Scenic Drive through Lassen Volcanic National Park is Now Open

Date: May 20, 2008
Contact: Darlene M. Koontz, [phone] ext. 5101

Scenic Drive through Lassen Volcanic National Park is Now Open

Superintendent Darlene M. Koontz announced today that the main park road through Lassen Volcanic National Park is now open. “We are glad to have the road open in time for Memorial Day and expect to see a lot of visitors enjoying the park this weekend,” said Superintendent Koontz. The road to Butte Lake is also open and Warner Valley Road will open on May 19. The road to Juniper Lake will open at a later date. Snow removal operations began in the Manzanita Lake Area on March 6 and the Southwest Entrance on March 31.  Road crews encountered approximately 70% of normal snow accumulation during this year’s snow removal.

Visitors can hike trails in the Manzanita Lake and Butte Lake areas. Most other park trails, including Bumpass Hell Trail, are still snow-covered and inaccessible and difficult to locate.  The Lassen Peak Trail has snow covering the trail and many of the switchbacks have up to 15’ icy snow drifts. Ice crampons and ice axes are required to safely negotiate the trail at this time.  For those with the proper hiking equipment, the trail has been flagged to aid hikers in avoiding off-trail damage to the underlying landscape. Visitors should dress in layers to adjust for changing weather conditions and bring food, water, sunscreen, and sunglasses.  Drivers should watch for rocks falling onto the roadway.

For those planning to visit Memorial Day Weekend, Manzanita Lake Campground will be open May 23.  The historic Loomis Museum will be open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Memorial Day beginning May 23 and daily beginning June 15.  The Concession-run Camper Service Store (Manzanita Lake) and Peak Necessities Café & Gift Shop (Lassen Peak parking area) will open May 23.

For campground updates, current road and trail conditions, and further information, please visit the park website at www.nps.gov/lavo or contact the park at [phone], Monday through Friday, excerpt holidays, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.