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 Jim Richardson. “Thanks to support from our partners and volunteers, these events offer a wide-variety of opportunities throughout the park.”
Visitors interested in learning more about migratory birds can participate in the annual bird banding demonstrations at Manzanita Lake on Sunday, July 21. Scientists from the park and Point Blue Conservation Science use nets to capture and band migratory birds to gain information on population abundance and health. A short walk along the Manzanita Lake Trail is required to reach the banding site. Learn more at go.nps.gov/lavo/programs.
Night sky enthusiasts can attend the Lassen Dark Sky festival Friday, August 2 through Saturday, August 3. Join park Dark Sky Rangers and partners from NASA, International Dark Sky Association, and Astronomical Society of Nevada for day and night time events. Visitors are encouraged to make reservations early; campsites and overnight accommodations in the area fill up fast for this popular event. More information at go.nps.gov/darksky.
Lassen Park Foundation invites visitors to celebrate the park’s establishment (August 9, 1916) at the Discover Lassen weekend, August 10 through 11. The weekend kicks-off on Saturday with the Day in the Park festival at Loomis Plaza from 11 am to 2 pm. Visitors can explore information booths with hands-on activities and displays and enjoy a fundraiser barbecue lunch served by Anderson Rotary Club.
On Sunday, August 11 hikers can participate in the Hike-a-Thon on the Lassen Peak Trail and Mill Creek Falls Trails. Registration ranges from $20 to $50 per person and includes t-shirts, bibs, trail snacks, water, and a commemorative patch for each trail completed.
Funds raised at Discover Lassen events will support Lassen Park Foundation projects and programs including the Youth Camping Program at Volcano Adventure Camp. Learn more about the weekend or register for the Hike-a-Thon at lassenparkfoundation.org.
Opportunities to learn, explore, and discover through Lassen Association’s Field Seminar Program continue through September. Seminars include a guided hike around Manzanita Lake with hiking guide author Tracey Salcedo on August 10. Two nature photography workshops on July 26 and 27 or September 20 and 21 offer the opportunity to gain hands-on photography experience in the park. Learn more or register at go.nps.gov/lavo/seminar.
The tenth annual Art, Wine & Brew of Lassen will take place on Saturday, September 7 at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. Attendees can browse unique wares from local artisans including photography, paintings, pottery, woodwork; and enjoy wine and craft brew tastings. A tasting fee includes a commemorative glass. This special event is hosted by the park concessioner, Snow Mountain, LLC.
The summer’s special events conclude with free entrance to all National Park sites on Saturday, September 28. Visitors can celebrate National Public Lands Day by giving back through volunteer opportunities in the park or at other public land sites. Information on specific volunteer opportunities at Lassen Volcanic will be available in early September at go.nps.gov/lavo/vip. Individuals who volunteer on this day will receive a fee-free day coupon for use on a future date.
