In Lassen Volcano NP, 1 hour drive to get to Cinder Cone was worth it! Walked through volcanic sand to get to cone -- trail spiraled up cone at steep angle in very soft sand [hard to believe that this was from a 1665 eruption]. On top, walked around outer and inner cone, then down to its center -- very steep though short hike back up to top.
Shorter but climb was as tough as Barnabe and Castle Crags.
http://trans-americas.com/gallery/Airstream/10_Las...