Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park
To visit Lassen Volcanic National Park is to witness a brief moment in the ancient battle between the earth shaping forces of creation and destruction in Northern California. Nestled within Lassen's peaceful forests and untouched wilderness, hissing fumaroles and boiling mud pots still shape and change the land, evidence of Lassen's long fiery and active past.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: Darlene KoontzPhone Number: 530-595-4444
Entrance Fees: Vehicle Pass (valid for 7 days): $10; Annual Lassen Volcanic National Park Pass: $25; Commercial Tours (valid for 7 days): $25-$150 (varies depending on seating capacity)
Sights: Drakesbad Guest Ranch; Sierra Nevada Mountains; Great Basin Desert; Main Park Road; Loomis Museum; Manzanita
Endangered Species: Bald Eagle (threatened); Peregrine Falcon (threatened)
Important Dates
Established as Park: August 9, 1916By The Numbers
Acres: 106,372.00Highest Point: Lassen Peak (10457 feet)
Annual Visitation: 388,741 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :40.347780 / -121.608890 (map it)
State: CA
Nearby Big City: Mill Creek, CA
Gateway Communities: Mineral, CA; Old Station, CA; Shingletown, CA; Manton, CA; Paynes Creek, CA
Nearby Airports: Sacramento International Airport (SMF); Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO); Redding Municipal Airport (RDD); Red Bluff Municipal Airport (RBL)
Green Features
Has Recycling? : YesHas Shuttle System? : No
Has Volunteer Program? : Yes
Park Photos
Manzanita Lake
Michael J Thompson
Sulphur Springs
Jeff Banke
Lassen Volcanic, 1937
National Park Service
View More Lassen Volcanic Photos
In Detail
Activities & Programs Lassen Volcanic National Park's 106,372 acres provide a wealth of fun activities that are as varied as the seasons of the park. There are over 150 miles of hiking trails within the park which r ... read more.
Animals Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to approximately 300 species of vertebrates, which includes birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. The richness of species is contributed to the varie ... read more.
Camping Camping Throughout the summer, approximately half of the park's campsites in four campgrounds can be reserved in advance. An additional four campgrounds are first-come, first-served. All group sites ... read more.
Frequently Asked Questions Didn't the Lassen Chalet used to be part of a commercial ski area? The Chalet at Lassen Volcanic National Park was built in 1970. It was originally designed to support a concession-operated ski area. ... read more.
History Native Americans The Lassen area was a meeting point for at least four American Indian groups: Atsugewi, Yana, Yahi, and Maidu. Because of its weather and snow conditions, generally high elevation, ... read more.
Just For Kids Be A Junior Ranger Kids ages 7-12 can earn a patch while learning to protect resources. You can pick up a Junior Ranger booklet at the Loomis Museum, Southwest Information Station, or Headquarters co ... read more.
Lodging & Dining Lodging ** Please direct all inquiries to individual businesses** Please visit lodging websites to find the accomodations that best meet your needs. IN THE PARK: Drakesbad Guest Ranch Contact Califo ... read more.
Natural World Nature & Science Although Lassen is primarily known for its volcanic geology, the park boasts a rich diversity of plant and animal life. Over 700 flowering plant species grace the park, providing she ... read more.
Park Regulations & Safety Pets Pets are wonderful animals that provide comfort and companionship. A national park, however, is not the best place for pets due to the special protections afforded national parks and the dangers ... read more.
Planning Your Visit Lassen Volcanic National Park is a remote mountain park full of solitude and abundant recreational activities. Weather plays a dramatic role at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Winter, especially, sha ... read more.
Plants At elevations below 6,500 feet the dominant vegetation community is the mixed conifer forest. Ponderosa and Jeffrey pines, sugar pine, and white fir form the forest canopy for this rich community th ... read more.
Things To Do If You Only Have a Day Lassen Volcanic National Park provides a wealth of fun activities that are as varied as the seasons of the park. Here is a sample of what the park has to offer based on your le ... read more.
Visitor Services Visitor Centers Headquarters Information Desk & Book Nook Open: All Year M-F 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Closed holidays Phone: (530) 595-4444 Location: In the town of Mineral on State Route 36 East, 9 mil ... read more.
Walking & Hiking Hiking South Park Road Region Mill Creek Falls (moderate, 4.6 miles round trip) (closed summer 2007 due to construction) Brokeoff Mountain (strenuous, 7 miles round trip) Ridge Lake ... read more.
Who's Who at the Park Support Your Park Support Lassen Volcanic National Park by purchasing items in our bookstore run by the Lassen Loomis Museum Association or by volunteering at the park itself. The Lassen Park Foundat ... read more.
Recent News
- Lassen Peak: a living laboratory of volcanic activity October 13, 2008, 4:54 pm
- Lassen Volcanic National Park Visitor Center Expected to Receive LEED Platinum Certification October 3, 2008, 2:53 pm
- Lassen Volcanic Park Opens Visitor Center October 1, 2008, 4:45 pm
- Lassen NP plans to restore trail to Lassen Peak August 5, 2008, 11:04 am
- 50-acre burn planned at Lassen national park May 8, 2008, 7:22 pm
Lassen Volcanic In Depth
News from the Parks
Frommer's Top 5 Parks for Cozy Camping
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
Park to Reopen Today after Crews Repair Road, Channel Kautz Creek
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
Jenna Otter Returns to Scene of Grizzly Bear Attack
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
Expected Rule Change Would Benefit Bicycling in National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
Things Slow At Hawaii's National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
