Two Important Summer Events Set For June 11 & 12, 2016 at Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park Ca, June 6 2016 – A kickoff of sorts to summer recreation in the Northern Sierra, Lassen Volcanic National Park will open the through Road (HWY 89) this weekend with two significant events to start summer tourism in the park.
First on Saturday, June 11th, Lassen Volcanic National Park will open access to the park for walkers and bicyclists only on Hwy 89 past the visitors centers. This event is a celebrated event in the Northern Sierra, as it is the only time of the year you can explore the entire park road system without the worry of traffic or car noise to interrupt your experience in the park. 27 miles of highway have been cleared, with several feet of snow still covering the higher elevations in the park and along the roadways. This is a great day to bring the family and your bikes and experience Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Second on Sunday, June 12th, Lassen Volcanic National scenic Byway will open to car traffic for the summer season. Officially kicking off the summer season in the park. Even though much of the mid-section on the drive is blanketed in snow from this winter’s storms, the park will have full access to on both ends of the park for visitors. Some trails and Campgrounds will still be under snow so plan accordingly.
Manzanita Lake area is completely, snow free at this time, as is Devastation area and Hat Creek on the Northern entrance. Bumpass Hell Trail status has been fluctuating this past week, check the status online before coming to the park. As of today, it is closed.
Saturday June 11th will also be the kick off to this years Reach Higher Trail Challenge. Reach Higher Trail Challenge Kick-Off
June 11 | Park-wide Earn a commemorative bandana just by hiking and burning calories! Participants can pick up a brochure at an entrance station, the Loomis Museum, or the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. Once you’ve completed the challenge, bring your brochure to the Loomis Museum or Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center to receive your free bandana.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in Northeastern California. There are five separate entrances to the park, and one Main Park Road which runs North-South through the park. The Main Park Road runs between the Northwest (Manzanita Lake) park entrance and the Southwest park entrance. Dead-end roads provide access to Butte Lake, Juniper Lake, and Warner Valley areas.
Please note that GPS units (including smart phones) do not always provide accurate directions in and around Lassen. Lassen covers over 106,000 acres and does not have a single address. We do not recommend using GPS units for directions in and around Lassen. If you do use a GPS unit, just keep in mind that if there is a conflict between what the road sign says and what your GPS unit says, the road sign is correct.
Northwest Entrance:
GPS: 40°32’40″N 121°34’38″W
From Redding, California: The Northwest entrance is approximately 50 miles east on Highway 44.
From Reno, Nevada: The Northwest is approximately 180 miles west via 395 and Highway 44.
Southwest Entrance:
GPS: 40°26’08″N 121°32’02″W
From Red Bluff, California: The Southwest entrance is approximately 45 miles east on Highway 36
From Reno, Nevada: The Southwest entrance is 160 miles west of Reno, Nevada via 395 and Highway 36.
Butte Lake:
GPS: 40°33’58″N 121°17’50″W
Access to the Butte Lake area is via a dirt road off Hwy 44 east of Old Station.
Juniper Lake:
GPS: 40°27’3″N 121°17’43″W
Access to Juniper Lake is via a partially paved road north of Chester off Hwy 36.
Warner Valley:
GPS: 40°26’30″N 121°23’35″W
Access to Warner Valley is via a partially paved road north of Chester off Hwy 36. Follow the signs to Drakesbad Guest Ranch.
Bike and Hike the Highway
June 11, 2016
Enjoy walking, running, or biking on the park highway before it is open to motorized vehicles for the summer season.Come prepared for cool weather especially in the early morning and late evening. Don’t forget clothing layers, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Restrooms will be available at various stops along the highway. Water will be available only at the Loomis Museum, Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, and Lassen Peak parking area. Leashed pets are permitted on pavement. Read the 2016 Hike and Bike the Highway handout to learn more.