Sagittarius Viking
Mindful exploring, through the eyes of a viking daughter.
SUNDAY STILLS: #SUMMER = Hiking!
There’s no joking around, summer’s are made for hiking! You knew that, right? One of my favorite places to go hiking in the summer is in Lassen Volcanic National Park. If you’ve been here before, you knew that as well, since I go there all the time. How can I not? It’s close by, and SO amazing.
Yesterday we hiked to Mill Creek Falls. At a majestic 70ft, it’s the biggest waterfall in the park. Somehow I have missed this hike. I’ve been thinking of going to this fall more than once, but been persuaded to go on other hikes. Yesterday I finally got to see it. It was amazing. The fall was extraordinary, and so was the hike there. The wild flowers along the trail are exquisite.
The yellow flower above, is a mule’s ear. The vegetation covering the ground next to the trail below, is all thousands of mule’s ear, growing together. I’m estimating that along 1,5 mile of the trail, the sides were covered with massive amounts of mule’s ear (like in the photo.)
Mill Creek Falls Trail is another out -and back trail, totaling 3.8 miles. It’s not difficult, I believe it’s rated moderate. It was in the 80’s yesterday, and because of the coming 4th of July holiday, there was lots of tourists visiting, many having some problems with “the heat”. (I live in the valley, one hour away, and it was 107 there..) The trail actually offers plenty of shade, but warm summer temperatures should be considered when you’re planning this hike of course. We did not see any bears, but there are bears in this area. I talked to a girl that had seen one there the day before.
The fall was even more magnificent than I could of imagined. One of my friends claims that we have 80 waterfall, within 1,5 hour drive. I’m not sure if that’s correct, I could only think about 20, or so. In the end we agreed that we are blessed with many amazing waterfalls. Mill Creek Falls is definitely in my top ten now.
If you continued a little further on the trail, after the fall, you would see a bridge on the left side of the fall. We walked over, and had a picnic lunch above the fall.
I cooled my feet in the creek, while eating my salad. It was really nice to sit down in the shade.
The view from the top of the fall.
It’s impossible to feel anything other than immense gratitude when hiking in this park. The views make you grateful to just be alive, and able to hike these amazing trails.
The shade in the forested parts of the trail was appreciated.
I hope you enjoyed my take on Sunday Still; Summer.
Until next time –
Love,
Ms Zen
I’ve been to Lassen. We just didn’t have enough time to explore as much as I would have liked as it was a stop among many. Your pictures are fantastic.
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It is breathtaking, don’t you think? I believe I could spend the rest of my life exploring there, and still don’t see everything. It’s my favorite place to go hiking in the summer. Thank you for your kind comment!
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California is a land of natural riches. I just wish I had more time/money to spend visiting.
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Your daughter is so cute with her little backpack – the birthday girl!
The falls are beautiful and the stream must have been refreshingly cool. Loved seeing the wildflowers, too.
At least your heat is dry heat, humidity would make it feel hotter. But 107 is like an oven to me. Great for drying laundry and herbs, though!
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Thank you! Her birthday is actually later in July, but she got the back pack a little early 🙂
I thought about you when I saw the abundance of wild flowers. I don’t think I’ve seen a Sego Lily before. It was a treat.
Last night when I fed the horses, right before I went to bed, it was over 100. It did indeed feel like an oven. I am grateful that it is dry heat, that makes it a little easier. I hope your weekend was relaxing 🙂
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Maria, spending the summer hiking in the mountains sounds so wonderful! Your photos are gorgeous as always! Love the pic of the Indian paintbrush (red flower). Quick question, off the subject…do you know someone names Cookie who lives in Quincy? And thanks for linking with Sunday Stills!!
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Yes! Just knowing that I get to go to the mountains one day a week, makes it easier to deal with the heat. I’m so happy you enjoyed the photos. I did see lots of Indian paintbrush. I had never seen a sego lily on real life before. I love the variety of wild flowers in Lassen.
I’m afraid that I don’t know anyone living in Quincy. I used to know one girl there (with a different name,) but she moved.
I enjoy Sunday Stills. I’m hoping to see many more blogs linked up 🙂 Enjoy your new week!
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I think Lassen is a similar altitude as Tuolumne Meadows, which is high alpine at 9800 ft elevation. The meadows are full of flowers for their short growing season in June and July! I’m so envious you can be in Lassen once a week. I’m happy to be in Yosemite one every two years!
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Yes, almost same elevation. 😊
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Glad you found the link (I forgot to add it–got confused with all the other links, I guess)
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It happens. Your post is great!
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What a wonderful summer hike. It must be so pretty with all those wild flowers. I particularly like your photo looking up at the trees.
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Thank you Irene! It was a wonderful hike. The wild flowers is such a treat. They just ooze happiness all around them 🙂 I love watching big trees, while hiking. When my daughter was a baby, and I carried her in a baby carrier on our hikes, one of the first things she communicated to me, before she talked, was that she wanted to touch the trees. She always made me walk up to many trees every day, so that she could feel the texture. We still do that a lot.
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Incredible shots of God’s gorgeous beauty!
Your daughter is such a sweetheart!
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Thank you so much Nancy!! It is a blessing to enjoy nature in all its glory. I hope your road trip is absolutely wonderful 🙂
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It’s been fabulous!
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I just saw your post! I can tell! Your photos are amazing. How awesome to have a husband that plans for so much fun and beauty. Where did you find him? LOL..
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He’s a keeper for sure! Love him to the moon and back.
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Yes, indeed, summer is for hiking and oh, how gorgeous is Lassen looking this season! Your lush shots are delightful as are glimpses of your little one enjoying the trails.
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I knew you would enjoy this post 🙂 Thank you! Happy Trails!
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Gorgeous shots!❤
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Thank YOU 🙏
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