Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway Opens Today

Above, a view of Lassen Peak from the Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Well, today's the day!

Today's the day for what? you may ask.

It is the day that the Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway is opening.

According to Plumas News:

Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway will open to through traffic on Monday, May 17. Butte Lake and is currently open. Spring road clearing progressed quickly this year as a result of lower-than-average snowpack and limited spring snowstorms. Visitors should always check conditions before traveling to the park, as the park highway may close unexpectedly, especially during the spring shoulder season.

“The opening of the park highway marks the start of what is likely to be a busy summer and fall season,” said Superintendent Jim Richardson. “Visitors are continuing to discover that Lassen Volcanic National Park provides outstanding opportunities for close-to-home outdoor recreation and relaxation.”

Lassen Volcanic saw a record high 542,000 visitors in 2020, despite a two-month service-wide closure in response to COVID-19. Visitors can make this year’s visit more enjoyable by being prepared for busy parking areas, hiking trails, and campgrounds. Parking areas and trailheads are generally less busy in the morning and late afternoons and on weekdays. Campsite reservations are highly recommended, and most campsites are now reservable.

Manzanita Lake Campground, cabins and Camper Store open May 21. A handful of walk-in campsites at the year-round Southwest Campground are snow-free. Additional campground opening dates include June 4 – Butte Lake and Warner Valley; June 11- Lost Creek Group;  and June 25 – Summit Lake and Juniper Lake. Learn more about camping in the park at go.nps.gov/lavo/camp.

Above, Manzanita Lake Campground and camper store will open May 21. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.