Visiting in Winter

December Through March

Winter is a season of snow and solitude. Vehicle access is limited, but over-the-snow adventure is seemingly endless.

Access is Limited

Lassen’s main park road (Hwy 89 through the park) closes when snow settles in and vehicle access is limited to Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center (southwest entrance) and Loomis Plaza/Manzanita Lake parking area (northwest entrance). The road typically closes for the season in mid- to late November.

Roads to outlying park areas (Butte Lake, Juniper Lake, and Warner Valley) may close with winter conditions as well. Typically, these roads are not maintained in winter and may be gated for safety.

Road closures are listed in park alerts, which appear at the top of each page and on the Alerts & Conditions page.

Weather

Be prepared for rapidly-changing, severe weather conditions. Wear layers, waterproof gear and outerwear, and sun protection.The park receives up to 30 feet of snowfall during the snowy season (typically November to May). Sunny skies are common between short (1 to 3 day) snowstorms. The park’s snowpack often lasts more than half of the year. Winter/spring temperatures in the Southwest Area (6,700 feet elevation) range from highs of 50°F to 61°F to lows of 13°F to 23°F. Temperatures in the Manzanita Lake Area (5,800 feet elevation) run about 5° warmer. Expect a 5° temperature decrease for every 1,000-foot increase in elevation. Check the weather forecast for various points in the park, see the current snow depths around the park, and learn more about how and why Lassen measures snowpack.

Facilities & Services

Camping

Front-Country

Self-contained vehicle camping is allowed in the following areas in winter:

• Southwest Parking Area

• Manzanita Lake Loop A (subject to inclement weather and plowing capabilities)

Backcountry

Backcountry camping is allowed with valid Wilderness Permit (reserved via recreation.gov prior to your trip). Backcountry camping along the closed park road is allowed in winter, see page for detailed information.

Things to Do

Both areas offer a variety of winter routes for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing and areas for sledding and snowplay. Experienced visitors can backcountry ski and snowboard (typically southwest area).

Safety First!