The Least Visited State Park in California is also the Most Peaceful

There's no arguing that California has some of the absolute best state parks in the country but in this article, we'll be highlighting one that is greatly underappreciated.

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If you've never heard of Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park, you are not alone. It is one of the least visited state parks in the country mainly due to the fact that it is only accessible by boat. However, the effort to get there is well worth it for the incredible amount of beauty hiding here.

Ahjumawi is located out in Shasta County about 3 hours north of Sacramento. If you don't own a boat, you can easily kayak here as well.

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The word Ahjumawi translates to "where the waters come together". The park is situated where several rivers, lakes, and creeks all intersect. It is also home to the country's largest freshwater springs. which produce 1.2 billion gallons of fresh water per day and they are remarkably crystal clear.

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Once you arrive, you'll feel as if you've found a hidden oasis and popular activities here include swimming, hiking, and camping.

Photo byKarl Newman

Along this 4-mile-long strip, you'll find plenty to explore including old farmhouses, abandoned structures, and all kinds of fascinating volcanic rock formations including the black basalt lava flows that were deposited up to 5,000 years ago. They will truly make you feel like you've landed on another planet.

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If you're looking for a relaxing outdoor escape free from large crowds and noise, Ahjumawi may be the perfect destination for you. To learn more, be sure to check out the park's official page here.