Protect your pet and wildlife by keeping pets off trails. Reserve bikes and other mechanized and motorized equipment for areas outside of designated Wilderness.
No Fires
Minimize wildfire danger. Use gas stoves only; wood fires are prohibited in the backcountry.
Food, toiletries, and scented items must be stored in a bear-resistant storage container certified by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (see below), except between December 1 and April 15.
Camping with stock is not permitted in the backcountry. A permit is required for stock day use. Stock corrals are available for overnight use at Butte, Summit, and Juniper Lakes.
Weapons
Weapons (firearms) may only be carried in accordance with a valid California Concealed Weapons Permit. Hunting is prohibited. Learn more about firearms in the park. Bear Spray is considered a weapon and is NOT PERMITTED in the park.
Shoreline areas for day use only. Protect water quality and respect the experience of fellow visitors. Example map includes black dots indicate campsites too close to water or trails. Green dots indicate appropriate, existing campsites.
Selecting an Appropriate & Legal Campsite
There are no designated campsites in Lassen Volcanic backcountry. Help reduce ongoing recreation-related impacts like backcountry campsite widening and water quality degradation by selecting a campsite that adheres to park regulations and LNT principles.
Cliff, Crags, Crumbaugh, Little Willow, and Echo Lakes.
Cascade Springs
Lassen Peak
Trail from Summit Lake to Echo Lake
Kings Creek Falls, Kings Creek Meadow (upper and lower)
Mt. Harkness summit
Painted Dunes
Cinder Cone
Winter Camping: Camping is prohibited within a 1/2 mile of any park road open to vehicular traffic. In the winter the main park road is closed to vehicles, which means you are allowed to set up backcountry camping on or near the park road when it is closed and snow-covered.
Select a campsite on durable surfaces such as rock, gravel, bare ground, or snow.
Camp at least 100 feet (70 big steps) from lakes and creeks.
Camp at least 300 feet from other groups.
In popular areas, consider selecting from an appropriate, existing campsite. However, do not use campsites that do not adhere to regulations or LNT principles.
Do not construct “improvements” such as windbreaks, log bridges, log chairs, etc.
Backcountry Camping Restrictions Map
Approved Food Storage Container Required
Overnight backcountry users must use a container certified by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) to store food and scented items. This regulation is in response to increased negative bear and human interactions in the park. Bear-resistant canisters are available for rent in limited quantities at park stores or speed up the process by completing the form before arriving to the park store.
Food, toiletries, utensils, cookware, trash, and other food-scented items must be stored in an IGBC certified bear-resistant product when not in use or unattended.
Bear canisters are not required December 1 through April 15.
Bear Vault 450 and 500 canisters are available for rent at the park and pictured at right.
Bear Canister Rental
Bear-resistant food canisters are available for rent in limited quantities at Lassen Association bookstores in the Loomis Museum (summer only) and Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center during business hours. Rental is $10 for 7 days with a $95 deposit for either size canister. Canisters must be returned to the location rented and there will be a $15 charge for canisters returned dirty (not including wear/dirt from normal use).
If you are not familiar with how to use a bear canister, please ask a Park Ranger for assistance. We are happy to give you tips on how to use your bear canister correctly!
Keep Your Water and Wilderness Clean
Keep your water sources clean by following LNT principles to reduce potential water contamination from urine, feces, dishwater, and soap. Dispose of waste properly to protect wildlife like black bears and the rare Sierra Nevada red fox.
Filter and treat all drinking water or bring to a rolling boil for five minutes. Giardia, a microscopic organism that causes severe illness when ingested, has been found in park water sources.
Wash dishes and bathe at least 100 feet (35 big steps) away from any water source. Use only small amounts of biodegradable soap. Do not wash dishes in streams or lakes; even biodegradable soap will not break down in cold water. Strain food particles out of dish water and scatter.
The are no toilets in the backcountry. Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 100 feet (35 big steps) from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products; animals dig up and scatter buried toilet paper.
Pack out all trash, leftover food, and garbage. Leave only footprints.
Help Preserve the Wilderness Experience
Reduce ongoing recreation-related impacts like erosion, trail widening, and social trail creation by making choices that limit your footprint.
Travel on Durable Surfaces such as existing trails, rock, gravel, bare ground, or snow. Do not walk around puddles, snow, or mud on trails.
Avoid Areas of Overuse. Twin Lakes and Rainbow Lake Loop trails are currently high use areas. Enjoy your quiet and solitude by choosing another trail or destination.
Travel Outside of High-Use Periods. Whenever possible, schedule your trip to avoid times of high use including summer weekends and holidays.
Preserve Natural Soundscapes. Take hiking breaks and camp away from other visitors; use headphones to listen to music; and avoid speaking loudly to allow you and others to enjoy natural sounds.
Use Lighting Sparingly. Lassen Volcanic Wilderness is spectacularly dark. Consider using a red light or limiting your nighttime light use to enjoy the best view of Lassen’s dark night sky.
Step to the Side. Allow uphill hikers or stock animals to pass.
