Drakesbad Guest Ranch and
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

In a secluded area of Mt. Lassen
Volcanic National Park sits a getaway that takes you away from the bustle of city life and leaves you in a wilderness that is quiet, relaxing, and in a world all its own. As we check-in at the Drakesbad Guest Ranch, the only lodging (besides camping) available in the Park area. It's such a popular place that reservations are required and taken a year in advance.

First settled by German immigrant E.R. Drake in the 1860s, the Drakesbad Guest Ranch is a unique travel destination that has visitors from all over the world rushing to its doors. Situated in a beautiful meadow, Drakesbad will take you back to a time without electricity and the intrusions of modern technology. Visitors can choose to stay in a private cabin, a shared cabin, or in the main guest lodge, which are all equipped with lanterns and bedding. Visitors will enjoy fresh healthy home cooked meals that are served in a warm candlelight-dining house where the chefs will cater to your needs. There are no televisions, no radios, and no electronic devices of any kind. Instead guests can get to know each other by roasting marshmallows around the giant campfire, play a board game or read, or experience a clear view of the starry night sky.

With the Drakesbad being located within Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, it offers the best out door activity nature has to offer. You can swim in the nearby hot springs that bubbles up from the earth at a natural 100 degrees, take a horseback ride through a meadow, or grab lunch take a trail at all of the geological wonders this volcanic park has to offer.

Join reporter Pam Turse for a hike to Devil's Kitchen, where Park Ranger Steve Zachary show her the natural wonders that will leave guests bubbling with excitement. At 5700 feet elevation, the entire area of Mt. Lassen is live with active volcanoes. Devil's Kitchen is covered with mud pots and thermals that will amaze your eyes and tickle your nose. This experience is truly an outdoor adventure that will relax your mind, body and soul while rekindling that relationship with nature.

Drakesbad Guest Ranch is 17 miles from the small town of Chester and is only accessible in the summer months. For more information visit www.drakesbad.com.

For information about Mt. Lassen Park visit www.nps.gov/lavo.