Watch as Millions of Butterflies Fly over Lassen Peak During Yearly Migration

If you hiked to the summit of Lassen Peak in the Fall, you were probably one of the lucky visitors to encounter millions of California Tortoiseshell Butterflies. They ride the warm air currents up into the lunar terrain of the young volcanic crater.

Nymphalis californica are a winter-hibernating species — in California, most often in the Central Valley or Inner Coast range. During summer months, they undertake a seasonal migration — often traveling to the higher elevations of the Klamaths, Sierra Nevada, and the Cascades. Their larva feed almost exclusively on species of Ceanothus and occasionally massive population booms can occur, resulting in near-epic numbers in migratory groups, making an amazing viewing party for hikers. See for yourself:

Summiting Mt Lassen we were swarmed by thousands of beautiful butterflies. It was magic.

A post shared by MTN+SEA (@mtnseatravel) on Aug 5, 2017 at 11:16pm PDT

This is at Lassen Peak, the top of a volcano. 10,500 feet. It’s the California Tortoiseshell Butterfly Migration. The video doesn’t really do it justice. Just imagine 1000’s of butterflies surrounding you.

A post shared by L-no (@magical.universe) on Aug 5, 2017 at 6:57pm PDT

Millions upon millions #butterflys #lassenpeak #plugdome #lassenvolcanicnationalpark

A post shared by Jeff Gershik (@jeffgershik) on Aug 5, 2017 at 5:37pm PDT

Make sure you schedule your hike to the top of Lassen Peak next fall to see this incredible event!