Road Closure in Lassen Volcanic National Park Signals Beginning of Winter Season

Road Closure in Lassen Volcanic National Park Signals Beginning of Winter Season
Date: November 18, 2009

Winter has arrived at Lassen Volcanic National Park. The recent storms and colder temperatures have closed the road through the park to vehicle traffic for the winter season. “It’s a wonderful time of the year to visit the park and experience the sights and sounds of this beautiful landscape,” said Superintendent Darlene Koontz. The park road is open to the Manzanita Lake area on the north side, and to the Kohm Ya-mah-nee Visitor Center one mile inside the park from the southwest boundary. The current snow depth at the Lake Helen area is 18”deep and will increase with each storm.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is open throughout the winter. This year, the new Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center features a new webcam that can be found here: http://www.nps.gov/lavo/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm.

This winter season, ranger-led snowshoe walks will be offered from the visitor center. Join a ranger for a one or two mile adventure exploring winter ecology and Lassen’s geologic history. Walks are held Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30pm from December 26 through April 4.

Visitors to the park should be prepared for a range of winter conditions. Check the most recent weather forecast, dress in layers, carry food and drinking water. Stow a shovel, extra blankets and tire chains in your vehicle in case unexpected winter road conditions delay your return home. Overnight visitors are required to obtain a wilderness permit, available at the visitor center or Loomis Ranger Station, before entering the backcountry.

The year-round entrance fee at Lassen Volcanic National Park is $10 per vehicle and is valid for seven days. The Annual Park Pass is available for $25 and is valid for a year from the month of purchase. As part of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act program, the park retains 80% of the fees collected to pay for the needed repairs and programs that improve visitor services and facilities.