Lassen Volcanic National Park 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.

 

 

 

 

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Basic Information For Lassen Volcanic National Park

Operating Hours and Operating Seasons for Lassen Volcanic National Park
Summer: Park Headquarters 8am-4:30pm, Mon-Fri, closed on holidays.
Loomis Museum 8am-5pm, 7 days a week.
Southwest Information Station 9am-4pm
Park Headquarters 8am-4:30pm, Mon- Fri, closed for holidays

How to Get to Lassen Volcanic National Park

Nearest Airport to Lassen Volcanic National Park - Major airlines serve Redding and Chico, California as well as Reno, Nevada

How to Drive to Lassen Volcanic National Park - The best access to the park is by private automobile. Auto rental services are available in Redding, Red Bluff, Chico, Susanville or Reno. Fifty miles east of Red Bluff on highway 36, and 50 miles east of Redding on highway 44.

Weather & Climate
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 trail condition updates. Many of the main park attractions are snow covered and inaccessible by car and foot during the winter. The months of July, August, and September may bring mostly sunny skies with warm daytime temperatures and cold nighttime temperatures.

Accessibility
The Loomis Museum and park headquarters are accessible. The Devastated Area Interpretive Trail and certain naturalist programs are accessible.

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Where to Stay at Lassen Volcanic National Park

Camping at Volcanic National Park

Butte Lake
6100' in elevation. Located 6 miles south on dirt road via Highway 44 East, and 17 miles from Old Station. Accomodates trailers to 35'. # of sites: 42 Daily Fee : $10 Boat launch, fishing, and swimming are available. Bearproof boxes are available.

Crags
5700' in elevation. Located 5 miles south of Manzanita Lake. Accomodates trailers to 35' . # of sites : 45 Daily Fee : $8 Potable water and bearproof boxes are available.

Juniper Lake
6792' in elevation. Located on the east shore of Juniper Lake via rough dirt road leading 13 miles north of Chester. Not recommended for trailers. # of sites : 18 Daily Fee : $10 Swimming and bearproof boxes are available.

Juniper Lake - Group Site (By Reservation Only)
Open Summer
At 6745 foot elevation, Juniper Lake campground is located on the east shore of Juniper Lake, one mile from the ranger station. It is reached via 13 miles of oiled and dirt road leading north from the town of Chester. The last six miles of road into Juniper Lake is dirt, very rough and not recommended for buses, motor homes or trailers. There are two sites which can accomodate groups of 10-15 people each. Parking is available for no more than 3 vehicles. Tents only are allowed. Pit toilets, picnic tables and fire rings are provided. No water is available. Cost is $30 per night.

Lost Creek - Group Site (By Reservation Only)
Open Summer
At 5700 foot elevation, Lost Creek is located 4.5 miles south of Manzanita Lake on the Lassen Park Road. The campground has 9 groups sites and will accomodate 10-25 people. Groups exceeding 25 persons will be assigned additional sites. Parking is available for 4 cars or one bus per site. Tents only are allowed. Rvs must use regular campgrounds. Pit toilets and water are available. Cost is $45 per night.

Manzanita Lake
Open Summer
5890' in elevation. Located adjacent to and south of Manzanita Lake. Accomodates trailers to 35' . # of sites: 179 Daily Fee : $14 Potable water, boat launch, fishing, swimming, ranger-led programs and bearproof boxes are available. Pay phone, food, showers, laundromat, and gift shop are located at the Camper Store.

Southwest Walk-In
Open All Year
6700' in elevation. Located on the east side of Lassen Chalet parking area (near Southwest Entrance Station). RVs may park overnight in the Lassen Chalet parking lot for $8 per night and should register at the campground. # of sites: 21 Daily Fee : $12 Potable Water and flush toilets are available from 5/25/00 to 09/25/00. Ranger-Led Programs are conducted. Pay Phone is located year round nearby at the Lassen Chalet. Food and Gift Shop is located nearby at the Lassen Chalet (summer only).

Stock Corrals - Group Site (By Reservation Only)
Open Summer
At 6695 foot elevation, Stock Corrals are located 12 miles south of Manzanita Lake at Summit Lake and at Juniper Lake 13 miles north of the town of Chester.There is 1 corral, which can be divided into 2, if needed, with a maximum of 8 animals. Parking is available for 2 trailers. Stock parties must camp at the corral campsite. Only one stock party is assigned to the corral at one time. Owners must bring own feed. NO GRAZING. Scoop manure, and place in container at site. Water is available for stock only. Cost is $4 per animal, and $6 per campsite per night.

Summit Lake North
Open Summer
6695' in elevation. Located 12 miles south of Manzanita Lake, 17.5 miles north of Soutwest Entrance. Accomodates trailers to 35'. # of sites : 46 Daily fee : $14 Potable water, swimming, and ranger-led programs

Summit Lake South
Open Summer
'6695 in elevation. Located 12 miles south of Manzanita Lake, and 17.5 miles north of Southwest Entrance. # of sites : 48 Daily Fee : $12 Potable water, swimming and Ranger-Led Programs are available.

Warner Valley
Open Summer
5650' in elevation. Located 1 mile west of Warner Valley Ranger Station via dirt road, and 17 miles north of Chester. Not recommended for trailers. # of sites : 18 Daily Fee : $12 Potable water, fishing in stream, and bearproof boxes are available.

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What to Do at Lassen Volcanic National Park

Activities and More Information
The Lassen Chalet is one of the great old National Park lodges. I stayed here when I was in my young teens with my family and it was quite an experience. The Chalet is as you would expect, an old National Park lodge. You will not, however, find the modern conveniences that you find in many places these days, but there is something to be said for getting back to the basics.