Hiking in Lassen Volcanic National Park involves risk. Lassen's continually changing landscape, high elevation, and dramatic seasons present numerous considerations for hikers. From climbing rocky slopes, crossing swift streams, and traversing spring snow patches, the best way to ensure your safety is to be prepared.
To improve your safety when hiking at Lassen consider the following:
Hiking at high elevation can aggravate pre-existing medical conditions. Carry plenty of water, take breaks often, and do not exceed your abilities. If you start to experience any symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, confusion, pain behind eyes, or nausea) go to a lower elevation. Seek medical attention from a ranger or doctor. View more information about altitude sickness from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Black bears have been sighted frequently in this area. Avoid potential bear encounters on the trail by making noise to make your presence known. Be particularly careful near streams, and when vegetation or terrain limits visibility. Learn more about what to do in the event of a bear encounter below or learn more in-depth about bear safety.
Lightning position: put your feet together, crouch, and don't touch long conductors
Summer is the peak season for one of the nation's deadliest weather phenomena—lightning. In the United States, an average of 54 people are reported killed each year by lightning. Lightning is a serious danger that is best mitigated by one key action: When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! Unfortunately for day hikers and backpackers, seeking shelter is not always possible. Here are a few tips to increase your safety while outdoors:
Time visits to avoid severe weather - know the forecast.
Immediately seek a safer area if you hear thunder.
Avoid hiking on high ridge lines or exposed areas at elevation if thunderstorms are in the area (e.g. Lassen Peak, Brokeoff, Cinder Cone, and Mt. Harkness trails.)
If caught in the open, do not shelter in/under trees, bushes, or other tall objects.
Spread a hiking group out at least 50 feet between people.
Look for ravines or depressions and assume the lightning position (squat down on the soles of your shoes) in one of the depressions.
Do NOT lay on the ground, rather crouch on your feet.
If a member of your party is struck by lightning, prompt rescue breathing is often very successful in reviving an injured person. Call 911 and seek immediate medical attention.
Visitors like you have identified a number of measures that can help improve safety while hiking. Note that the type of risk and safety concerns vary greatly with the wide variety of terrain, elevation, and features found at Lassen.
Carry sunscreen, bug repellant, extra layers, plenty of water, and food
Know your abilities: take breaks often, slow down on hills, plan your time, pay attention to how you feel
Stay on-trail in hydrothermal areas: watch children, note when handrails are absent, maintain a safe distance
Consider special considerations for hiking with children: pay close attention in hydrothermal areas and around lakes, creeks, waterfalls, and bridges; share route plans in case they get lost; know each individual's abilities
Let someone know where you are going and when you will return: hiker logs at visitor centers, messages on social media, voicemail, e-mail, etc.
Be aware of and prepared for wildlife and act appropriately: watch out for bees and bears, do not feed animals, do not approach wildlife
Yield to uphill hikers: step off the side of the trail to let others pass
Be aware of weather conditions: check conditions before you start your hike, be mindful of items blowing off windy peaks, watch for sudden changes in weather, descend immediately at signs of a storm, know what to do in case of lightning
