Sunflower Flat

A living history demonstration of emigrants at Sunflower Flat.

NPS

Quick Facts

Location:

Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway

Significance:

Point of Interest

Designation:

National Historic Place, Portion of California National Trail

Amenities

1 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

A commemorative plaque marks the Nobles Emigrant Trail which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. Twenty-four miles of the 300-mile-long wagon route skirt through the northern edge of the park. Most of the original route in the park remains intact, with about 19 miles established as hiking trails. Nature has narrowed much of the trail, but faint wagon ruts are still visible in some locations. A cut through the forest across the road from this spot is one section of the route in the park.

William H. Nobles created the Nobles Trail in 1852 when he joined the Gold Rush to California. The route was generally considered the easiest route into California. Pioneers traveled the route up until 1869 when the completion of the Central Pacific Railroad offered a new and easier method of travel.