Field Notes — Lassen Volcanic

The hike

Lassen in early spring is a study in contrasts: steaming hydrothermal basins ringed by late-season snow. The boardwalks were partly buried, so the going was slow.

A few finds

• Sulfur-tolerant algae mats fringing the hot springs.
• Fresh bear sign near the lower trailhead.
• A surprising amount of birdsong for the elevation.

A full day, and a good reminder that the most interesting biology often lives right at the edge of where conditions get hostile.