Plan Your Visit

Lassen Volcanic National Park provides a wealth of fun activities that are as varied as the seasons of the park. Visit the accessibility page to learn more about accomodations and access or select a link below to learn more about planning your visit to Lassen.

 

 

Top Things To Know

Most of the park is open following the 2021 Dixie Fire

Learn more about what to expect when visiting after the 2021 Dixie Fire including unaffected areas, anticipated and current closures, and burned area safety.

Access, services, and activities vary considerably with each season

The summer season (July through September) is short, but affords to greatest access and selection of activities. The park is usually snow-covered in the winter months; road access is limited and nearly all activities involve snow. Learn about visiting in each season.

Pets are permitted only in developed areas

Leashed pets are welcome in parking areas, campgrounds, roadways and picnic areas. To protect park wildlife, pets are not permitted on park trails, including in carriers and on snow-covered routes. Be prepared to leave your pet in your vehicle (if conditions are appropriate). Learn more about visiting the park with pets.

Visitors have been severely injured by traveling too close or off trail in hydrothermal areas

Stay on sidewalks or boardwalks for your safety. Learn more about how to visit hydrothermal areas safely.

Cell service is limited and unreliable

Don't be surprised if you can't receive calls or texts in the park and the surrounding area. WiFi is available only at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center.

The 30-mile park highway is winding and traverses steep slopes

There are no guardrails on the historic highway. Observe posted speed limits and use pullouts to watch wildlife, take pictures, and let other cars pass. Be prepared to share the road with bicyclists. Learn more about driving the park highway.

Gas stations are limited in this remote area

Fill your gas tank in Red Bluff, Redding, Shingletown, or Susanville before traveling to the park. View a map of nearby stations. The one gas station in the park, located behind the Manzanita Lake Camper Store, is open late May through mid-October.

Parking areas fill up at the Loomis Plaza, Bumpass Hell, and Kings Creek Falls trailheads

Visit these popular areas during non-peak hours, before 9 am and after 3 pm, for the best chance of finding parking. Have an alternative ready if you are unable to park.

Many visitors feel symptoms of altitude sickness

The park ranges in elevation from 5,650 feet to 10,457 feet. Being active at high elevation can aggravate pre-existing medical conditions; however all visitors should be prepared to descend immediately if experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness including headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, confusion, pain behind the eyes, nausea.

Black bears and mountain lions inhabit the entire park

Sightings are not uncommon, however negative interactions with visitors and park wildlife are extremely rare. Learn more about general wildlife safety, black bear safety, and mountian lion safety. 

There is no public transportation to or in the park

Consider carpooling to save gas and improve park air quality. Carpool parking is available at Lassen Crossroads just outside the northwest entrance of the park.

 

NPS App Now Available

Download the new NPS App and save Lassen Volcanic National Park for offline use before you visit. Internet access in the park is extremely limited.