What Is Lassen Volcanic National Park?
Lassen Volcanic National Park is a huge stretch of volcano-dotted wilderness in northern California, surrounding Lassen Peak!
What Makes It Beautiful?
Some folks say that Lassen Volcanic National Park is like the Yellowstone of California! It has some great hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots, but these were just icing on the cake for me! From the moment I woke up at the Manzanita Lake Campground, I was in awe of the mist flowing in and out around Manzanita Lake, the brilliant green moss on the trees, and the ducks appearing and disappearing like ghosts! On the hike up Lassen Peak, I marveled at the incredible contrast between the snow and the dark rocks! On top, it was like a Tim Burton Fairyland with the jagged black boulders and the boiling clouds all around! It’s not a terribly crowded park, so there are many great opportunities for silence and solitude in a place that once erupted with fury!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Pay the entrance fee to help maintain trails, signs, structures, and other visitor services!
- Volunteer at Lassen Volcanic National Park!
- Donate to the Lassen Park Foundation!
- Be a responsible visitor! Remember the old adages: Pack out what you pack in! Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints!
How Do I Get There?
The Southwest Entrance is located on CA-89, 5.3 miles (8.5km) north of the intersection with CA-36! That’s about 51.5 miles (82.9km) east of Red Bluff, CA!
The North Entrance is at the intersection of CA-89 and CA-44, about 47 miles (75.6km) east of Redding, CA!
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit the Park?
Highway 89, the only road through the park, is closed in winter, but there are still opportunities for winter activities! That all being said, spring has its wildflowers and summer has its crowds, but fall, in my opinion, is just right! It was chilly in the mornings, but it warmed up pleasantly in the afternoon! The clouds are gorgeous in the fall! Of course, you’ll have to contend with weather risks, but the dustings of early snow really add an element of loveliness!
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