Alex Kim
Google
This extinct volcano is a pretty cool spot to hike, but beware that the dirt road gets a little sporty for the last 1 mile. Yes, you will have to keep driving on the "left road/path" beyond what google maps will tell you... the road basically goes left around the volcano and ends somewhere on the North / Northwest side of the volcano. There is a little cement parking lot, some picnic tables and a path with some stairs that will take you up the volcano from the less steep side... took me 30 minutes to climb the trail. There are NO stores or restrooms here so bring your own drinks and food in the town prior to coming here...do not litter (blue signs everywhere reminding you), there is a big trash can in the start of the trailhead. Do not take any rocks from the mountain, may upset some god, may be bad luck. I know, it's tempting, so many black lava rocks, but don't take them!
Getting here: Follow what google maps tells you. The road will "disappear" from google maps, but keep driving on the far left path that hugs the mountain/volcano...keep driving...it gets a little rough, but do-able in a car if you go slow (specially in the last 1 mile). From the time to leave the mini town to the end of the road, it's probably 30-60 minutes depending on your pace. It will feel like there is no end or nothing ahead, but there will be a mini cement parking lot. Don't come here if it rained or snowed 2 days prior...the black dirt road is probably impassable, but if it's dry it will be fine.
TIP: Feeling like hiking? Honestly, once the road "ends" in google maps, you could park off the road and just follow the road by walking....definitely faster than driving. It's about 1/2 mile to the start of the trailhead. This last 1/2 mile of "unchartered google maps road" is a little sporty to drive, but do-able if you must drive.
