Trips and Activities for Syncro Safari, Lassen '23Sunday - Day 1 through Saturday - Day 7
Activities includeg group driving trips Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Typically Syncro Safari roues are described as mild-to-moderate challenges, but this region's routes actually 2WD, so participants didn't get to exercise the limits of their Syncro's capabilities. Scenic content was spectacular though. Tuesday and Thursday provided each Syncronaut the opportunity to plan their own adventure, rest, or go on a non-4x4 outing with other Syncronauts. Kayaking on Butte Lake was a favorite enjoyed by several of our group. Below is a general outline with overview information about the activities. 
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Syncro design by NRWSTR.com
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Group Trips
Monday, August 14 - West Prospect Peak Fire Lookout
First of three scenic Syncro trips – West Prospect Peak Fire Lookout. This was the shortest outing of the week and left time for other activities, like kayaking on Butte Lake. We visited Old Station for fuel and ice cream before returning to camp.
Wednesday, Aug 16 - Lassen Volcanic National Park
Second of three group trips. A circle-trip through the center of Lassen Volcanic National Park via paved roads. This was a full day trip. It’s highly unusual to use one of our 3 trips during the week for a paved route, but we all wanted to see these sights anyway. We’ll entered the park at the south end and exited at the north. This put the sun to our backs for the view of Mt. Lassen with Manzanita Lake in the foreground. After that, some enjoyed SHOWERS at Manzanita Lake Campground ($5 unlimited time). Before heading back to camp, we passed by the gas and ice cream stops at Old Station again.
Friday, Aug 18 - Hat Creek Rim Trail & Murken Bench
Third of three group Syncro trips – Hat Creek Rim Trail & Murken Bench Trail.
This was a full day trip. We visited "Subway Cave", an underground lava tube to explore (FLASHLIGHTS JACKETS needed). Them we stopped by Hang Glider launch and landing spots but saw no gliders this day. We were fortunate to take a tour at the SETI (Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) radio observatory grounds. Before heading back to Butte Lake we continued north to view unique Burney Falls. The “Stand By Me” bridge from the famous the movie scene was nearby, but no visit this day. Before heading back to camp, we passed by the gas station at Old Station again. Oh, ice cream too!
Monday, August 14 - West Prospect Peak Fire Lookout
First of three scenic Syncro trips – West Prospect Peak Fire Lookout. This was the shortest outing of the week and left time for other activities, like kayaking on Butte Lake. We visited Old Station for fuel and ice cream before returning to camp.
Wednesday, Aug 16 - Lassen Volcanic National Park
Second of three group trips. A circle-trip through the center of Lassen Volcanic National Park via paved roads. This was a full day trip. It’s highly unusual to use one of our 3 trips during the week for a paved route, but we all wanted to see these sights anyway. We’ll entered the park at the south end and exited at the north. This put the sun to our backs for the view of Mt. Lassen with Manzanita Lake in the foreground. After that, some enjoyed SHOWERS at Manzanita Lake Campground ($5 unlimited time). Before heading back to camp, we passed by the gas and ice cream stops at Old Station again.
Friday, Aug 18 - Hat Creek Rim Trail & Murken Bench
Third of three group Syncro trips – Hat Creek Rim Trail & Murken Bench Trail.
This was a full day trip. We visited "Subway Cave", an underground lava tube to explore (FLASHLIGHTS JACKETS needed). Them we stopped by Hang Glider launch and landing spots but saw no gliders this day. We were fortunate to take a tour at the SETI (Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) radio observatory grounds. Before heading back to Butte Lake we continued north to view unique Burney Falls. The “Stand By Me” bridge from the famous the movie scene was nearby, but no visit this day. Before heading back to camp, we passed by the gas station at Old Station again. Oh, ice cream too!
Other Lassen Trips - Not Selected for the Event - CLICK HERE
You find excerpts from Peter Massey and Jeanne Wilson's great guidebook, Backcountry Adventures Northern California
- Antelope Mountain and Crater Lake Trail
- Susan River to Juniper Lake Trail
You find excerpts from Peter Massey and Jeanne Wilson's great guidebook, Backcountry Adventures Northern California
- Antelope Mountain and Crater Lake Trail
- Susan River to Juniper Lake Trail
Open Recreation Days - Tuesday & Thursday
A day for hiking, kayaking, biking, horseback riding, rest, relaxation, and seeing sights not included in our trail rides.
Tuesday evening: Our legendary Taco Night.
Useful Links
Lassen Volcanic National Park page
Trip Advisor's Lassen page
Visit California's Lassen page
Lassen Volcanic National Park page
Trip Advisor's Lassen page
Visit California's Lassen page
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Things to do while not in your Syncro:
Burney Falls
More info link:
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park page |
Burney Falls
The park's centerpiece is the 129-foot Burney Falls, which is not the highest or largest waterfall in the state, but possibly the most beautiful. Additional water comes from springs, joining to create a mist-filled basin. Burney Creek originates from the park's underground springs and flows to Lake Britton, getting larger along the way to the majestic falls. The park's landscape was created by volcanic activity as well as erosion from weather and streams. This volcanic region is surrounded by mountain peaks and is covered by black volcanic rock, or basalt. Created over a million years ago, the layered, porous basalt retains rainwater and snow melt, which forms a large underground reservoir. |
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Guided horseback rides are available to the public from riding stables at Lake Almanor about 65 miles from Camp Syncro. Trails lead through pines and along the lakeshore with of vistas, wildlife, and history.
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Kayaking or Canoeing
The region has several beautiful lakes for paddling with a canoe or a kayak including right by our campsite at Butte Lake. |