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.

 
A photo of a paved mountain road dividing areas unburned and burned from a recent wildfire.
Visiting After the Dixie Fire

What to expect when visiting in the 2023 summer season following the Dixie Fire.

A photo of a blue lake in the summer with the left half under ice in the spring.
Seasons

Activities and conditions vary considerably with each season.

A brown sign reads "Lassen Volcanic" to the right of a snowy road.
Current Conditions

View current conditions in the park including road status and snow depths.

 

Top Things To Know

Learn more about what to expect when visiting after the 2021 Dixie Fire including unaffected areas, anticipated and current closures, and burned area safety.

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. Learn about visiting in each season.

Leashed pets are welcome in parking areas, campgrounds, roadways and picnic areas. 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). Learn more about visiting the park with pets.

Stay on sidewalks or boardwalks for your safety. Learn more about how to visit hydrothermal areas safely.

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.

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. Learn more about driving the park highway.

Fill your gas tank in Red Bluff, Redding, Shingletown, or Susanville before traveling to the park. View a map of nearby stations. The one gas station in the park, located behind the Manzanita Lake Camper Store, is open late May through mid-October.

Visit these popular 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.

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 including headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, confusion, pain behind the eyes, nausea.

Sightings are not uncommon, however negative interactions with visitors and park wildlife are extremely rare. Learn more about general wildlife safetyblack bear safety, and mountian lion safety

Consider carpooling to save gas and improve park air quality. Carpool parking is available at Lassen Crossroads just outside the northwest entrance of the park.

 
 
Two women sit in a red kayak on a lake backed by a snow-capped mountain
Things to Do

Explore activities in the park.

A group of hikers poses for a photo on the summit of a black ridge backed by a snow-capped volcano
Places to Go

Explore places to go within the four regions of the park.

A man a woman sit and read outside of a small, wooden cabin
Eating & Sleeping

Discover places to stay and eat in the park.

A white vehicle on a highway backed by a snow-covered volcano
Directions & Getting Around

Learn how to travel to and around the park and view park maps.

A light-brown black bear walks across an area of rock and yellow grass from which steam is rising
Safety

Prepare yourself to safely enjoy wildlife, hydrothermal areas, and other features.

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Goods & Services

View park stores and services.

Visitors with leashed dogs at table
Pets in the Park

Be sure you know pets regulations before your visit.

Last updated: August 26, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 100
Mineral, CA 96063

Phone:

530 595-4480

Contact Us