Ep 7. Portal to the Underworld

In season 1, episode 7 of Mysteries at the National Parks, viewers are taken on a journey to explore the strange and eerie happenings at Lassen Volcanic National Park in California. The episode is titled Portal to the Underworld, and it delves into the unusual geological features of the park's landscape, which some believe hold a connection to the world of the dead.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to various experts who share their theories and experiences with the park's mysterious phenomena. These include geologists who explain the unique composition of the park's rock formations and volcanic activity, as well as park rangers who recount strange encounters while on duty.

One of the main focuses of the episode is the park's infamous Devil's Kitchen, a geothermal area that emits sulfurous gases and boiling mud pots. Viewers will learn about the legends surrounding this area, which some believe to be a gateway to the underworld. Visitors to the Devil's Kitchen have reported feeling a sense of unease and even hearing strange whispers or moaning sounds.

Another area of interest explored in the episode is the park's subsurface hydrothermal systems, which some believe to be connected to the world of the dead. The park is home to several underwater caves and streams that have yet to be fully explored, and some believe that these hold the key to unlocking the mysteries of the park's geological and supernatural phenomena.

Throughout the episode, viewers will also learn about the Native American legends and folklore surrounding the park, which include stories of a great flood that swept through the area and left behind a network of hidden underground tunnels and caves. Some believe that these tunnels are still accessible today and may hold the answers to the park's many mysteries.

The episode concludes with a visit to the park's Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, where viewers are introduced to a unique sound installation that aims to capture the mysterious and otherworldly sounds of the park. Visitors, including park rangers and Native American elders, share their experiences with the soundscape and discuss its connection to the park's supernatural phenomena.

Overall, Mysteries at the National Parks season 1, episode 7 is a fascinating exploration of the strange and unearthly happenings at Lassen Volcanic National Park. With stunning footage and insightful commentary from experts and locals, viewers are sure to be left with a sense of wonder and curiosity about this mysterious and otherworldly place.