Where is Lassen Volcanic National Park?
- 38050 Highway 36 East
Park Headquarters
Mineral, CA 96063
Lassen Volcanic National Park is found in the northwestern region of the United States, located in northern California. About seven miles east of the small town of Viola, this park is north of the major Californian cities like LA and San Francisco.
The closest sizeable city is Redding, which is an approximately 50-minute drive west from the park. State Highway 89 runs through the park but is often closed in the winter due to major snowfall. Reno, Nevada, is located two and a half hours southwest of the park.
How Big is Lassen Volcanic National Park?
The park sprawls across an impressive 106,452 square acres, entering the boundaries of several county lines, including Shasta, Lassen, Plumas, and Tehama counties. The park’s lowest point is at 5,275 feet above sea level, and its highest point is the top of Lassen Peak, which reaches 10,457 feet. The elevation is so high than many people can begin to experience altitude sickness, so visitors should be knowledgeable about the signs of this condition which range from fatigue to headaches.
Lassen Volcanic National Park Weather
The weather in Lassen Volcanic US National Park is colder than southern California, and when visiting the park, you should be prepared for cold weather no matter what time of year you go. Even in the average warmest month of the year, July, when typical highs hover around 77 degrees, the average low tends to be around 41 degrees, only nine degrees above the freezing point.
The average lows fall below freezing eight out of all 12 months of the year. The winter season brings the coldest temperatures, with February seeing an average low of 19 degrees and an average high of only 42. The amount of snowfall the area sees is 178.6 inches a year, and the winter season means some of the roads may be temporarily closed due to unsafe conditions.
When Did Lassen Volcanic Become a National Park?
Four Native American groups originally used the Lassen area to meet, and these groups included Atsugewi, Maidu, Yana, and Yahi. President Theodore Roosevelt designated Cinder Cone and Lassen Peak as national monuments in 1907, and the Lassen area was protected as forest preserve, initially. Nearly a decade later, Lassen Volcanic National Park officially came into existence, after undergoing several eruptions starting in 1914.
Things to Do in Lassen Volcanic National Park
Hiking
The National Park Service site stresses that trails are at their most accessible during the months of July through September. The famous Pacific Crest Trail passes through the park for 17 miles. The Summit Lake to Cluster/Twin Lakes Loop is an 11-mile hike in elevations of up to 7,200 feet. Our National Park Visitors Guide highlights some fun activities below.
Snowshoeing
Park rangers lead snowshoe hikes for visitors January through March each year, and snowshoes are provided for the duration of the trip. Be sure to check weather conditions as these hikes are occasionally cancelled at the last minute due to severe weather.
Ranger Programs
Besides snowshoeing, there are many other ranger-led programs you can choose to participate in. A public bird banding demonstration is held for visitors, during which visitors can see how the park’s natural resource team catches birds to track them during migratory periods.
Biking
While there are no designated bike paths in the park, cyclists are free to use the park highway and the campground roads for biking. In spring, there is a short period of time just after the roads have been cleared of winter snow when cyclists can use the 30 miles of highway while vehicles are not yet permitted. This event is known as “Hike and Bike the Highway.”
Geocaching
For visitors who like to explore and have a sense of adventure, geocaching is a fun way to visit various parts of the park. Using a geocaching app, you can find the GPS coordinates of boxes of small mementos left by previous guests. There are also special parkcaches that are available at limited times within the park.
Boating
While boats with engines are not allowed, non-powered devices are permitted at certain lakes including Butte Lake, Juniper Lake, Manzanita Lake, and Summit Lake. Canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards are available for rent at Manzanita Lake Camper Store.
Fishing
While the State of California organizes two free fishing days a year, at all other times, fishers over the age of 16 must have a fishing license. Visitors planning to fish will want to arrange to purchase a license before their trip to the park, as the license is not sold anywhere inside the park.
Horseback Rides
June through October, guided horseback riding is available through Drakesbad Guest Ranch. There are both two hour and eight-hour options available, and reservations are required.
