Sunflower Flat lies along a section of the Nobles Emigrant Trail in the northern part of the park. The route, established by William H. Nobles in 1852, carried emigrants west toward California during the Gold Rush era.
Details
- Type
- Historic Site
- Accessibility
- Limited accessibility
Overview
William H. Nobles established this route in 1852, and it was generally considered the easiest way into California. The full wagon route ran about 300 miles; 24 of those miles cross the northern edge of Lassen Volcanic National Park, and roughly 19 miles are now maintained as hiking trail. Emigrant use ended around 1869, after the Central Pacific Railroad offered an alternative. Faint wagon ruts remain visible in places, though vegetation has narrowed much of the path. The Nobles Emigrant Trail was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and is part of the California National Historic Trail.