Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park – April 16-23rd is National Park week around the Nation, meaning free entrance to some of the most amazing places on earth for you and your family. In the Sierra’s we are blessed with Four National Park options and although Lassen Volcanic National Park is the least visited of the four (Seqouia , Kings Canyon, Yosemite, Lassen) it offers a unique quality to its visitors.
For National Parks Week for instance, visitors will find most of the park still under a great winter snow blanket, meaning access to the park is limited and driving all the way through the park is not an option during National Park Week. However, Snowshoeing, Back Country Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Winter Camping, Sledding are all still great options for a visit to your National Park.  We spoke with one of the park rangers today that said on the Southside of the park you can still snowshoe, ski and sled right from the parking lot at Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center.
Hwy 89 Through Lassen Volcanic National Park is still closed for winter. Vistiors can not drive all the way through the park during National Parks Week. Â Northside Access near Manzanita Lake will be open for about 10 miles starting Monday April 18th.
We spoke with one of the park rangers today that said on the Southside of the park you can still snowshoe, ski and sled right from the parking lot at Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. ” Many people are coming up and camping right there in the parking lot for the evening and enjoying the Night Ski at the park”  The Night Ski at Lassen Volcanic is recognized as one of the National Dark Sky Locations and a great family experience.
On the Northside of Lassen Volcanic National Park Access has a few more options.
Starting Monday Visitors will be able to drive approx 10 miles into the Park to around the Devastated area
Devastated Area
A half-mile (.08 km) hard surface loop trail offers spectacular views of Lassen Peak and its 1915 mudflow. Interpretive exhibits with motion activated audio description highlight the eruption of Lassen Peak. Accessible parking spaces and vault toilets are available at the trailhead.
Also Manzanita Lake has now thawed and walking trails around the lake can be accessed without the need of snowshoes. Â A Great area for spring picnics and family gatherings. Views of Lassen Peak are incredible this time of year with cool crisp blue sky and snow covered mountains.
National Parks Week Events
For National Park Week Lassen Volcanic National Park is also offering a special movie night engagement at Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center on Friday April 22 from 6-8pm.
Mineral Movie Night
Friday, April 22 6- 8 p.m. | Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center
Celebrate earth day in the park through fun, film, and conversation! Enjoy a special screening of Forever Wild narrated by Robert Redford. The film explores America’s commitment to wilderness through the tales of citizens who have decided what wilderness means to them. Stay after the film to participate in a conversation on Lassen Volcanic Wilderness. Be sure to bring snow gear to play in the park before the film starts!
Weather forecasts for Lassen Volcanic National Park  April 16-23 calls for Mostly Sunny Skis in the mid-60’s all week until Friday the 23rd when the next storm system will come with possible rain or snow in the park.
If visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park this week, bring your winter gear, prepare to stay late and enjoy the night sky if the evening is clear, consider a trip down to Lake Almanor near Chester Ca.
Getting There: (MAP)
Access to Lassen Volcanic National Park can be found from the West on HWY 44 out of Redding CA, or HWY 36 out of RED Bluff Ca.
The North Entrance is Best Accessed from HWY 44.
Access to Lassen Volcanic National Park South Entrance From the East on HWY 89 out of Susanville and through Chester and Lake Almanor areas. Or on HWY 44 out of Susanville taking the Northern Route to Manzanita Lake region.
If coming from the South you can also Access HWY 89 in Truckee Ca and drive up through the Sierra to the south Entrance of the park. Note this section is the longest route and most likely to winter road conditions.
Sierra REC Magazine is dedicated to sharing the events, news and adventure opportunities that exist in The Sierra Mountains. From Lassen Volcanic National Park to the North down through the Central Sierra and the Lake Tahoe Basin through the rugged eastern slopes of the Mono county and Yosemite National park to the southern tips near Sequoia National Park and the PCT trail. We invite you to share stories, trips and photos from your adventures in the  Sierra. Please join us on Facebook, Twitter Google +  and You-Tube or email us your events and photos at sierrarecinfo@gmail.com  #goexplore