Date: November 23, 2016
Contact: Steve Gibbons, 530-595-6102
MINERAL, CA – The recent storms and transition to icy winter conditions have closed the Lassen Volcanic National Park highway through the park to vehicle traffic for the season. The park highway is open to the Manzanita Lake area at the north entrance and to the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, one mile inside the southwest park entrance.
“Winter is a wonderful time to visit the park. There is a snow covered landscape just waiting to be explored,” stated Park Superintendent Steve Gibbons. “We invite you to the park to snowshoe, ski, go sledding, or enjoy a cup of hot chocolate by the fireplace in the visitor center,” said Gibbons.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is open throughout the winter and offers opportunities for a wide array of winter activities, including ranger-led snowshoe walks, which are offered at 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays starting January 7. These walks are a great way to experience this beautiful snowy landscape and enjoy a fun outdoor activity. Come join us on January 14 for our Annual Ski Celebration where you can stop by for a cup of hot coffee or chocolate before hitting the slopes and return for a bowl of hot chili and sharing of ski memories. The afternoon will feature a presentation of ski films in the visitor center, a ski patrol display, and a gathering around an outdoor fire pit for fun conversation.
Along with the onset of winter, the 2017 free admission days to Lassen and other national park sites begin in January and are as follows:
- January 16: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- February 20: Presidents Day
- April 15-16 & April 22-23: National Park Week Weekends
- August 25: National Park Service Birthday
- September 30: National Public Lands Day
- November 11-12: Veterans Day Weekend
Usually, Lassen Volcanic National Park has an entrance fee of $20 per car. The entrance fee waiver does not cover user fees such as camping, reservations or use of concessions.
Visitors to the park should be prepared for a range of weather conditions. Check the most recent weather forecast, dress in layers, and carry food and water. Stow a shovel, extra blankets, and tire chains in your vehicle in case unexpected winter road conditions delay your travel.
The Kohm yah-mah-nee Visitor Center is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. For more information on the ski celebration, snowshoe walks, current weather conditions, or general information, please contact the park at 530-595-4480 or
e-mail us.
Visit us at www.nps.gov/lavo, on Facebook www.facebook.com/LassenNPS, Twitter www.twitter.com/LassenNPS, and YouTube www.youtube.com/LassenNPS.
