Visiting in Spring

Plan a Spring Visit: April - June

The most popular months to visit Lassen Volcanic are July, August, and September. That's when the park's roads, trails, and facilities are usually fully open.

April, may, and June are months of transition in the park, as winter slowly gives way to summer. They can also be months of disapointment, as lingering snow prevents us from accessing much of the park.

Is it still worth visiting during the shoulder season of April through June? Absolutely! but it helps to come prepared with realistic expectations of what you'll be able to see and do. Below are some tips for making the most of your springtime visit.

Weather and snowpack

Springtime can bring sunny skies or severe snowstorms. Expect a 5° temperature decrease for every 1,000 foot increase in elevation. View the weather forecast for each area prior to your visit.
Manzanita Lake Area (5,800 ft / 1,767 m) average spring high / low: 29° / 70°F ( -1° / 21°C)

Historically, the deepest snowpack is at the start of April as winter snow has accumulated through late fall and winter. The average depth of snow around April 1st at the southwest entrance is 10 - 12 ft (3 - 3.6 m) at 6700 ft (2042 m) in elevation! And even higher depths at the base of Lassen Peak at 8200 ft (2499 m) in elevation.

Roads and Trails

In the spring, roads are not fully open for vehicles and active snow clearing opeartions are taking place to remove winter snow accumulation. You can access the northwest and southwest park entrances. From those locations, enjoy scenic vistas from a snow-covered landscape. Be sure to check the alerts and conditions page for up-to-date information before your visit to find out what roads are open right now. View previous highway opening dates and current road clearing progress on the spring road clearing page.

The park has 150 miles of hiking trails, but in April, May and June they are typically covered with deep snow. With the exception of trails in the immediate vicinity of the northwest entrance, where trails tend to melt out sooner. Be sure to check on current trail conditions before your visit.

Things to Do in Springtime

Go for a Snowshoe Walk
One way to explore the park is on snowshoes. View the for more information snowshoe rentals.

Hike and Bike the Highway
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. Leashed pets are welcome on pavement; paws on pavement. Clean up after your pet; the park does not provide waste bags. Be sure to check on road clearing progress/status to see which sections will be cleared or open during your visit.

Watch the Park Film
Explore the park's violent past - and its present tranquility in a 21-minute film shown throughout the day at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center located at the southwest entrance.

Tour the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center
Check out the exhibits, enjoy the film, obtain your passport stamp, become a Junior Ranger, and shop at the Lassen Association Store.

Enjoy the Snow
Opportunities to play in the snow abound at Lassen Volcanic in April and May. Build a snowperson, make a snow angel, or challenge your traveling companions to a snowball fight.

Services and Lodging

Information, supplies, food, and gifts are available only at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center November through mid-May. The visitor center is open Wednesday through Sunday, November through April and then daily May through October. The Loomis Museum, Manzanita Lake Camper Store, and Manzanita Lake Camping Cabins open in mid-May. Drakesbad Guest Ranch opens in early June, reservations are required and are often booked up to a year in advance for overnight stays.

Hiking

While most of Lassen remains snow-covered through May and into June, some hikes in the Manzanita Lake and Butte Lake Areas can be snow-free by May, and most are usually snow-free by sometime in June, except in heavy snow years. Check on current trail status. However, as in winter, backpacking options are very limited.

Camping

The Parking lot at the Southwest is open for self-contained vehicles, trailers or RVs. The Manzanita Lake Campground opens mid-May, depending on snow depth. Additional campgrounds open throughout June, as conditions allow. Outside the park, lower elevation campgrounds in the surrounding Lassen National Forest open as early as late-April.