Plan a Spring Visit: April - JuneThe most popular months to visit Lassen Volcanic are July, August, and September. That's when the park's roads, trails, and facilities are usually fully open. Weather and snowpackSpringtime can bring sunny skies or severe snowstorms. Expect a 5° temperature decrease for every 1,000 foot increase in elevation. View the weather forecast for each area prior to your visit. Roads and TrailsIn the spring, roads are not fully open for vehicles and active snow clearing opeartions are taking place to remove winter snow accumulation. You can access the northwest and southwest park entrances. From those locations, enjoy scenic vistas from a snow-covered landscape. Be sure to check the alerts and conditions page for up-to-date information before your visit to find out what roads are open right now. View previous highway opening dates and current road clearing progress on the spring road clearing page. Things to Do in SpringtimeGo for a Snowshoe Walk Services and LodgingInformation, supplies, food, and gifts are available only at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center November through mid-May. The visitor center is open Wednesday through Sunday, November through April and then daily May through October. The Loomis Museum, Manzanita Lake Camper Store, and Manzanita Lake Camping Cabins open in mid-May. Drakesbad Guest Ranch opens in early June, reservations are required and are often booked up to a year in advance for overnight stays. HikingWhile most of Lassen remains snow-covered through May and into June, some hikes in the Manzanita Lake and Butte Lake Areas can be snow-free by May, and most are usually snow-free by sometime in June, except in heavy snow years. Check on current trail status. However, as in winter, backpacking options are very limited. CampingThe Parking lot at the Southwest is open for self-contained vehicles, trailers or RVs. The Manzanita Lake Campground opens mid-May, depending on snow depth. Additional campgrounds open throughout June, as conditions allow. Outside the park, lower elevation campgrounds in the surrounding Lassen National Forest open as early as late-April. |
Last updated: May 2, 2024