Winter and Summer Collide at Lassen Volcanic National Park

MINERAL, CA – Signs of winter linger at Lassen Volcanic National Park, yet there are plenty of summer activities and programs available for visitors this coming Fourth of July weekend. “The winter’s heavy snowfall has created challenges for the park highway and facilities opening. We had hoped that visitors would have been able to drive through the park for this holiday weekend, but the deep snow has delayed its opening,” stated Park Superintendent Jim Richardson.

The park highway is open ten miles to the Devastated Area from the north entrance and on June 30 it will open 8 miles to the Bumpass Hell Trailhead parking area. “It will be a great opportunity for skiers, snowshoers, and snow play,” said Richardson. Trails in the lower elevations are mostly snow-free, however the Bumpass Hell trail is closed as it remains snow covered. Climbing Lassen Peak is recommended due to hazardous winter conditions only for people with an appropriate skill level and equipment such as skis, snowshoes, ice axe, and crampons.

During the holiday weekend and throughout summer season there are many miles of trails available to hike and you can earn a special bandana in the park’s Reach Higher Trail Challenge. This year’s challenge highlights the Pacific Crest Trail that traverses the park. Those interested in geocaching, can earn a free commemorative carabiner through the highway park caching challenge. Ranger-led programs are underway for the season and our Junior Ranger programs help kids learn about the park, how they play the important role of park steward as they earn a junior ranger patch for their shirt, pack, or hat.

Visitors are encouraged to visit the park website to view the status of park trails and facilities. Closures include Summit Lake and Juniper Lake campgrounds and Juniper Lake road. Of special note, the Butte Lake campground is open, but the water system has not been brought on line yet, so campers will need to bring their own water.

The entrance fee into the park is $20 per vehicle or $10 per person ($20 per family) on a bicycle. The Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center and Loomis Museum are open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, please visit the website http://www.nps.gov/lavo or contact the park at 530-595-4480 or lavo_information@nps.gov.