seasonal road access. Visit some of the neighboring attractions, such as Manzanita Lake, Lassen Peak and Prospect Peak.
