Devastated Area ~ Lassen Volcanic National Park

The Devastated Area is located on the east side of Mt Lassen and the automobile touring route conveniently runs through this majestic landscape. The displaced volcanic boulders can be seen covering the mountainside forests well before arriving at the official site, so the seismic forces that cause the destruction must have been tremendous. Mt Lassen actually is the largest volcanic dome in the world, so any devastating event would truly be on a grand scale, as can be witnessed on the east side of the mountain. The Mt Lassen Devastated Area features millions of igneous rock boulders covering the meadows and forests as far as the eyes can see. Fortunately there are hiking trails carved through this amazing landscape, because going overland on foot will likely result in injuries while clamoring over the jagged rocks.   

Mt Lassen is indeed an active volcano and this gigantic dome most recently came back to life in the early 1900s. A series of eruptions occurred causing new pyroclastic flows and mud slides, then a gigantic explosion occurred in 1915, which totally rearranged the landscape for many miles around. The volcanic ash cloud arose way above the clouds and the resulting pyroclastic flows devastated everything in their path for over 20 miles. Much of the lighter ash has washed away through the years and the remaining igneous boulders that cascaded downhill in the massive pyroclastic flow still remain. The Devastated Area truly is an amazing sight to see and all it takes is one visit to create intriguing memories to ponder over for many years to come!
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