One of the original concepts that the national parks were to be small in size. For Lassen Volcanic National Park it was true to form, and to some extent it still is. When created in 1916,  the total acreage was 80,050 acres.  There is some discrepancy as the Interior Department noted that it was 79, 561 acres and that included 880 acres private inside the park’s boundary. One of most visited spots visited today at Lassen is Manzanita :ale, which was not included  in the initial park.

In 1928, the Lassen Volcanic National Park Association was formed to correct the boundary issue. These were of an assorted geographical features and one historic one–Nobles Emigrant Trail. Lassen National Forest opposed the so-clled “land grab.” Park officials prevailed and on January 19, 1929 25,192 acres was added to the park. It was not until 1931 the Park purchased Manzanita Lake from Pacific Gas & Electric.

While this was good news, there were other obstacles to overcome. Some of major attractions inside the park were privately owned-Devils Kitchen/Drakesbad, Juniper Lake and Supan Sulfur Works. More on that later.

Tim