A peek at an explosive peak Aug 9, 2020

We"re looking at Lassen Peak, a volcano also known as Mount Lassen, and its reflection in Manzanita Lake. This stunning scene can be found in Northern California"s Lassen Volcanic National Park, which was established on this day in 1916. The volcano erupted between 1914 and 1917 (with some activity as late as 1921), but these days the surrounding area is a calm destination of trails, lakes, and stark lava beds. One of the least visited parks, Lassen was the first national park in California to fully reopen after being closed for COVID-19, although it implemented some restrictions to park services and facilities. The park also includes acres of mud pots, hot springs, steam vents, and fumaroles to remind you of the heat that"s below you, including Boiling Springs Lake—one of the largest boiling lakes in the world at over 500 feet wide.

© Engel Ching/Shutterstock

palette

Today in History

Aug 9, 2018Ruins of Inca temples and terraces on Huayna Picchu, Peru
Aug 9, 2019In the Supertree Grove
Aug 9, 2021A tribute to the ancestors
Aug 9, 2022International Day of the World s Indigenous Peoples
Aug 9, 2023International Day of the Worlds Indigenous Peoples
Aug 9, 2024International Day of the Worlds Indigenous Peoples
Aug 9, 2025International Day of the Worlds Indigenous Peoples

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Nov 1, 2020Native American Heritage Month
Nov 6, 2025Celebrating Yi Peng
Sep 22, 2020Happy Hobbit Day
Oct 21, 2023International Archaeology Day
Jan 22, 2021Cold? What cold?
Dec 13, 2023Svolvaer, Lofoten Islands, Norway
Dec 28, 2018A species no longer at risk
Apr 6, 2019Make way for robots
Jul 4, 2019It s Independence Day
Nov 12, 2019Sleep tight, little hedgehog
Jun 8, 2021A day for our oceans
Feb 25, 2021Trevi in bloom
May 31, 2024Gunnerside, Yorkshire Dales National Park, England
Aug 22, 2020A monster view in Scotland
Dec 22, 2025The Nutcracker performed by the Turkish State Opera and Ballet in Türkiye
Jul 18, 2025Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida
Oct 4, 2025World Space Week
Aug 27, 2023Jeju Island, South Korea
Aug 27, 2022Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Washington
Jul 31, 2018Honoring the rangers on World Ranger Day
Mar 20, 2021It s time for spring
Mar 27, 2022World Theatre Day
Mar 12, 2021Ringing in the new year at Teotihuacan
Dec 9, 2025National Llama Day
Sep 27, 2020Take me to the river
Jun 26, 2020Beautiful baobabs
May 10, 2024Misool, Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia
Aug 12, 2023World Elephant Day
Nov 29, 2022Giving Tuesday
Nov 23, 2023Happy Thanksgiving!