Auto-Touring
Length: 29 miles
Time: 1 hour to drive, non-stop

The Main Park Road provides spectacular views of the Cascade and High Sierra Mountains. Running from the southeast to the northwest of the park, the road has direct access to high altitude mountain lakes, active hydrothermal areas, numerous hiking trails, and grand views of Lassen Peak, Brokeoff Mountain, and the Devastated Area.

Backpacking in the wilderness
Click here for wilderness camping information.

Bird-Watching
Over 83 species of birds nest in the Park. Raptors and other birds-of-prey are frequently sighted soaring above the rocky peaks between Brokeoff Mountain and Lassen Peak. The Manzanita Lake loop trail hosts many migratory birds and summer residents and is a favorite spot among bird watchers. The Cluster Lakes loop starting at Summit Lake is another trail popular among bird watchers. Download the Lassen Bird Field Checklist. 

Boating and Kayaking
Whether kayaking or canoeing, exploring Lassen Volcanic National Park can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Non-motorized boats must access Manzanita, Butte, and Juniper Lakes at their designated boat launch areas.

The following lakes are closed to all vessels.

• Boiling Springs Lake
• Emerald Lake
• Lake Helen
• Reflection Lake
• Hat Lake

Kayak Rentals
Kayak rentals are available at the camper store at Manzanita Lake. Single and double kayaks are offered from 10am to 4pm daily on a first-come, first-served basis. The last rental is at 3pm each day. Rates begin at $10 - 1 hr and $16 - 2 hrs.

Camping
There are eight campgrounds in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Click here to visit the campground webpage for more information about each campground and how to make reservations.

Fishing
Whether fishing from shore with the kids, or fly-fishing Manzanita Lake from a float-tube, Lassen Volcanic National Park has plenty of opportunities to land the big one. Trout have not been stocked in the park since the 1980s, but a healthy population of these fiesty fish still remain in many lakes and streams (though not in all of them). Manzanita Lake is famous for its large rainbow and brown trout, but keep in mind it is catch and release only and you must use single-hook, barbless, artificial lures only. Butte Lake and Horseshoe Lake both have healthy populations of trout. A valid California fishing license is required to fish in the park, and please keep the regulations below in mind before wetting your line in the park.

The following areas are closed to all fishing during the periods indicated: 

• Manzanita Creek above Manzanita Lake - closed all year
• Manzanita Lake shore from the boat launch northwest to 150 feet west of the present inlet and 150 feet at the apex of a radius from the center of the inlet - closed all year
• Butte Lake boat launch - closed all year 
• Juniper Lake boat launch - closed all year

Hiking
Click here to visit the hiking section of the website. Here you will find detailed trail descriptions, photo galleries, and panoramic videos from many trails in the park.

Horses and Pack Animals

Horses and pack animals are allowed on designated trails except:
Manzanita Lake trail, Lassen Peak trail, the portion of trail on the Cinder Cone, Reflection Lake trail, Bumpass Hell trail, trails within the Devil's Kitchen and Sulphur Works thermal areas.

Additional conditions:

• Picketing and/or grazing of stock animals in the park is prohibited.
• Horses and pack animals are not permitted to travel cross-country while in the park.
• It is prohibited to ride or tie stock animals in campgrounds, picnic areas or within the immediate vicinity of eating or sleeping establishments or other areas of public gatherings, except where trails and facilities are designated for such use.
• Stock parties camping in the park overnight are limited to one of the following designated sites and limitations:
• • Summit Lake Corral and Butte Lake Hitching Posts: maximum of 8 animals and 10 people with parking limited to six licensed vehicles.
  • Juniper Lake Corral: maximum of 8 animals and 10 people with parking limited to four licensed vehicles.  Tent camping only.