Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of the least crowded national parks in the nation. Take a look at the information below to gain a better idea of what exists within the park.
Overview
Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of the nation's least crowded national parks, a welcome change from some of the more famous spots farther south. Heavy snowfall in the park means trails can be covered in snow as late as June, but the main park road is kept open year round. Unlike many national parks, Lassen's Park Road traverses most of the park's area as it twists through thermal features, lakes, and rocky peaks.
Park Features
Lassen's two main entrances are at the northwest and southwest corners of the park, connected by the 34-mile Park Road. The Loomis Museum at Manzanita Lake near the northwest entrance offers information, exhibits, videos, Ranger-Led programs and publications in the summer months.
Following the road from the visitor center east, you'll travel past the Crags, a series of stark rock formations, before cresting Emigrant Pass to reach the Summit Lake campgrounds. The road then bends back to the west to travel through the central volcanic region. The most volatile area is Bumpass Hell, where a 1.6 mile hike leads past bubbling sulpher lakes and mud pots.
Another area of the park can be accessed from the Chester Warner Valley Road, which leads to the Drakesbad Guest Ranch. Hikes from here depart to Terminal Geyser and the Devil's Kitchen area of the park.
Some Other Things To Know
Pets
Pets are not allowed in Park buildings.
If you bring a dog, please observe the following*:
- Pets must be on a leash less than six feet long at all times.
- Pets are permitted only on established roadways, campgrounds, picnic areas and other developed areas.
- Pets under physical restraint are permitted overnight in developed campgrounds.
- Pets are not permitted on trails, boardwalks, in the backcountry, or in any body of water.
- Pets can be left unattended in vehicles. However, if hazardous conditions exist, such as hot weather, owners can be cited for endangering an animal.
- Pets can not be left unattended AND tied to an object, except in designated areas or under conditions which may be established by the Superintendent.
- Please clean up after your pet and take responsibility for its behavior.
*The regulations do not apply to Seeing Eye dogs accompanying visually impaired persons or other guide animals for disabled individuals.
Ask at the Visitor Center or the Loomis Museum about trails outside the Park where you can hike with your pet or for a list of pet boarding facitlities in the area.
