Lassen Volcanic National Park

Mineral, CA  96063
(530) 595-4480

www.nps.gov

Description

Lassen Park is located in northern California off Interstate 5 near Red Bluff.  Several access roads lead into the park with Highway 36 taking you straight pass the park’s headquarters.  Lassen Peak plays a vital part in the geological study of the areas’ volcanic and seismic activity and is also part of the Pacific Rings of Fire.  It has been over seventy years since Lassen burst into eruption and today researchers are learning how the natural landscape that was once there is recovering.  The Lassen area is also an important meeting point for several Native American groups and has seen the footsteps of travels exploring the West.  Located adjacent is Lassen National Forest and the Caribou Wilderness. The park is also located along the Pacific Crest Trail.

Activities

• Camping
• Hiking
• Backcountry Use
• Nature Study
• Fishing
• Boating

Facilities

The park’s several campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis only.  Each campground has modern restroom facilities and a group site for up to 25 people is available for reservation by contacting the park staff.  A wilderness permit, free of charge, is required for groups staying overnight.  There are over 4 dozen lakes inside the park that offer fishing and non-powered boating.  Rentals are not available within the park and some lakes hold restrictions.  Check with park staff prior to your arrival and make sure to stop at a ranger station on your way in.

Fires:  within the campgrounds in designated fire rings only; backcountry users must use self-contained stoves.

Wood: See park staff—no wood gathering.

Comments

Thermal Warnings—boiling water may be present at or near the surface in park thermal areas.  Stay on trails and boardwalks where provided.  The crusts over some thermal features are brittle.  Breaking through can plunge you in boiling water.  Keep close watch and physical control of all small children.  The man who named Bumpass Hell lost his leg as a result of falling into the boiling waters.

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