Why Lassen Volcanic National Park May Be California’s Best Hidden Family Adventure

Lake Helen Lassen peak

When people think about California National Parks, Yosemite, Sequoia, and Joshua Tree usually dominate the conversation. Yet tucked away in Northern California is a park many travelers have never explored—one filled with steaming geothermal features, volcanic landscapes, alpine lakes, wildlife, and surprisingly few crowds. On this week’s episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, I … Read more

Warner Valley Welcomes You Back: Drakesbad Guest Ranch & Campground Reopen for Summer 2025

Drakesbad Ranch Lassen Volcanic

Lassen Volcanic National Park breaks Exciting News on Recovery of the Park By Sierra Rec Magazine – National Parks Feature | Lassen Volcanic National Park There’s something special about Lassen’s Warner Valley—a tucked-away alpine escape where geothermal wonders, serene meadows, and volcanic backdrops meet rustic charm and rejuvenation. And after years of recovery from the … Read more

A New Year’s Snowshoe Adventure at Lassen Volcanic National Park

New Year’s Day has always carried a special energy for me—a promise of fresh starts, new goals, and a chance to embrace life’s adventures with renewed enthusiasm. Over the past eight years, I’ve developed a tradition of kicking off each year with a winter excursion. This year, I returned to one of my favorite destinations: … Read more

Unveiling Widow Lake: A Day Hike Adventure in Lassen Volcanic National Park

Butte Lake Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park, a wonderland of geothermal wonders and dramatic volcanic landscapes, beckons adventurers with its diverse offerings. During a recent four-day exploration of the Lake Almanor and Lassen Volcanic National Park region, we embarked on a captivating day hike to Widow Lake, a hidden gem located behind the stunning landscape of Butte Lake. … Read more

Roseann Worley selected as superintendent of Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen volcanic Summer2020

Lassen Volcanic National Park – Today, The National Park Service (NPS) announced ithas selected Roseann Worley as superintendent of Lassen Volcanic National Park. She will begin her new role in May 2024. Worley is currently serving as acting superintendent at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area in Washington. She has been the NPS Pacific West Region … Read more

Lassen Volcanic Highway Closes to Through Traffic for Winter Season 2022

Manzanita Lake and Lassen Peak winter scene

Lassen Volcanic Highway Closes to Through Traffic for Winter Season MINERAL, Calif. – Lassen National Park Highway is closed to through traffic for the winter/spring snow season. Recent autumn storms brought heavy snow and ice to the high-elevation roadway. Lassen Volcanic National Park remains open throughout the winter/spring snow season and can be a wonderful time to … Read more

Lassen Volcanic National Park Begins its Fall Transition

Snow Covered Lassen Peak blue sky

MINERAL, CA– Fall brings cooler temperatures and seasonal changes to Lassen Volcanic National Park services and facilities.   Visitors should be prepared for changing conditions including below freezing nighttime temperatures, limited campsites and visitor services, and temporary effects of fire management activities. Learn more about visiting in fall at go.nps.gov/lavo/fall.  Services in the Manzanita Lake Area continue … Read more

Lassen Volcanic National Park Opens Juniper Lake Campground

Recovery from the Dixie Fire Continues as Lassen Volcanic Park Clears Trees for Safe Camping Lassen Volcanic National Park – July 28, 2022 – Lassen Volcanic National Park announced today via its social media pages that they have officially opened the camping areas at Juniper Lake on the East side of the park. The Juniper … Read more

Lassen National Park Highway Open to Vehicles

lassen peak

Lassen National Park Highway Open to Vehicles MINERAL, CA – The 30-mile highway through Lassen Volcanic National Park will open to through traffic on Friday, June 3. A lower-than-average snowpack accelerated snow clearing operations. Intermittent closures along the highway are possible due to repair work, as well as inclement weather. Please check the weather forecast before … Read more

