Is Lassen open?
Travelling through in the next couple of days- is Lassen Volcanic NP open?
Thanks in advance.
Great question. Yes — Lassen Volcanic National Park is open, but with significant winter limitations right now.
Here’s a breakdown of the current conditions and what to expect if you visit in the next couple of days:
- Road Access Is Limited:
- The main park road (Highway 89) is closed for the season.
- Vehicle access is restricted to about 1 mile from the northwest entrance (to Loomis Plaza / Manzanita Lake) and 1 mile from the southwest entrance (to Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center).
- Roads to outlying areas like Juniper Lake, Butte Lake, and Warner Valley are closed for winter.
- Facilities & Services:
- The Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center is open during winter, though hours are limited.
- There’s little to no gas available in the park during the winter months.
- Restrooms and water are available around the visitor center area, but deeper into the park services are minimal.
- Winter Recreation Only:
- With the road closed, the park transforms into a winter recreation area. Visitors can snowshoe, cross-country ski, or explore “over-snow” on foot in some areas.
- Be prepared: the weather can change quickly, and the terrain is remote.
- Safety Precautions:
- Cell service is very limited in much of the park, so you should be self-reliant.
- Bring emergency gear: warm layers, food, water, blankets, tire chains if driving, etc.
- Check the park’s Alerts & Conditions webpage before going — road or weather status can change quickly.
Bottom line: Yes, you can visit Lassen now — but don’t expect to drive through the whole park. You’ll be limited to certain access points, so the experience will be more about snow-based activities or short walks rather than a full scenic drive. If you’re prepared for winter conditions, it can be a beautiful, tranquil time to see Lassen.
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