By Lauren Himiak
National & State Parks Expert
Overview:
From 1914 to 1915, Lassen Volcano
had more than 150 eruptions. On May 19 1915, the mountaintop finally
exploded pouring lava into the 1914 crater. Eruptions of steam, ash, and
tephra continued until June 1917. Since 1921, it has remained quiet and
the park was designated to preserve its natural beauty and deep
history.
History:
Proclaimed as Lassen Peak and
Cinder Cone National Monuments on May 6, 1907, Lassen Volcanic National
Park was established on August 9, 1916. Wilderness designated on October
19, 1972.
When to Visit:
The park is open year-round
but keep in mind that road access in the park is restricted due to snow
coverage fall through late spring. The best time of the year to visit
the park for hiking and scenic drives
is August and September. If you are looking for cross country skiing
and snowshoeing, plan a trip in January, February and March.
Getting There:
Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in Northeastern California and contains five separate entrances to the park:
Northwest Entrance: From Redding, CA: The entrance is
approximately 50 miles east on Highway 44. From Reno, NV: The is
approximately 180 miles west via 395 and Highway 44.
Southwest Entrance:
From Red Bluff, CA: The entrance is approximately 45 miles east on
Highway 36 From Reno, NV: The entrance is 160 miles west of Reno, Nevada
via 395 and Highway 36.
Butte Lake: Access to the Butte Lake area is via a dirt road off Hwy 44 east of Old Station.
Juniper Lake: Access to Juniper Lake is via a partially paved road north of Chester off Hwy 36.
Warner Valley: Access to Warner Valley is via a partially paved road north of Chester off Hwy 36. Follow
the signs to Drakesbad Guest Ranch.
The nearest major airports include Sacramento, CA (165 miles away) and Reno, NV (180 miles away).
Fees/Permits:
A
vehicle pass is required for all vehicles entering park. The cost is
$10 which is valid for 7 days at the park, as well as Whiskeytown
Recreation Area. For those visitors traveling by foot, bike, or
motorcycle, the fee is $5.
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If you plan on visiting the park more
than once during a year, you may want to consider getting an annual pass
to the park. For $25 you will have a year to visit the park and
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area as much as you want. Passes may be
purchased as park entrance stations mid-May through October. During
other times, passes may purchased at park entrance stations on weekends
only, or at park headquarters in Mineral midweek. The pass is also
available on-line or by mail. To order by mail, call (530) 595-6120 or
write to Lassen Volcanic National Park, Fee Program, PO Box 100,
Mineral, CA 96063. Include a phone number or email address, shipping
address, and the number of passes requested with a check or money order
made payable to the National Park Service.
If you already have an America the Beautiful pass, the entrance fee will be waived. /p>
Things to Do:
There are more than 150 miles of hiking trails within the park, as well as eight campgrounds. Other activities include birdwatching, boating, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding,
and ranger-led programs. Winter activities (typically November-May)
include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The 2,650-mile Pacific
Crest National Scenic Trail, which runs from Mexico to Canada through three western states, passes through the park, offering further opportunities for long-distance hikes.
The park also offers a wide variety of Ranger-led and Junior Ranger programs throughout the summer and winter seasons. A schedule of events is available at the official NPS site.
Major Attractions:
Lassen Peak:
This strenuous hike offers stunning views of the Cascade Mountains and
the Sacramento Valley. At the top of the mountain it’s easy to picture
the devastation of the 1915 eruption.
Bumpass Hell: A shorter 3-mile (round-trip) hike to the park's largest hydrothermal (hot water) area.
Main Park Road:
This road offers opportunity for a scenic drive, access to several of
the most popular hiking trails, and grand views of Lassen Peak, Brokeoff
Mountain, and the Devastated Area.
Brokeoff Mountain: If you are a bird watcher, check out the peaks between Brokeoff Mountain and Lassen Peak for over 83 species of birds.
Accommodations:
Eight
campgrounds are available for visitors. All have a 14-day limit except
Summit Lake-North and Summit Lake-South, both of which have a 7-day
limit. Most sites are open from late May through September and re
available on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers interested in
spending a night in the backcountry should obtain a free wilderness
permit at any contact station during regular operating hours. You may
also request a permit in advance (at least 2 weeks) online.
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Within the park, visitors may also stay at Drakesbad Guest Ranch for a secluded getaway.
Pets:
While pets are not allowed in park buildings, you can bring your dog so long as you follow the guidelines below:
- Pets must be on a leash less than six feet long at all times
- Pets are permitted only on established roadways, campgrounds, picnic areas and other developed areas
- Pets under physical restraint are permitted overnight in developed campgrounds.
- Pets are not permitted on trails, boardwalks, in the backcountry, or in any body of water.
- Pets can be left unattended in vehicles. However, if hazardous conditions exist, such as hot weather, owners can be cited for endangering an animal
- Pets cannot be left unattended AND tied to an object, except in designated areas
- Please clean up after your pet and take responsibility for its behavior
These
regulations do not apply to Seeing Eye dogs accompanying visually
impaired persons or other guide animals for disabled individuals. Be
sure to ask at the Visitor Center or the Loomis Museum about trails
outside the park where you can hike with your pet or for a list of pet
boarding facilities in the area.
Contact Info:
Write to:
Lassen Volcanic National Park
P.O. Box 100
Mineral, CA 96063-0100
Lassen Volcanic National Park
P.O. Box 100
Mineral, CA 96063-0100
Phone: (530) 595-4480
