MINERAL, CA – As summer quickly approaches, Lassen Volcanic National Park is undertaking two major trails projects and wrapping up another. The Reach the Peak project is nearing an end with only small-scale projects left to finish this summer. “Our trail crew, with assistance from the California Conservation Corps, worked diligently for five seasons on the rehabilitation of the Lassen Peak Trail and it is my pleasure to reopen the trail this summer for visitors to enjoy,” stated Superintendent Steve Gibbons.
Starting Monday, June 8, the Kings Creek Falls overlook and immediately surrounding area will be closed to all visitors for the summer during construction of a new overlook. Trail crews will construct two elevated viewing platforms and a wooden guardrail at the overlook. The section of Kings Creek Falls trail that passes above the overlook will be closed to horses and stock animals to ensure the safety of our trail crew as they work below the trail. The cascade section of the trail that has been closed for several years due to deteriorated conditions will be rehabilitated over the next three seasons, reopening to the public in 2018. “Although visitors will be unable to view Kings Creek Falls this summer, the trail project will vastly improve the overlook for the future and reopen the cascades section of the trail. Mill Creek Falls is a good alternative for visitors wishing to take a waterfall hike in the park,” stated Gibbons.
The shifting hydrothermal features at Bumpass Hell necessitate permanently removing the end portion of the boardwalk, near the Pyrite pool, this summer. The Bumpass Hell Trail will remain open during the trail work.
It should be noted, that Lassen Volcanic National Park experienced a major wind event this past February causing a significant number of trees to fall over the winter months. The amount of blow down on park trails this year is unprecedented and our crews are working hard to clear park trails for our visitors as soon as possible. Along the northern portion of the Pacific Crest Trail alone, approximately 390 trees fell over the winter. Volunteers from the Pacific Crest Trail Association working in tandem with the park trail crew will cross-cut clear the trees June 14 through June 20. Hikers should use caution while navigating through the fallen trees and should expect trails that have not been cleared to take twice as long as usual to hike. Equestrians will be unable to navigate most trails until they are cleared of downed trees. To check the most current trail conditions, visit http://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/hiking_lassen_park.htm
Manzanita Lake, Southwest Walk-in, Butte Lake and Warner Valley campgrounds are open. Due to the ongoing drought, water use at Butte Lake is restricted. The flush-toilet comfort stations at Butte Lake will be closed for the summer; however, visitors will still have access to restrooms and washing facilities. Juniper Lake and Summit Lake North and South campgrounds open June 26. All park roads are now open for the season.
Visitor services currently available include the Manzanita Lake Camper Store, Lassen Café and Gifts and the Lassen Association Bookstore at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. The Loomis Museum is open Friday,Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., including every day startingJune 15. The Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For campground openings, trail statuses, current conditions or to plan your trip, please visit the park website at www.nps.gov/lavo or contact the visitor center at 530-595-4480 or lavo_information@nps.gov.
