Visiting After the Dixie Fire

A view of Mt. Conard and Diamond Peak above Little Hot Springs Valley following the 2021 Dixie Fire.

 

• Dixie Fire Q&As
• Dixie Fire History
• Current Conditions

Learn and Explore

Most of Lassen Volcanic Open in 2022

This information is a summary of the expected status of park facilities and trails for the 2022 Summer/Fall season following the 2021 Dixie Fire. Details will be added or amended once the park begins its spring/summer transition and park staff are able to assess conditions.

 

What to Expect When Visiting After the 2021 Dixie Fire

Areas in the east and southeast portion of the park are the most heavily impacted including Warner Valley, Juniper Lake, and portions of Lassen Volcanic Wilderness between Butte and Juniper lakes. Most areas west of and adjacent to the park highway are anticipated to remain open with minimal visitor impacts.

   Is it Safe to Visit the Park After the Fire?

Areas to the west of and along the park highway that were unaffected by the fire are the safest areas to visit. Additional hazards may be present along the highway including fallen trees, rockfall, or slow or stopped cars. Please adhere to the posted speed limit and be patient with your fellow visitors.

Closures are in place in some affected areas to reduce risk to visitors and damage to park resources or to allow for repair or rehabilitation work. Other areas affected by the Dixie Fire are open and entering these areas involves risk. Learn more about burned area safety.

Hazards in Burned Areas Include:

• Falling trees and limbs
• Hidden stump holes
• Loose or falling rock
• Higher than normal stream flow
• Unstable shorelines
• Burned signs

   Is it Worthwhile to Visit after the Fire?

Manzanita Lake and most of the Southwest and Butte Lake Areas have limited or no impacts from the fire. Most of the highlights along the highway look the same as before the fire. You will however, see burned areas from a few sections of the highway and some areas will remain closed for safety and restoration/repair efforts. View photos of effects of the Dixie Fire in the park.

 

Half of the Park Was Not Affected by the Dixie Fire
The Dixie Fire footprint covers 69% of the park, however not all areas within the footprint burned. The majority of burned areas lay in the eastern portion of the park and were low to moderate severity. One-third of affected areas burned at high-severity, including portions of Mill Creek drainage (below the Southwest Entrance), Warner Valley, and Juniper Lake Area.

Vegetation Burn Severity within Lassen Volcanic National Park

Severity	Acres	Percent of Fire Footprint
Unchanged	12,845	18%
Low to Moderate	34,450	49%
High	23,493	33%

   Which Trails Will Be Open?

All trails west of the park highway were not affected by the Dixie Fire and will be accessible for hiking following the winter/spring snow season.

The park is prioritizing efforts to open high-use trails within the burn footprint as soon as possible. Trails will open in sections as crews clear hazards including fallen trees and complete restoration or repair work.
 

Anticipated Status of Affected Trails

The status and conditions of park trails will be updated once trails start becoming snow-free, which usually occurs in late May or early June.

• Bumpass Hell Trail will be open following the normal spring closure for winter/ice hazards.
• Kings Creek Falls Trail will be closed for repairs to the trail and waterfall overlook.
• Mill Creek Falls Trail will be closed for repairs to the overlook and footbridges above the waterfall.
• Trails within burned areas including most from Summit Lake, Juniper Lake, and Warner Valley trailheads will be closed at the start of the 2022 summer season.
• The park is prioritizing work to open the 13-mile segment of the Pacific Crest Trail within the park.

   Which Campgrounds Will Be Open?

Most park campgrounds are anticipated to open for the 2022 summer/fall season. Scheduled opening dates may be delayed for post-fire repair at Summit, Juniper, and Warner Valley Campgrounds. Once open, selected sites may remain closed for ongoing repair and rehabilitation work. Southwest Walk-in Campground is anticipated to remain closed due to tree hazards. View campground operating dates and status.

   Where Can I Go Backpacking?

Most areas are open to backcountry camping for the winter/spring snow season. View the current closure map or learn more about backpacking in the park.

A New Closure Map for the Summer Season will Be Released in Late Spring

Closures will likely be in place in some burned areas to reduce risk to visitors and damage to park resources or to allow for repair or rehabilitation work. Other areas affected by the Dixie Fire are open and entering these areas involves risk. Learn more about burned area safety.

 

   Will Butte Lake, Juniper Lake, and Warner Valley Areas Be Open?

The status of park roads is listed on the current conditions page and includes closures for snow and post-fire repair. The opening of Warner Valley and Juniper Lake roads will be delayed beyond the normal spring/summer opening to allow for post-fire repair.

Butte Lake Area

• Butte Lake road, day use area, and campground are anticipated to open for the normal summer/fall season.
• Cinder Cone Trail is open and closures are not anticipated. 
• Some areas have low to moderate severity effects and trails south of Cinder Cone toward Snag Lake and west to Summit Lake will likely remain closed until hazards have been cleared.

Warner Valley Area

• Drakesbad Guest Ranch will be closed for the season for repairs to damaged infrastructure. 
• Warner Valley Area Trails are likely to remain closed for the summer/fall season for post-fire repair and rehabilitation. 
• Warner Valley Campground may open once post-fire hazards have been addressed.

Juniper Lake Area

• Juniper Lake road opening will be delayed to allow for road repairs and hazard tree removal along the roadway.
• Juniper Lake Campground scheduled opening may be delayed. Group campsites are not likely to open for the season due to fire impacts.
• Trails connecting Juniper Lake, Butte Lake, and Summit Lake will likely be closed to allow for post-fire repair and rehabilitation. The park is prioritizing efforts to re-open high-use trails.