Lassen Volcanic National Park Opens Additional Vehicle Access

a lake with a tree in the middle

Manzanita Lake Campground opens today Lassen Volcanic National Park – May 20. 2022 – Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway is now open to vehicles between the Loomis Museum and Devastated Area (10 miles). Manzanita Lake Campground opens today and the Manzanita Lake Area is snow-free. Reservations are highly recommended. First-come, first-served sites may be available … Read more

Lassen Volcanic National Park Forecasted to Receive up to 6 Feet of Snow by Saturday.

volcanic legacy scottsdale

Better Late than Never Lassen Prepping for Late Winter Storm Dump. Lassen Volcanic National Park – April 13, 2022 – Two weeks ago the roadways were well on their way to being snow free in Lassen Volcanic National Park . With limited snowfall the park services had already cleared over 1.5 miles of roadway past … Read more

Lassen Volcanic National Park Begins Spring Road Clearing

Lack of Snowfall in 2022 Allows for an Early Start to Snow Removal in Lassen Volcanic National Park roads. Lassen Volcanic National Park – March 21, 2022 – The 30-mile Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway traverses avalanche-prone slopes with up to 2,000 foot drops and can hold a snowpack up to 40 feet deep. Snow clearing … Read more

Sections of Lassen Volcanic National Park to Reopen October 4

Little-Hot-Springs-Valley-and-Lassen-Peak

MINERAL, CA – Portions of Lassen Volcanic National Park that are unaffected by the Dixie Fire will reopen on Monday, October 4.    Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway will be open eight miles from the Southwest Entrance to Lassen Peak parking area and one mile from the Northwest Entrance to Loomis Plaza. The highway will remain closed … Read more

Past Lassen Volcanic Fuels Reduction Projects Helps Firefighters on Dixie Fire

MINERAL, CA – September 4, 2021 – The Dixie Fire continues to actively burn within Lassen Volcanic National Park . The fire has burned a total of 885,954 acres, which includes 59,087 of land within the park. While some structures are confirmed to be damaged or destroyed, firefighters have successfully leveraged the park’s previous and current … Read more

Juniper Lake Cabins Destroyed At Lassen Volcanic National Park

Dixie Fire Claims 46,950 acres of Lassen Volcanic National Park Seven of eight cabins located on the northwest shore of Juniper Lake, a beautiful, high mountain lake with views of Lassen Peak and other surrounding peaks, have been destroyed in the Dixie Fire.  Most of the destroyed structures are private, in holder cabins, privately owned … Read more

Dixie Fire Still Active and only 55% contained for Labor Day Weekend

Juniper Lake sign Lassen Volcanic National PArk

53 days into California’s 2nd Largest Fire in History, Fire Fighters Continue to Fight Fresh Fire growth. Lake Davis Ca, – September 4, 2021 – At 885,954 acres it is hard to believe that the Dixie fire which started on July 14, 2021 still can find fuel to burn. As the second largest fire in … Read more

Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway Opens for 2021

lassen peak

The 30-mile Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway will open in its entirety on Monday, May 17th. In the spring, snowstorms can still occur. In the case of accumulating late-season snow, the road can re-close. Be sure to check for current updates on road status.Butte Lake Road is free of snow and remains open to vehicles. … Read more

National Park Week Kickoffs Saturday April 17

Vernal Falls Yosemite National Park Clarks Point

Free National Parks Admission on Saturday across the Nation Saturday April 17th 2021 We kickoff a week long celebration of National Parks. families and visitors an enjoy free admission on Saturday to any national park across the country. Each National Park week has themed days top enhance user experiences in the parks. Saturday April 17th … Read more

New Years Weekend at Lassen Volcanic

volcanic legacy scottsdale

MINERAL, CA, Dec 31, 2020 – Lassen National Park Highway (CA State Hwy 89), which is the main road through Lassen Volcanic National Park, has closed for the winter. However, the park remains open throughout the year for visitors to recreate responsibly in their public lands. Those planning to visit during the winter months should plan … Read more

