Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park is a United States national park that is at the southern terminus of the Cascade Mountains in the Shasta Cascades region of California, approximately 50 miles east of Redding. Within the park's (106,000 acres are numerous volcanic features including four types of volcanoes, steam vents, mud pots, and painted dunes. In addition, with nearly 79,000 acres designated as wilderness area and fewer than 400,000 visitors per year, the park is an ideal place for a nature getaway. It's slightly off the beaten track so typically much less crowded than the flagship Western US national parks such as Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Zion.

History
Lassen Peak National Monument was established by proclamation of President Theodore Roosevelt on 6 May 1907 to be administered by the U.S. Forest Service. Volcanic eruptions from Lassen Peak in 1914 and 1915 resulted in national publicity. The two monuments and surrounding areas were included in Lassen Volcanic National Park, established in 1916, administered by the National Park Service of the Interior.

Landscape
Beneath Lassen Volcanic's peaceful forests and gem-like lakes lies evidence of a turbulent and fiery past. 600,000 years ago, the collision and warping of continental plates led to violent eruptions and the formation of lofty Mount Tehama (also called Brokeoff Volcano.) After 200,000 years of volcanic activity, vents and smaller volcanoes on Tehama's flanks-including Lassen Peak-drew magma away from the main cone. Hydrothermal areas ate away at the great mountain's bulk. Beneath the onslaught of Ice Age glaciers, Mount Tehama crumbled and finally ceased to exist. But the volcanic landscape lived on: in 1914, Lassen Peak awoke. The peak had its most significant activity in 1915 and minor activity through 1921.

All four types of volcanoes in the world are found in the park. Over 150 miles of trails and a culturally significant scenic highway provide access to volcanic wonders including steam vents, mudpots, boiling pools, volcanic peaks, and painted dunes.

Flora and fauna
Although Lassen is primarily known for its volcanic geology, the park boasts a rich diversity of plant and animal life. Over 700 flowering plant species grace the park, providing shelter and food for 250 vertebrates as well as a host of invertebrates including insects.

This great diversity of life forms is due to two factors: the location of the park and the abundance of habitats that occur there.

At the southern end of the Cascade Range geologic province, Lassen Volcanic National Park lies at the crossroads of three great biological provinces: the Cascades range to the north, the Sierra Nevada mountains to the south and the Great Basin desert to the east.

The myriad habitats of Lassen Volcanic National Park are produced by variations in environmental conditions such as elevation (5,000 to 10,457 feet), moisture (precipitation is greater on the western than the eastern side of the park), substrate (rock type and soil depth), temperature, insolation (amount of sun) and prior disturbance (both natural and human-caused).

Climate
Snow covers much of the park mid-October through mid-June. The Park Road (the main road that connects Hwy. 89 through the park) is usually closed late October through mid-June. During years of heavy snowfall, the road may open significantly later. Please call the park for road and trail condition updates. Many of the main park attractions are snow covered and inaccessible by car and foot during the winter. July, August, and September may bring mostly sunny skies with warm daytime temperatures and cool night time temperatures.

Visitor information

 * Park website

By plane
The nearest major airports are in Redding and Chico. The closest major airport is on I-5 in Sacramento with additional options in Reno.

By car
The best access to the park is by private automobile. Auto rental services are available in Redding, Red Bluff, Chico, Susanville or Reno. The park is 50 miles east of Red Bluff on highway 36, and 50 miles east of Redding on the Lassen Peak Highway, California Route 44.

By bus
Greyhound and Trailways bus lines serve cities within 60 miles of the park, although neither visits the park.

By foot
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a well-known trail that extends along the West coast of the United States, from Mexico to Canada. It passes through California, Oregon, and Washington State.

Fees and permits
Entrances fees are valid for seven days, allowing unlimited re-entry for the week. Fees as of 2020 are:
 * $10 - Winter Pass
 * $15 - Individual Entrance Pass (individual on foot/bike)
 * $25 - Motorcycle Pass
 * $30 - Vehicle Pass (non-commercial vehicles only)
 * $55 - Lassen Annual Pass

Get around
The main roads in the park are paved, although many are closed by snow except from June until September. Allow at least three hours to drive across the park and to make stops. Current road conditions are available online.

Eat
There are few options within the park, but the neighboring towns offer a handful of stores and restaurants.



Sleep
Additional lodging options may be found outside of the park in the town of Mill Creek.

Camping






Stay safe
The majority of the park is at high elevations so care should be taken to avoid altitude sickness.

Always stay on the paths and trails around geothermal areas. This mineral crusts can form over mudpots and hot springs that appear to be solid ground. These crusts can collapse leading to immersion in boiling water. The Bumpass Hell geothermal area is named for a man who broke through a crust and ended up having his leg amputated due to the burns he sustained.

Go next

 * Red Bluff - Offers many restaurants and lodging options. About 50 miles west of the park on Highway 36.
 * Mill Creek - Just south of the park on Highway 172.
 * Mill Creek - Just south of the park on Highway 172.