A Sunny and Snowy Memorial Day Weekend at Lassen Volcanic National Park

A Sunny and Snowy Memorial Day Weekend at Lassen Volcanic National Park
Date: May 30, 2010
Contact: Darlene M. Koontz, 530-595-4444 ext. 5101

Memorial Day weekend visitors to Lassen Volcanic National Park can take advantage of a break in the passing storms and enjoy the snowy mountains under beautiful blue skies. “We anticipate this last storm to move through the area by Friday, which will create ideal conditions for those visitors interested in cross country skiing, snow play or snowshoeing throughout the weekend,” stated Park Superintendent Darlene M. Koontz.

Camping in snow covered walk-in sites are available at the Southwest Campground and there a limited number of snow free sites at Manzanita Lake Campground. The Crags Campground will open for dry camping this weekend. The concession-run Camper Service Store at Manzanita Lake is open for the summer season.

Most of the hiking trails in the park remain snow-covered, inaccessible and difficult to locate. The Manzanita Lake Trail and Lily Pond Trail have 10% or less snow coverage. Visitors are encouraged to stop in for park information at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center and the Loomis Museum which are both open daily.

The main road through the park is not completely open; visitors can drive ten miles in from Manzanita Lake to the Devastated Area, and one mile in from the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center to Sulphur Works. Snow plows will continue to clear the snow and it is anticipated that the main park road will be opened for through-traffic by early July. Visitors that walk or bike along the plowed portions of the main park road beyond the closure gates should be aware that snow removal equipment is working and that visibility for the heavy equipment operators is very limited and can be hazardous.

Even though it may feel like spring or summer in the valley, visitors need to be prepared for possible wintery conditions as mountain weather can quickly change. It is best to dress in layers so you can adjust for changing conditions and bring food, water, sunscreen and sunglasses.