Lassen Volcanic National Park Visitor Tips

Above, a view of Lassen Peak from the Lassen Peak Trail parking lot. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In 1968, Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California became the first national park I visited.

Above, The Beast at the Manzanita Lake Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

On that trip, my parents and I camped at the Manzanita Lake Campground in a canvas umbrella tent. While my mom and I were warm enough in our sleeping bags at night, my dad had a rather thin sleeping bag and shivered each night.

Last year, I visited the park again during my Great American Eclipse trip. I stayed again at the Manzanita Lake Campground, only this time I had more comfortable quarters.

Above, the Manzanita Lake Campground store. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

USA Today has an article with 10 tips on getting the most out of a visit to the park.

They begin the article with:

Though one of the oldest national parks in the USA, Lassen Volcanic National Park isn’t as well-known as its Californian sister, Yosemite National Park, only welcoming 507,256 visitors last year compared to Yosemite's over four million. Established in 1916, the park is one of the only places in the world where you can see all four types of volcanoes – cinder cone, composite, shield and plug dome. 

Lassen Peak is a plug dome volcano that last erupted in 1917, and is considered to be the most likely volcano in the Cascade Range to erupt within the next 100 years. Plenty of hydro- and geothermal activity is still found in the park today, along with abundant recreational activities. No matter where you explore in the park, be sure to stay safe and stay on the paths. 

Lassen Volcanic National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Be forewarned, however – if visiting during the wintertime, heavy snowfall can close roads, so be sure and check the park’s website for up-to-date travel information. Also note that the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 1 through October 30, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, October 31 through March 31.

Above, The Beast at Devastated Area with Lassen Peak in the background. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I'll divulge one of the 10 tips:

10. Dark skies: When the sun goes down, half the park appears after dark. Lassen Volcanic National Park is removed from most light pollution, so the stars look even brighter when they come out. Park rangers offer Starry Night and astronomy programs, or make plans to attend the Lassen Dark Sky Festival (August 3-4, 2018) for more nighttime viewing.

To read the remaining 9 tips, go here. There are also 17 photographs to enjoy.