On our vacation/ anniversary trip to Redding, California we decided to take a trip in and around Mount Lassen Volcanic Park. It’s possible to start in Redding and travel to the park area or go to the Red bluff area and travel that way. We decided to travel from highway 36 in Red Bluff and make a counterclockwise trip which brought us back to Redding on highway 44 rather than the other way around.

We started out mid-morning for our mini road trip rather than early. We were lazy. Of course you can’t expect much when you are on vacation and you don’t have to march to the beat of any specific drum. The drive from Redding was pleasant and getting off the freeway and traveling on highway 36 was a nice treat. Many wonderful sights on a panoramic highway.

As we got closer to the park, we became hungry. We didn’t eat breakfast. Sigh Along the way we entered the city of Mineral, California. Not much of a city by current standards however, it did remind me of my childhood road trip travels. Quaint, quiet and a wonderful place for adventure.

We stopped at the Mineral Lodge Restaurant for a bite to eat. Upon entering, the dining area was open and bright. Off to the right was an outdoor patio area which looked inviting. To the left in a separate room was the bar. The air was cool and pleasant. The décor was eclectic. A little bit of this that and the other hanging on the walls or placed around the room. Antique sort of items. Kind of like an afterthought of decoration. In the middle was a souvenir section with the usual shirts and stuff. There were many eye catching items around the room which was nice eye candy.

We sat down and were promptly greeted by a lovely young lady that appeared to be related to the people who worked there. Come to think of it, it looked as though it were a family run restaurant where everyone pitches in. Our order was taken and drinks were quickly brought to quench our thirst.

We didn’t wait long; our server brought our order quickly. In some places like this, you wait because the people are in the resort mode. Slow. The food was good and the portions were above average. The prices were reasonable for that area considering trucking in food and supplies does add to the transportation costs and the bottom line. One would think the prices would be out of line for the area but that wasn’t the case. The prices were about the same as Redding eateries. It was a welcome stop on our trip and a nice place to stop.

The people were friendly, the food was cooked to perfection and we were stuffed. I’m not sure if it was because of the altitude or the amount of food. At that point it would have been nice to take a nap. HA! Well enough of that. It was time to get on the road and continue our trip. Needless to say we didn’t eat dinner that night because of the sumptuous lunch we had. Yawn… Oh my.

If you happen by this place you should stop if for no other reason to pop in and look at the décor. There is a general store and if you like, you can spend the night in the motel or the campground. There is a lot to do in the area if you are so inclined. All in all, the experience was wonderful and if we ever make another road trip to the area, we will be certain to stop for a bite to eat and maybe hang out for a day or two exploring the area. Well, it’s off the park for another adventure.