Lassen Volcanic is gearing up for the summer season with its annual Reach Higher Trail Challenge, additional campground openings, and ranger-led programs.
Saturday, June 9, Lassen Volcanic celebrates National Get Outdoors Day with the annual Reach Higher Trail Challenge kick-off. “This year’s challenge celebrates the 50th anniversary of our National Trails System,” says Superintendent Jim Richardson. “We invite visitors to explore one of seven National Trails in, or adjacent to, the park.” Lassen contains all three types of National Trails: historic, recreation, and scenic. Hikers who complete at least three hikes in the park and note them in a trail challenge brochure will earn a free commemorative bandana courtesy of the Lassen Association, a non-profit park partner.
Manzanita Lake and Southwest Walk-in Campgrounds are open for the season. Butte Lake and Warner Valley Campgrounds open Friday, June 8 along with Drakesbad Guest Ranch. Lost Creek Campground will open June 15 and Summit and Juniper Lake Campgrounds open June 29. Fees for selected campgrounds increased by two dollars on January 1, 2018, along with certain entrance fees. Learn more at go.nps.gov/lavo/fees.
Campers can receive a free refillable one-pound propane cylinder in exchange for two used cylinders on Saturday, June 9. Representatives from California Product Stewardship Council will be at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center from 10 am to 2 pm to share information about refillable propane cylinders and the free, safe disposal program offered in partnership with Tehama County Solid Waste Management Agency, CalRecycle, and Green Waste of Tehama.
Ranger-led programs begin June 15. Visit go.nps.gov/lavo/programs for a schedule and descriptions. Summer special events include the Lassen Dark Sky Festival, August 3 through 4 and Day in the Park Festival and Reach the Peak Hike-a-Thon on August 11.
Hiking trails in lower elevations of the park are mostly snow-free. Trails in higher elevations are still mostly snow-covered. The Lassen Peak Trail is open and is mostly snow-covered. Sturdy hiking boots, traction devices like crampons or microspikes, and trekking poles are highly recommended. Please stay on the marked trail for your safety and to prevent erosion. Orange wands are in place to help identify the trail where it is snow-covered.
The Bumpass Hell Trail is closed for the year for a rehabilitation project. Sulphur Works is the most accessible alternative hydrothermal area in the park and is located along the park highway, one-mile north of the Southwest Entrance. Hikes in the Warner Valley area provide access to other hydrothermal areas including Devils Kitchen and Boiling Springs Lake. Parking in Warner Valley is limited.
The Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. The Loomis Museum is open Friday through Sunday and then daily beginning June 18.
For more information, please visit nps.gov/lavo; contact the park at (530) 595-4480 or lavo_information@nps.gov; or find us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, or Flickr as LassenNPS.
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