• Lassen Peak from Hat Creek

    Lassen Volcanic

    National Park California

There are park alerts in effect.
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  • Road through the park is closed

    Park highway (HWY 89) is currently being cleared of snow, debris, and rocks. Anticipated opening for Memorial Weekend. More »

  • Park highway under construction near Sulphur Works

    Road crews are working to repair the road near Sulphur Works hydrothermal area. Road will be closed at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center during the week, and open to Sulphur Works on the weekends.

Wildland Fire

Hikers view smoke from a wildland fire
Visitors may see smoke from wildland fires on various park trails.
Amanda Sweeney
 
Thunderstorms are common during summer and fall in the Lassen area. Each year, lightning strikes result in wildland fires that help shape the Wilderness around the country. Each year, several of these lightning ignited fires are managed for the benefit of natural and cultural resources. Visitors to Lassen Volcanic National Park may see smoke from these fires from various park viewpoints.


Over 75 percent of Lassen Volcanic National Park is designated Wilderness. Lightning fires are allowed to burn in these particular zones, under specific conditions, and with close monitoring by park fire staff. Factors such as fire behavior, fuel loads, weather conditions, air quality, and potential threats to people and property are used to determine the ability to manage these fires.

Learn more about the recent lightning-ignited Reading Fire.
View Lassen Volcanic National Park's Fire Management Plan.

 

Did You Know?

picture of caldera inside cinder cone

All four types of volcanoes found in the entire world are represented in Lassen Volcanic National Park.  Volcanoes found in the park include shield (Prospect Peak), plug dome (Lassen Peak), Cinder Cone (Cinder Cone), and Composite (Brokeoff Volcano) volcanoes. More...