Fall Season Begins at Lassen Volcanic National Park

Fall has arrived in Lassen Volcanic National Park, along with cooling temperatures and occasional dustings of snow. Most park campgrounds and services will transition to fall and winter schedules beginning October 1. “Fewer visitors find their way to Lassen Volcanic in autumn,” said Superintendent Jim Richardson. “This time of year provides an opportunity to enjoy quiet and solitude both in and out of Wilderness. Everyone can enjoy a little more space and wildness in campgrounds, on trails, and in the backcountry.”

All park trails are open, including the recently rehabilitated Bumpass Hell Trail. However, conditions can change rapidly this time of year; visitors are encouraged to check the park website for current conditions prior to each visit.

Manzanita Lake Campground is open until snow closure, which usually occurs in late-October or November. The Camper Store is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily through October 13. The Loomis Museum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and will transition to a Friday through Sunday schedule on October 7.

The Southwest Walk-in Campground offers year-round camping in the southwest area of the park. The Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The café and gift store are open daily through October 14.

Lost Creek Group Campground will close on September 24. All other campgrounds are open into October and will close on the following scheduled dates: Summit Lake South – 10/1, Juniper Lake – 10/8, Warner Valley – 10/15, and Butte Lake – 10/22. Dry camping (no potable water) is in effect at Summit Lake South, Butte Lake, and Juniper Lake Campgrounds. Summit Lake North Campground is closed for the season for a campground restoration project.

Drakesbad Guest Ranch closes for the season on October 14. The Warner Valley road will close on October 14 as well, to allow for construction of a new Drakesbad wastewater disposal system. Visitors may continue to access the area and hiking trails, however vehicle access will be limited to the park boundary.

There are two remaining days to enjoy free entrance to all National Park sites in 2019: National Public Lands Day on September 28 and Veterans Day on November 11.

National Public Lands Day encourages people to connect to nature through service on the largest single-day volunteer effort for America’s public lands. At Lassen Volcanic, visitors are invited to participate in an American pika field survey or guided hike as part of a special Sun’s Out, Fun’s Out, Pika Patrol! program to increase awareness of this temperature-sensitive species. Alternatively, volunteers can add a little sparkle to the park by cleaning a wayside. Volunteers can pick up a cleaning kit at a park visitor center and then select a wayside near their in-park destination. Learn more at https://go.nps.gov/lavo/vip.