Visiting in Winter

Limited services and severe weather mean that winter visits require a little extra planning and preparation.

NPS photo

December Through March

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

 

Download Lassen for Offline Viewing!

Download the NPS app and save Lassen Volcanic National Park for offline viewing. You can access key winter information and maps on the app when you're in the park, even when you're out of cell service.

Learn more about the NPS app

 

 

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.

 

Weather

Find specific forecast information for different parts of the park and related links.

Park Alerts & Conditions

View current park conditions, including closures, alerts, and hazards.

Snowpack

Why is Lassen's snowpack important, how is it measured, and why?

 

Facilities & Services

Availability of services at either area in winter.

Services	Southwest Area This area receives the most snow and offers steep slopes and sweeping vistas. The road is closed beyond the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center.	Manzanita Lake Area This area offers gentle slopes and scenic lakes. The road is closed beyond the Loomis Plaza parking area.
Information	Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center is open year-round, but hours are limited in winter. Visitor center subject to closure due to severe inclement weather.	Information kiosks in Loomis Plaza (unstaffed). Park maps available at northwest entrance station.
Restrooms	Inside the 24-hour vestibule at the visitor center.	In Loomis Plaza.
Supplies & Gifts	Park store open during visitor center hours. Gift store open Friday - Sunday.	Park bookstore in Loomis Residence has limited winter hours.

 

Camping

Front-Country

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

• Southwest Parking Area

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).

 

 

Winter Routes in the Southwest Area

View ski and snowshoe routes in the Southwest Area.

Winter Routes in the Manzanita Lake Area

View ski and snowshoe routes in the Manzanita Lake Area.

 

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Safety First!

 

Winter Safety

Driving, exploring, weather and more - safety is paramount in enjoying a visit to Lassen in winter.

Avalanche Awareness

An avalanche is an unpredictable phenomenon, but there are several warning signs you can look for or feel before one occurs.