Directions & Transportation

 

Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in northern California, approximately three hours northeast of Sacramento. The park has two entrance stations on either end of the 30-mile park highway. Three additional roads provide access to remote areas in the southeast and northeast corners of the park. Vehicle access is limited to one mile from the northwest and southwest entrances approximately November through May due to snow.

 

Getting Here

Most first-time visitors to the park begin by driving the 30-mile park highway. Begin your drive at the Northwest or Southwest Entrance. There is no public transportation into or within the park.

Visitor Center GPS Coordinates

There are few addresses within the park. For navigation purposes, you can use the visitor center addresses:

  • Loomis Museum (Northwest Entrance): 29489 Lassen National Park Hwy, Shingletown, CA 96088
  • Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center (Southwest Entrance): 21820 Lassen National Park Hwy, Mineral, CA 96063

Airports

The nearest airports are Redding, California; Sacramento, California; and Reno, Nevada.

 

Travel Tips

Fill Up Your Gas Tank Before You Enter the Park

Fuel stations are limited in this remote area; we strongly advise filling up your gas tank before entering the park. View a map for locations of gas stations adjacent to the park. Gas is available at the Manzanita Lake camper store 24-hours a day, approximately mid-May through early October (see exact dates).
Note - *Fuel may not be available at the Manzanita Lake Camper Store due to intermittent pump outages. There is no other fuel available inside the park. It is best to fill your tank at a nearby fuel station before arriving. Rangers cannot supply fuel for vehicles low or out of fuel.

Slow Down, Enjoy the Drive

The speed limit in Lassen Volcanic is 35 mph unless posted otherwise. Violators will be ticketed. Adhering to posted speed limits is a great way to help care for Lassen's wildlife and to increase your chances of spotting one of the many creatures that call Lassen home.

Use Pullouts to Let Others Pass

By all means, please enjoy the view. If you're going to drive below the speed limit, please use pullouts to let others pass. There is only one highway in the park and there on no passing areas in its 30-mile stretch. Keep in mind that drivers may be looking to get from once place to another (e.g. campground or trailhead) and not just enjoying the views.

Give 3 Feet to Bicyclists

There are no bike lanes and few shoulders on the park highway. California law requires drivers give three feet as they pass bicyclists on the road. Can't give three feet? Treat the bicyclist as you would a vehicle in front of you and wait to pass until you can give three feet.

Alternative Fuel Vehicles

Two level 2 charging stations are available year-round in the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center parking area. View additional locations on the Alternative Fueling Station Locator from the Department of Energy (search on zip code 96063 or 96088).

Commercial Vehicles

Anyone traveling through the park for business or commercial purposes needs a commercial travel permit.

 

Winter Access and Conditions

Access to the park in the snow season, approximately November to May, is limited due to snow. The park highway is closed to through traffic and remote roads are closed during the snow season. View directions for travel around the park to access the northwest and southwest entrances when the park highway is closed to through traffic.

To check for chain requirements, road closures, or other highway advisories before your trip, call the CalTrans Highway Information Network at 1-800-427-7623 or go to the CalTrans highway status page.

Winter Driving

High-elevation roads to and inside the park are often icy or snow-covered in the snowy months (approximately November through May).

Last updated: June 25, 2022

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 100
Mineral, CA 96063

Phone:

530 595-4480

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