Lassen Volcanic National Park Closes Backcountry Camping in Twin & Rainbow Lakes Area

a map of the area where the fire is burning

Mineral Ca – Lassen Volcanic National Park – July 13, 2020 – An area in Lassen Volcanic National Park is closed to backcountry camping due to black bear(s) obtaining food from campers. The closure extends one mile in all directions from the following lakes frequently accessed from Summit Lake Trailhead: Echo, Upper Twin, Lower Twin, … Read more

Grant Application Period Open for Volcano Adventure Camp For Youth this summer season

Deadline s March 31, 2020 to apply for Summer Grants for your kids. Volcano Adventure Camp will operate June 12 through September 20, 2020 MINERAL, CA– Lassen Volcanic National Park and its partner Lassen Park Foundation invite youth groups to apply for a grant to stay at Volcano Adventure Camp (VAC) this summer season. Lassen … Read more

National Park Service to Temporarily Suspend Park Entrance Fees  To Promote Social distancing

Dogwoods in Bloom in Yosemite Valley

Yosemite, Lassen, Sequoia, Kings Canyon And Death Valley Could Be Fee Free During The Corona Virus Shutdown WASHINGTON – After careful consideration, Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt directed the National Park Service (NPS) to temporarily suspend the collection of all park entrance fees until further notice. “I’ve directed the National Park Service to waive entrance fees … Read more

Mark your calendar for these NATIONAL PARK entrance fee–free dates in 2020

tulumbum falls yosemite national park

Fee Free Entrance Days Start Monday Jan 20th. On five days in 2020, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone. Mark your calendar for these entrance fee–free dates in 2020: Monday, January 20: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Saturday, April 18: First Day of National Park … Read more

Fall Season Begins at Lassen Volcanic National Park

Sierra Rec Magazine – Lassen Volcanic National Park – September 25, 2019 – Fall has arrived in Lassen Volcanic National Park, along with cooling temperatures and occasional dustings of snow. Most park campgrounds and services will transition to fall and winter schedules beginning October 1. “Fewer visitors find their way to Lassen Volcanic in autumn,” … Read more

Bumpass Hell Trail to Re-Open September 13

Lassen Volcanic National Park Multi Year Rehabilitation Project at Bumpass Hell Ready For Unveiling MINERAL, CA – Lassen Volcanic National Park plans to re-open the Bumpass Hell Trail September 13, following the partial completion of a multi-year trail rehabilitation project.  “We look forward to welcoming hikers on the newly rehabilitated Bumpass Hell Trail,” said Superintendent Jim … Read more

Lassen Volcanic Continues to Monitor Red Fire

Small Wilderness Fire in Lassen will not affect Labor Day Weekend Plans MINERAL, CA – Lassen Volcanic National Park continues to monitor the lightning-ignited, 15-acre, Red Fire. A fire lookout on Mt. Harkness detected a small amount of smoke in the park at approximately 10 a.m. on August 14. Air surveillance and ground crews confirmed … Read more

Lassen Volcanic Announces Special Events Through September

Lassen Volcanic National Park is offering numerous special events this summer season. The season concludes with free entrance in celebration of National Public Lands Day on Saturday, September 28. “Events like the Dark Sky Festival and Discover Lassen provide opportunities for visitors to learn something new or expand their appreciation of the park,” said Superintendent … Read more

Lassen Volcanic National Park Partners with University California, Davis to Join the Natural Reserve System

MINERAL, CA – Lassen Volcanic National Park is excited to announce a new partnership with the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) which will incorporate the park into the University of California’s Natural Reserve System. The addition marks the sixth UC Davis Natural Reserve  in a system that now spans Northern California from its alpine forests and across … Read more

