Hey guys--
glad to see some action with this particular route, which I did this past October. If you're flexible on dates, I'd recommend doing this earlier in the season given the possibility of wildfire danger that definitely spikes come mid-summer. Honestly, Modoc and the warners may pose more of an issue with snow. I'd say in the next 3-4 weeks, we should have a good gauge of when the trails will be snow free. Lassen can be done by a stock 4x4 or event a sprinter 4x4. There are some bumpier parts near Black Rock, but nothing that is remotely technical. Modoc can be muddy, especially around fairchild swamp earlier in the season. Modoc and the Warners are on my short list of to dos. Everyone that I've spoken with that's done Modoc absolutely loves it.
If you end up doing Lassen, these are my camping recommendations:
- soldier meadows -- great camping area to start your adventure that's not far from the official start
- Black Rock campground-- if you can't find a site with enough room for the group, there are 3 larger dispersed spots up the mountain in this area --> 40.20791, -121.74452
- Brokeoff Meadows (absolutely spectacularly, especially if you can visit right after the snow has melted). If no availability at Brokeoff, the next canyon up (Blue Lake Canyon). As you drive deeper into the canyon there are a number of wide open areas great for groups to camp.
- Burney Mountain Area. This spot had protection from the winds and it was easy enough to go for a short walk out into the Lava fields with fantastic views of Burney Mountains --> 40.77494, -121.60818