Lassen Volcanic National Park
Overview
Beneath Lassen Volcanic's peaceful forests and gem-like lakes lies evidence of a turbulent and fiery past. 600,000 years ago, the collision and warping of continental plates led to violent eruptions and the formation of lofty Mt. Tehama (also called Brokeoff Volcano.) After 200,000 years of volcanic activity, vents and smaller volcanoes on Tehama's flanks-including Lassen Peak-drew magma away from the main cone. Hydrothermal areas ate away at the great mountain's bulk. Beneath the onslaught of Ice Age glaciers, Mt. Tehama crumbled and finally ceased to exist. But the volcanic landscape lived on: in 1914, Lassen Peak awoke. The Peak had its most significant activity in 1915 and minor activity through 1921. Lassen Volcanic became a national park in 1916 because of its significance as an active volcanic landscape. All four types of volcanoes in the world are found in the park. Over 150-miles of trails and a culturally significant scenic highway provide access to volcanic wonders including steam vents, mudpots, boiling pools, volcanic peaks, and painted dunes.
Activities
Boating
Whether kayaking or canoeing, exploring Lassen Volcanic National Park can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Non-motorized boats must access Manzanita, Butte, and Juniper Lakes at their designated boat launch areas.
Auto/Motorcycle
The Main Park Road provides incredible views of the Cascades and High Sierras, as well as access to mountain lakes and active hydrothermal areas.
Camping
There are eight campgrounds within Lassen Volcanic National Park, and a large part of Lassen's wilderness is available for wilderness camping with a free permit.
Fishing
Whether fishing from shore with the kids, or fly-fishing Manzanita Lake from a float-tube, Lassen Volcanic National Park has plenty of opportunities to land the big one. Trout have not been stocked in the park since the 1980s, but a healthy population of these fiesty fish still remain in many lakes and streams (though not in all of them). Manzanita Lake is famous for its large rainbow and brown trout, but keep in mind it is catch and release only and you must use single-hook, barbless, artificial lures only. Butte Lake and Horseshoe Lake both have healthy populations of trout. A valid California fishing license is required to fish in the park, and please keep the regulations below in mind before wetting your line in the park.
Hiking
There are over 150 miles of hiking trails within the park which range in difficulty from a strenuous 5 mile round-trip hike up Lassen Peak to a gentle 1.85 mile stroll around Manzanita Lake.
Horseback Riding
Horses and pack animals are allowed on designated trails except: Manzanita Lake trail, Lassen Peak trail, the portion of trail on the Cinder Cone, Reflection Lake trail, Bumpass Hell trail, trails within the Devil's Kitchen and Sulphur Works thermal areas.
Picnicking
Picnic areas are located throughout the park.
Water Sports
Swimming is available at some park lakes. Ask at a visitor center for more information.
Winter Sports
Skiing, snowshoeing, winter camping, and family snow play are all popular winter activities. **Winter equipment is not available for rent at the park including skis and snowshoes.
Seasonality/Weather
Lassen Volcanic National Park is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Road access in the park is restricted due to snow coverage fall through late spring.
Park Partners
Lassen Association
Established in 1939, the Lassen Association is a nonprofit partner that supports and assists Lassen Volcanic National Park in research, interpretation, and conservation programs. The mission of the Lassen Association is to promote the discovery of Lassen Volcanic National Park, enrich the experiences of visitors, and support the preservation and protection of the park for future generations. You can support Lassen Volcanic by: * Becoming a member of the Lassen Association * Making a donation to the Lassen Association by calling (530) 529-3450 * Purchasing items from the Lassen Association bookstore, either online or at any park visitor center
The Lassen Park Foundation is a private, non-profit foundation that supports worthy projects in Lassen Volcanic National Park. The Lassen Park Foundation was responsible for raising $500,000 toward the construction of the Kohm yah-mah-nee Visitor Center and is actively involved in leading youth camping trips into the park. For more information, contact the Lassen Park Foundation at (530) 898-9309 or visit http://www.lassenparkfoundation.org.
(530) 529-3450California Guest Services
California Guest Services operates several concessions in Lassen Volcanic National Park, including Drakesbad Guest Ranch, the Lassen Cafe & Gift, the Manzanita Lake Camper Service Store and the Manzanita Lake Camping Cabins.
(530) 595-3555Directions
Driving
The best access to the park is by private automobile. Auto rental services are available in Redding, Red Bluff, Chico, Susanville or Reno. Fifty miles east of Red Bluff on highway 36, and 50 miles east of Redding on highway 44. Greyhound and Trailways bus lines serve cities within 60 miles of the park. Major airlines serve Redding, Chico and Reno.
Flying
Major airlines serve Redding and Chico, California as well as Reno, Nevada.
Phone Numbers
Primary
(530) 595-4480Links
Official URL
http://www.nps.gov/lavo- Login or register to post comments
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