Lassen Volcanic
National Park

Lassen Volcanic became a national park in 1916 because of its significance as an active volcanic landscape. Lassen Peak began erupting in 1914, had the most significant activity in 1915, and had minor activity until 1921. 

All four types of volcanoes in the world are found in Lassen's 106,000 acres.

Visitation Highest in August; lowest in March (due to snow)

Location

     Address

Northeast California, USA

Lassen Volcanic National Park
Post Office Box 100
Mineral, California 96063-0100
Telephone (530) 595-4444
TDD phone for the hearing impaired, (530) 595-3480.
Operating Hours

The park is open year-round, however, access is difficult in winter and spring due to snow. The best time of the year to visit the park for hiking and car touring is August and September. The best time of the year to visit for cross country skiing and snowshoeing is January, February and March.

Snow covers the higher elevations into July. During heavy snow years, snow may remain through August. Please call park headquarters for road and condition updates. Campgrounds, trails, and roads may open late during years of heavy snowfall.
 
Climate & Clothing Snow covers much of the park mid October through mid June. The Lassen Park Road (the main road that connects Hwy. 89) is usually closed late October through mid June. During years of heavy snowfall, the road may open significantly later. Please call the park for road and condition updates. The months of July, August, and September may bring mostly sunny skies with warm daytime temperatures and cool nighttime temperatures. Afternoon thunderstorms are likely, especially in late summer.
Directions Fifty miles east of Red Bluff on highway 36, and 50 miles east of Redding on highway 44.
Transportation

To Park: the best access to the park is by private automobile. Auto rental services are available in Redding, Red Bluff, Chico, Susanville or Reno. Greyhound and Trailways bus lines serve cities within 60 miles of the park. Major airlines serve Redding, Chico and Reno. 

In Park: private automobile, and bicycle.
 
Fees & Rates Ten dollars for one private non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers for seven days, five dollars for one individual when entering by foot, bicycle, or taxi for seven days. Call (530) 595-4444 ext. 5184 for group fees and other fee information. Golden Access, Golden Age, and Golden Eagle passports honored.
Facilities & Opportunities
    Visitor Centers & Exhibits The Loomis Museum, near Manzanita Lake, is open weekends from late May to mid June. It is open daily from mid June to late September, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    Roads & Trails The Lassen Park Road (the main road that connects Hwy. 89) runs 29 miles south-north through the park, and is usually open mid June through mid October, weather dependent. Contact park headquarters for current information. There are three access roads into other areas of the park: Butte Lake Road (six miles -- gravel), Juniper Lake Road (13 miles -- gravel), and the Warner Valley Road (14 miles of paved road, then 3 miles of gravel). The Warner Valley and Butte Lake roads are usually open June through late October. The Juniper Lake road is usually open early July to late October.
    Programs & Activities Ranger-Led programs are offered late June through late August. Snowshoe programs are offered to the public on Saturdays, usually mid January to late March or early April. Dial extension 5133 or 5132 for more information.
   Camping & Lodging One facility offers lodging in the park: Drakesbad Guest Ranch. Call (530) 529-9820 for information and reservations for Drakesbad. There are eight campgrounds in the park. Groups must camp in one of two group campgrounds (Lost Creek or Juniper Lake). Reservations for the group campgrounds are required and must be made in advance. Please dial extension 5155 for information on group camping. All other park campgrounds operate on a first come, first served basis; no reservations can be made.
    Food & Supplies The Lassen Chalet and Manzanita Lake Camper Store operate daily in the summer months and offer food and gifts.
   Other Concessions Park headquarters in Mineral offers information and publications year-round. The Loomis Museum offers information and publications in the summer months.
    Accessibility The Loomis Museum and Park Headquarters are accessible. The Devastated Area Interpretive Trail and certain Ranger-Led programs are accessible.
Reservations A backcountry permit is required for overnight camping outside of campgrounds. Contact park headquarters in advance for an application for a permit at extension 5134. School groups need to make reservations well in advance for Ranger-Led activities, contact extension 5133 or 5132.
Basic Visit Allow at least three hours to drive across the park and to make stops. Allow at least two days to hike some of the spectacular trails.
Nearby Attractions Lassen National Forest surrounds the park. Call (530) 258-2141 or (530) 336-5521 for information on Lassen National Forest.
Additional Information Write to the Superintendent, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Post Office Box 100, Mineral, California 96063-0100. 

Last Updated: Thursday, 22-Jul-99 
http://www.nps.gov/lavo/