Special Events

Exploring Lassen's Night Skies

Stargazing for Beginners |September 16, 2023

Join in on an evening of viewing celestial wonders. Learn more about astrobiology in the park.

Saturday, 9/16 | 7:30 - 10:00 pm | Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center

• 7:30 pm - Ampitheatre: Rangers will talk about the night sky, light pollution, the basics of night sky viewing, visitors will learn the difference between constellations and asterisms.
• 8:45 pm - Back patio: Following a short intermission, regroup at the back patio for a star tour with laser pointers and starry storytelling by rangers.

What to Bring: Clothes to keep warm on chilly nights; a red light to move around safely and maintain night vision; a stargazing app, planisphere, or star chart to find your way across a starry sky; and a desire to be amazed. A set of binoculars will help you be able to spot closer objects.

See More Stars: It can take 15 to 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to darkness and see more stars. Avoid using bright lights or white lights, these can disrupt your night vision and the timer for your eyes to adjust will start over. Using a red light will be much better for preserving night vision. If you don’t have a red flashlight, you can cover a white light with red cellophane to make it a dark sky friendly light.Park partner, Lassen Park Foundation has made these events possible. Learn more about the Foundation.

 

Hike and Bike the Highway

Spring (April - July) | Park-wide
Each spring, visitors are encouraged to hike and bike sections of the park highway once they are cleared of snow and before they open to vehicles. The last section to open to vehicles usually consists of 12 miles between Devastated Area and Lassen Peak parking area. Hike and Bike the Highway (HBH) is an ongoing opportunity for visitors to enjoy cleared sections of highway before they open to vehicles. Check on spring road clearing operations.

*Note that HBH is promoted as a recreational opportunity, and is not a designated special event. There will be no opportunities to hike or bike the highway without vehicles after the road opens to vehicle use. Bicycling is not prohibited after the road opens to vehicles.

 

Field Seminars

June through September
Learn, explore, and discover through field seminars offered by park partner, Lassen Association.

 

National Public Lands Day

Every September
Participate in the nation's largest, single-day volunteer effort on National Public Lands Day. More information on specific volunteer opportunities will be available in the near future. By volunteering on this day, you will receive a fee-free day coupon to be used at a future date. Entrance to all National Park sites is also free on this date.

 

Discover Lassen Weekend

Please check back during Summer 2024 for the return of this event.

Barbecue & Fair

-Not occurring in 2023- Celebrate Lassen Volcanic National Park's birthday with this special event hosted by the Lassen Park Foundation. Enjoy information booths with hands-on activities and displays. A fundraiser barbecue lunch will be served by Anderson Rotary Club. Funds raised will support Lassen Park Foundation projects and programs including the Youth Camping Program. Learn more at lassenparkfoundation.org.

Reach the Peak Hike-a-Thon

Participants in the annual Reach the Peak Hike-a-Thon will hike the Lassen Peak Trail to raise money for youth camping programs. This fundraiser is organized by the Lassen Park Foundation, which provides a fueling station at the trailhead with water and snacks to take with you on the trail (there will not be aid stations along the route). Please bring a water bottle or hydration pack to reduce disposable bottle waste. Kids under 12 are free! Learn more at lassenparkfoundation.org.

 

Reach Higher Trail Challenge

Take the Reach Higher Trail Challenge and take your fitness level to new heights!
*The Reach Higher Trail Challenge is not being offered in 2023.

 

Art, Wine & Brew of Lassen

Please check back during Summer 2024 for the return of this event.
10 am to 4 pm | Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center

Taste wine from local vineyards, try a beer from an area brewery, sample products from regional entrepreneurs, and enjoy art and music from local artists on the visitor center patio. A $14 tasting fee includes 10 drink tickets and a commemorative glass. This event is hosted by the park concessioner, Snow Mountain, LLC.