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Lassen Volcanic National Park
Plan Your Visit
 

Lassen Volcanic National Park provides a wealth of fun activities that are as varied as the seasons of the park. Due to the high elevation and influence of the Pacific Ocean, the park receives upwards of 40 feet of snow per year. Your access to the interior of the park is dependent upon the winter's total snowfall which influences the spring/summer road opening dates.  An approximate description of the seasons in the park is below, keep them in mind as you begin to plan your visit.

 
hat creek with aspens showing fall colors.

Fall: approximately mid-September to November

The park is mild during the day and cool at night with a potential for thunderstorms . Light snows that melt off may begin in October. The trails are usually still clear.  The Main Park Road is open until November, weather permitting.

 
Mt. Conard after a winter snowstorm.

Winter: approximately November to April

The park is snowbound and cold. Solitude is abundant. The Main Park Road is only open to the Southwest area on the southside and the Loomis Ranger station on the northside. 

 
lake helen is seen thawing out with lassen peak in the background.

Spring: approximately April to mid-June

The weather is warming up though the nights can still be below freezing. The higher elevations are still snow-filled. Conditions permitting, the road begins to open (visit the road status webpage). Higher elevation lakes begin to thaw.

 
spine of dacite domes and remnants of old composite volcano with lassen peak in background and clear blue sky above.  As seen from Brokeoff Mountain

Summer: approximately mid-June to mid-September

The park is sunny and dry, with cool nights.  Snow can linger on trails above 8000 feet until late August. The Main Park Road is usually open (click here to see current road status). Campgrounds may fill on weekends.  Ranger programs are in full swing.

Lassen Peak reflecting in calm clear waters of Lake Helen
Current Conditions
Find out current conditions such as snow, trails, campgrounds, and roads
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Picture of Park Newspaper
Peak Experiences
Download the summer/fall 2009 visitor guide and newspaper
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reddish color microscopic snow alage  

Did You Know?
The reddish color sometimes observed on top of snow at Lassen Volcanic NP snow is a living organism called snow algae. When snow begins to thaw, these microscopic organisms spring to life. They function as a primary food source and are being studied for their cancer-fighting properties.

Last Updated: October 30, 2009 at 13:14 EST