Biking

 

Lassen Volcanic permits bicycling on established public roads and parking areas. Bicyclists are subject to the same traffic rules as automobiles. Bikes are prohibited on trails and in designated Wilderness areas.

Use extreme caution when riding on park roads. The park highway is narrow and winding; sharp turns may prevent unobstructed views of what lies ahead. There are no paved shoulders or guardrails on the park highway. There are no designated bike paths in the park.

Bicycles are welcome at all park campgrounds. Bicyclists may enjoy the Southwest Walk-in Campground; the sites are accessed via a short, paved walkway. Some sites can be reserved in advance, others are first-come, first-served.

Bicyclists willing to brave the unpredictable elements of spring in Lassen Volcanic can ride sections of the 30-mile park highway for a small period of time each spring when the portions of the highway have been plowed, but aren't yet open to motorized vehicles. Learn more on the Hike and Bike the Highway webpage.

 

Safety

When riding a bike in Lassen Volcanic, follow all applicable regulations and be aware of these special safety considerations:

What to Know:

• The park highway is narrow and winding; sharp turns may prevent unobstructed views of what lies ahead.
• There are no paved shoulders or guardrails on the park highway.
• Riders may face hazards including high speeds on steep downhill sections, rocks, wildlife, and other road hazards.
• Lassen is a high elevation park; the highway ranges in elevation from 5,880 to 8,512 feet.
• Park roads to Butte Lake, Juniper Lake, and Warner Valley are comprised entirely or partly of dirt road. The unpaved sections can become dusty and heavily rutted and are not recommended for road bicycles.
• Cell phone service is limited in the park. AT&T and Verizon provide the best coverage, however it is spotty and should not be relied upon for emergencies. There is an emergency phone located at Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center and Loomis Museum.
• There are no bicycle service or sales facilities in the park.

What You Can Do:

• Make yourself visible. Wear bright-colored and reflective clothes.
• Wear a helmet while riding.
• Exercise caution by staying alert for rockfall, traveling in the lane farthest from a downward slope, and maintaining an appropriate speed.
• Slow down at intersections. Make eye contact with other drivers before crossing the intersection.
• Check that your bike is ready to ride. There are no bicycle service facilities in the park.
• Check the weather forecast before your visit and come prepared for the conditions. Lassen is a high elevation park and conditions can change quickly.

 

Electric Bicycles in the Park

On August 30, 2019 the National Park Service announced a new electric bicycle (e-bike) policy for national parks, expanding recreational opportunities and accessibility. This new policy will enable visitors to use e-bikes, low-speed electric bicycles with power assistance, in the same manner as traditional bicycles at Lassen Volcanic, allowing them on park roads and campgrounds. The operator of an e-bike may only use the motor to assist pedal propulsion. The motor may not be used to propel an e-bike without the rider also pedaling, except in locations open to public motor vehicle traffic.

Similar to traditional bicycles, e-bikes are not allowed in designated wilderness areas. Lassen Volcanic will retain the right to limit, restrict, or impose conditions of bicycle use and e-bike use in order to ensure visitor safety and resource protection. Over the coming month, Lassen Volcanic management will work with our local communities, staff and partners to determine best practices and guidance for e-bike use in the park. Visitors should check for details about e-bikes in the park.

Over the coming month, Lassen Volcanic management will work with our local communities, staff and partners to determine best practices and guidance for e-bike use in the park.

Learn more about e-bikes in national parks here.