Butte Lake Science Exploration

On September 27^th thru the 30^th Oroville High Science Ambassador had the great pleasure to go on a camping and science expedition. We stayed four days at Butte Lake in Lassen National Park. I would like to thank the Lassen Park Foundation, Lassen National Park and Oroville High School Site Council. Without this support our trip would have not been possible. 

During this trip we explored the underground network of lava tubes at Subway Caves. 

Subway Caves were formed from a lava flow that formed 20,000 years ago from the hat creek flow.














The Lava flowed through these tubes and over time drained away leaving behind Subway Cave. 

After leaving subway caves we headed to Butte Lake located in the north east corner of Lassen National Park.

The early part of the afternoon was spent setting up camp. Many of our students had never had the experience of setting up a tent before, so this was a great learning experience.







After setting up camp it was time to explore. As a group we hiked to Bath Tube Lake. During this trip we collected water samples and explored the ecology of the lake.

When we returned from Bath Tube Lake we looked at our collected water samples.  

                                                                                 

                       On the morning of the 28th the Science Ambassadors hiked  up  Cinder Cone volcano. For many of our students this hike proved very challenging but also very  rewarding. This hike is very steep (~30% grade)  and footing is like walking on a sandy beach. Even with these challenges, every Science Ambassador was able to make it up to the top of Cinder Cone. The view from the top was very rewarding. The view provides sights of four different volcano types. It is one of the few places on Earth where four types of volcanoes can be viewed in one vista. For Mr. Johnston it was a great opprotunity to lecture about volcano types and how each type was made.  

Cinder Cone

The Long Hike Up

Inside the Caldera of Cinder Cone



Painted Dunes Fantastic Lava Flow

View from Cinder Cone Lassen Peak and Snag Lake

Lassen Peak

Science Ambassador and Cinder Cone

 During the afternoon we had the great pleasure of welcoming Steve Zackery to our campsite. Steve gave us an overview of Lassen National Park and talked about fire ecology. Thank you very much Steve.

On Saturday the 29th the Science Ambassadors spent the day exploring Butte Lake by kayak. Kayaking the lake gave the Science Ambassadors an view of the fantastic lava and a chance to explore the lakes ecological web close up.

On sunday the 30th the Science Ambassadors packed up camp and headed back to Oroville. What a great trip. Thank you everyone that helped with this trip.