Eruption Centennial

Date: May 19, 2015
Contact: Steve Gibbons, 530-595-6102

MINERAL, CA – May 22 marks the 100^thanniversary of the Lassen Peak eruption and Lassen Volcanic National Park is ready to celebrate. Join Lassen Volcanic staff and scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey for special events celebrating a series of Lassen Peak eruptions that brought Lassen to the world stage and helped pave the way for the establishment of the park on August 9, 1916. “We have a weekend full of activities planned, from a commemoration celebration to campfire talks,” stated Superintendent Steve Gibbons. “We are excited to share stories of Lassen’s eruptive past with our visitors over the Memorial Day weekend.”

Information on the eruption celebration, including the schedule of special events, can be found on the park’s website at https://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/centennial.htm. Manzanita Lake Campground opens for the summer on May 22. Butte Lake and Warner Valley campgrounds open June 5. Juniper Lake and Summit Lake North and South campgrounds open June 26. Visitor services available include the Manzanita Lake Camper Store, Lassen Café and Gifts and the Lassen Association Bookstore at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. The historic Drakesbad Guest Ranch in Warner Valley opensJune 5.

Starting May 22, The Loomis Museum is open Friday,SaturdayandSundayfrom9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., including every day startingJune 15. The Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center is open every day from9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Ranger-led programs beginJune 13and offer visitors with an opportunity to learn about the natural and cultural history of Lassen Volcanic National Park. A program schedule of daily activities can be found on the park website at https://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/ranger_led_programs.htm or in our summer newspaper, available throughout the park and many local communities.

Many of the park trails are still snow-covered, including Lassen Peak and Brokeoff Mountain trails. The Lassen Peak Trail is only open for over-snow travel and mountaineering equipment is strongly recommended. An ice axe, crampons or skis are necessary to safely travel on Lassen Peak. The Bumpass Hell trail remains closed due to snow.Higher elevation, snow-covered trails tend to be icy in the mornings and slushy and slippery by afternoon. Hiking in these areas require sturdy hiking boots and trekking poles. For visitors wishing to avoid snowy areas, trails in the Manzanita Lake, Warner Valley and Butte Lake areas are snow-free. 

After a brief closure due to a late season snow storm, the Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway is open once again for through traffic. Warner Valley Road and Butte Lake Road are also open for the season. Juniper Lake Road is anticipated to open in late May.

Even though it feels like summer in the valley, visitors should still be prepared for cool conditions as mountain weather can change quickly. It is best to dress in layers and bring food, water, sunscreen and sunglasses. 

For campground openings, trail statuses, current conditions or to plan your trip, please visit the park website at www.nps.gov/lavo or contact the visitor center at 530-595-4480 or e-mail us.

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