Field Seminars
The park offers the opportunity to learn more about certain topics through its field seminars program. Some of the offerings include nature photography, night sky photography, and guided hikes. The seminars typically have a cost, so visitors should plan accordingly.
Dark Sky Festival
The park partners with groups like NASA, the Astronomical Society of Nevada, and Schreder Planetarium to host a festival celebrating the night sky. During the event, visitors can learn more about astronomy through presentations.
When to Go to Lassen Volcanic National Park
Visitors can enjoy Lassen Volcanic National Park anytime of the year, but the times of year offering the most options usually occur in summer and early fall, ranging from June through September. Cold temperatures are possible any time of the year, so visitors will want to pack accordingly in the event of cold weather spells.
For visitors who visit the park during the winter months, there are winter activities that are available. Sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding are just a couple of the options that are made possible due to the large amounts of snow the area experiences. Visitors should also be aware that avalanche forecasts are not available for the park, which means anyone trekking into the backcountry will need to be familiar with avalanche protocol, including bringing proper avalanche safety equipment.
Must-Have Things to Bring to Lassen Volcanic National Park
When visiting the park, there are certain things you should bring to make the most out of your trip and to make sure you are properly prepared for the park’s weather conditions.
Warm Clothing
List of Parks advises warm clothing is essential to your trip to the park. You will want to dress in layers, as this method of dressing keeps your body better insulated while also allowing you to remove layers as necessary throughout the day.
Downloadable Map
While you should bring a hard copy of a map as well, a downloadable map on your phone can help you better gauge your location at times when cell service is spotty, as is often the case.
Avalanche Gear
As the area is known to experience avalanches, visitors going into the backcountry need to carry gear such as beacons (to help safety responders locate you), probes (to help located others during an avalanche), and shovels (to help dig snow when necessary).
Lightweight Backpack
A lightweight backpack is a great idea for a day trip, as you can conveniently carry necessary items in it while out exploring.
Star Guide
The night sky views are known for being spectacular within the park. Bring a star guide so that you can finally learn the names of some constellations and maybe even see a few shooting stars.
Sled
Bring or rent a sled during your stay at the park. Sledding is a fun way to enjoy the scenery in the park during the cold, winter months.
Bicycle
Don’t forget to bring your bicycle with you. Especially if you are visiting the park right after the year’s main snowfall, a bicycle can help you enjoy the “Hike and Bike” event without worrying about oncoming traffic.
Friend
Bringing a companion with you is always a great idea for both safety reasons and to simply have another person to enjoy the scenery with. A friend also makes a convenient photographer for taking pictures at the tops of peaks.
Cell Phone
Likewise, carrying a charged cell phone with you is an essentially safety habit. Be advised that cell service is not available in many parts of the park, but you can download maps and weather information and also make calls in the event of an emergency.
Sunscreen
Even if you are visiting the park in the winter, the sun can be intense, and snowfall can reflect back on your skin. Carry sunscreen with you to protect yourself from skin damage and be sure to reapply frequently throughout the day.
Where to Stay in Lassen Volcanic National Park
Camping is a convenient option for visitors planning to stay a few nights in the park. There are eight campgrounds, with a few of them designated as “first come, first served.” For larger groups, group campsites are available at Butte, Manzanita, and Juniper Lake.
There are also lodging opportunities available outside of the park, including standard hotel chains and locally operated motels and inns. The city of Redding is under an hour west of the park and offers several of these options.
Food Nearby Lassen Volcanic National Park
The largest selection of food options is going to be found in Redding, with options ranging from the highly rated Punjabi Indian Food Restaurant to the healthy eatery called Le Testimony Organic Bistro. The Lassen Café and Gift Shop, located within the park, offers quick bites like soups, salads, and sandwiches as well as a variety of coffees.
Airports Near Lassen Volcanic National Park
The nearest international airport is Reno-Tahoe International Airport. This airport is located about two and a half hours southwest of the park, so visitors arriving by plane will want to rent a car for the most convenient transportation options once they arrive. Winter is the busiest time in the park, so purchase flights ahead of time for the best prices and greatest choice in travel dates.