National Junior Ranger Day Kicks Off National Park Week Saturday

We treasure our National Parks in the Sierra and the Western Region, and creating a future generation of care takers and enthusiast is a project that we at Sierra Rec enjoy promoting. Saturday, April 20, 2109 National Parks around the country including Yosemite, Lassen, Death Valley, and Seqouia and Kings Canyon will kick off this … Read more

What To Do At Lassen Volcanic National Park in April And May

a mountain range in the distance

Lassen Volcanic National Park offers a unique experience in the spring months, with varying snow conditions creating opportunities for diverse activities. While the timing of snow removal operations is subject to fluctuations based on snowpacks and weather conditions, here’s a guide to enjoying the park and nearby attractions in April and May. Snow removal in … Read more

Youth Groups Invited to Apply to Lassen Volcano Adventure Camp

Sierra Rec Magazine – National Park News – March 20, 2019 – Lassen Volcanic National Park and its partner Lassen Park Foundation invite youth groups to plan their night under the stars at the Volcano Adventure Camp this summer. Lassen Park Foundation will accept applications for grants to cover the cost of a trip to … Read more

Lassen Volcanic to Waive Entrance Fee to Celebrate 25th Anniversary of National Public Lands Day

MINERAL, CA – All National Park Service sites, including Lassen Volcanic National Park, will offer free admission to visitors on September 22 for National Public Lands Day. “I encourage everyone to take advantage of this fee free day to explore and discover the beauty and recreational opportunities that Lassen Volcanic National Park has to offer,” said Superintendent Jim Richardson. “There … Read more

Reach Higher Trail Challenge Kick-off At Lassen Volcanic National Park June 9th

Celebrate National Get Outdoors Day, June 9 and celebrate Early Season Conditions At Lassen Volcanic National Park  Sierra Rec Magazine ~ June 7, 2018 –  Chester Ca – Participate in the Lassen Volcanic National Park Reach Higher Trail Challenge and earn a commemorative bandana. Saturday, June 9, Lassen Volcanic celebrates National Get Outdoors Day with the annual … Read more

Lassen Volcanic National Park Invites Public Comment on Alternatives for a Wilderness Stewardship Plan

Sierra Rec Magazine – MINERAL, CA – Lassen Volcanic National Park has prepared a range of alternatives for a Wilderness Stewardship Plan Environmental Assessment, and would like to invite public comment on those alternatives for the next 30 days. “This plan will provide management guidance for most of the park since 74% of Lassen Volcanic National Park is … Read more

20 Cant Miss Places To Explore For National Parks Week In The Sierra

National Parks Week Is a Great Time to Explore Some Place New With The Family April 2017- National Park Week is the time to discover national parks and the wonders found inside national parks, National Park Week is April 15 to 23, 2017. The Sierra is blessed with four fantastic Parks to explore and so many wonders, there is … Read more

Sentence Given for Assault of a Federal Employee at Lassen Volcanic National Park

The sentencing hearing on January 24 for Nicholas M. Coberley resulted in 27 months in a State Prison and three years of supervised probation. Coverley pled guilty to charges stemming from an incident on a June night within Lassen Volcanic National Park.   https://www.nps.gov/lavo/learn/news/assault-sentence.htm Source: Lassen Volcanic National Park News

James Richardson Named Superintendent of Lassen Volcanic National Park

James “Jim” Richardson has been selected as superintendent of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Richardson is scheduled to report in mid-April. Martha Crusius will be the acting superintendent until then. https://www.nps.gov/lavo/learn/news/superintendent-richardson.htm Source: Lassen Volcanic National Park News

Lassen Volcanic National Parks Plans Ski Celebration Weekend

Lassen Volcanic NationalPark Celebrates President Day Weekend with Free Ski Celebration Event Lassen Ca –  Celebrate winter sports at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Share stories over a cup of coffee or bowl of chili at an outdoor fire pit and enjoy ski films in the auditorium. Park entrance is free in celebration of Presidents’ Day. Date … Read more