Plan Your Visit

Lassen Volcanic National Park provides a wealth of fun activities that are as varied as the seasons of the park. Visit the accessibility page to learn more about accomodations and access or select a link below to learn more about planning your visit to Lassen.

 

 

Top Things To Know

1. Access, services, and activities vary considerably from season to season.
   The summer season (July through September) is short, but affords to greatest access and selection of activities. The park is usually snow-covered in the winter months; road access is limited and nearly all activities involve snow.
2. Pets are not permitted on park trails.
   To protect park wildlife, pets are not permitted on park trails, including in carriers and on snow-covered routes. Be prepared to leave your pet in your vehicle (if conditions are appropriate). Leashed pets may go anywhere a car may go.
3. Visitors have been severely injured by traveling too close or off trail in hydrothermal areas.
   Stay on sidewalks or boardwalks for your safety.
4. Cell service is limited and unreliable.
   Don't be surprised if you can't receive calls or texts in the park and the surrounding area. WiFi is available only at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center.
5. The 30-mile park highway is winding and traverses steep slopes.
   There are no guardrails on the historic highway. Observe posted speed limits and use pullouts to watch wildlife, take pictures, and let other cars pass. Be prepared to share the road with bicyclists.
6. Gas stations are limited in this remote area.
   Fill your gas tank in Red Bluff, Redding, Shingletown, or Susanville before traveling to the park. The one gas station in the park, located behind the Manzanita Lake Camper Store, is open late May through mid-October.
7. Parking areas fill up at the Loomis Plaza, Bumpass Hell, and Kings Creek Falls Trailheads.
   Visit these areas during non-peak hours (before 9 am and after 3 pm) for the best chance of finding parking. Have an alternative ready if you are unable to park.
8. Many visitors feel symptoms of altitude sickness.
   The park ranges in elevation from 5,650 feet to 10,457 feet. Being active at high elevation can aggravate pre-existing medical conditions; however all visitors should be prepared to descend immediately if experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, confusion, pain behind the eyes, nausea).
9. Bears and mountain lions inhabit the entire park.
   Sightings are not uncommon, however negative interactions with visitors and park wildlife are extremely rare.
10. There is no public transportation to or in the park.
    Consider carpooling to save gas and improve park air quality.