Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [261]
A mere 9 miles south of the park's southern entrance, this family-owned and -operated lodge (established in 1896) offers a homey atmosphere in a delightful forest setting. The motel-style rooms, constructed in the 1940s, are comfortable. Most have king or queen beds; several larger rooms also have two twin beds and kitchenettes, making them a good choice for families. In summer, the lodge is almost always bustling with guests and customers who venture into the gift shop, general store, and full-service restaurant and bar (see "Where to Dine," below). There's good fishing within walking distance. Also on the property is a full-service RV park and campground (call for current rates).
Mill Creek Resort
Calif. 172 (3 miles south of Calif. 36), Mill Creek, CA 96061. ☎ 888/595-4449 or 530/ 595-4449. www.millcreekresort.net. 9 cabins. $60–$85 cabin. No credit cards. Pets accepted.
Set deep in the forest, the Mill Creek is a rustic mountain retreat that is well off the beaten path. A homey country general store and diner serve as the resort's center, a good place to stock up on food while exploring Lassen Volcanic National Park. The housekeeping cabins, available on a daily or weekly basis, are basic but cute, furnished with rustic wooden lodgepole beds. All of the cabins have kitchens. The RV campground here is open May through October.
The Weston House
Red Rock Rd., 1½ miles south of Calif. 44 off Shingletown Ridge Rd. (P.O. Box 276), Shingletown, CA 96088. ☎ 530/474-3738. www.westonhouse.com. 6 units (4 with private bathroom). $145–$250 double. Rates include full breakfast. MC, V.
Located 19 miles west of Lassen's northwest entrance, the Weston House is a modern B&B in a spectacular location. Sumptuous views of the upper Sacramento Valley abound, from each room and from the massive redwood deck, which has a lap pool and whirlpool tub. The rooms are uniquely decorated with antiques and art. The most luxurious unit is spacious Jennifer's Room, with a full private bathroom, queen-size and twin beds, sofa, love seat, TV/VCR, wet bar, wood stove, and patio. The gourmet breakfast menu might include frittatas or croissant French toast, accompanied by fresh fruit and beverages. The entire inn is nonsmoking.
Where to Dine
INSIDE THE PARK
The only sit-down restaurant in the park (besides the Drakesbad Guest Ranch; see "Where to Stay," above) will be at the new Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, scheduled to open in fall 2007. There's also a snack bar, with sandwiches, hot dogs, and the like, at the Manzanita Lake Camper Store (☎ 530/335-7557), at the park's north entrance. It's open late May to early October, daily from 8am to 7pm in midsummer, 9am to 4pm at the beginning and end of the season.
NEAR THE PARK
Restaurant choices in the area are limited. The best approach may be to stay at a B&B or lodge that offers meals or to book a room (or stay at a campsite) where you can prepare your own. See "Where to Stay" and "Camping," above.
A few eateries are fairly close to the park, primarily in Chester and on the shores of Lake Almanor. From the south entrance, the closest restaurant is the Lassen Mineral Lodge (see "Where to Stay," above), which serves basic American fare—try the barbecued pork ribs— plus a few Italian, Mexican, and vegetarian items. It offers both indoor and outdoor dining. You can also head southeast on Calif. 36 to Chester and dine at the Knotbumper, 274 Main St. (☎ 530/258-2301), one of the area's better restaurants, which serves eclectic gourmet lunches and dinners. Another local favorite in Chester is the Kopper Kettle, 243 Main St. (☎ 530/258-2698), which specializes in breakfast fare, especially pancakes that fill an entire plate.
On the Lake Almanor Peninsula, Tantardino's, 401 Ponderosa Dr. (☎ 530/ 596-3902), is a time-tested pizzeria and Italian restaurant. A great lunch spot is BJ's BBQ & Deli, 3881 SR A-13 (☎ 530/596-4210), which also serves prime rib on Friday evening. For a fancy dinner, locals head to the Lake Almanor