Start Planning!
You’re about to go on an epic adventure to Lassen Volcanic National Park! Here’s what you need to know before you go.
- The tour has two starting points: Entering the park through the Northwest Entrance or entering the park through the Southwest Entrance.
- Entrance to the park is $30 per car.
- The park is open 24/7, but facilities and roads have seasonal hours. Learn more about the park's operating schedule here.
- Check the current conditions before heading to the park. The main road usually opens in July. But, popular trails, such as Bumpass Hell, may remain closed a bit longer due to snow.
Budgeting and Hours of Operation
Budget
How much you spend truly depends on what you do along the tour route, but here’s a breakdown of some costs.
- $30 park entrance fee.
Hours of Operation
Although the park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the park’s facilities' hours of operation vary based on the season. The park also experiences seasonal road closures. We highly recommend you visit the park’s website before you go.
- Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center
- May 1 - Oct 31: Open 9 am to 5 pm Daily
- Nov 1 - Apr 30: Open 9:30 am to 4:30 pm Wed-Sun
- Loomis Museum
- Summer Hours (June 18 - Oct 6)
Open 9 am to 5 pm Thurs - Mon (Closed Tues/Wed) - Winter Hours (Oct 7 - Oct 27)
Open 9 am to 5 pm Fri - Sun
- Summer Hours (June 18 - Oct 6)
Get Packing!
Paradise Meadow/ Robin Montgomery
Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day.
- National Park Pass
- Cell phone (with tour downloaded!)
- Car charger
- Phone mount for car
- Flashlight (optional - for sunrise/sunset hikes or stargazing)
- Binoculars (optional)
- Trekking poles (recommended if hiking to Lassen Peak or Paradise Meadows)
- Hiking shoes
- Sunscreen & sunglasses
- Hat
- Water
- Snacks and/or picnic food (Remember to pack up leftovers/don’t leave crumbs) *The only places to get food in the park are at the Lassen Cafe in the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center and the Camper Store at Manzanita Lake.
- First aid kit/medications
- Emergency roadside assistance kit
- Swimsuit and towel if interested in swimming in Manzanita Lake
Best Time to Visit
Chaos Crags/ Robin Montgomery
The best time to visit is during July to September when the scenic highway is free of snow and all facilities and services are open. This is also the peak wildflower season.
(Unfortunately, this is also prime wildfire season, so there is a chance the air could be smoky or hazy from nearby wildfires. The park also practices prescribed burns to promote forest health.)
Limited parts of the park are open during the winter from December to March. If snow and solitude are your thing, this is a great time to explore “Snow Mountain.”
The Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center is a great base for winter exploration. Sulphur Works is the only hydrothermal area open during this season.
Those interested in snowshoeing or cross-country skiing may want to check out the Manzanita Lake Area in the northwest part of the park, which is also open through the winter.
(The highway between these two areas, however, is NOT open.)
Safety Information
Robin Montgomery
Dangerous Ground! Whenever you’re near any of the park’s hydrothermal features–like Sulphur Works or Bumpass Hell–remember to stay on the designated trails or boardwalks.
Stepping off trail is unlawful and can result in severe scalding from the boiling, acidic water. Just ask the tourist whose badly blistered foot is featured on warning signs!
Tight Curves, Steep Drop-offs: Remember to drive slowly and keep your eyes on the road. Sections of this mountain highway include some tight curves and sheer drop-offs with no guardrails.
Altitude Sickness: If you plan to hike to the summit of Lassen Peak (about 2 miles above sea level), there is a risk of altitude sickness.
Read the information board at the trailhead for safety precautions and learn how to recognize symptoms.
Leave No Trace
Robin Montgomery
While exploring, we encourage you to abide by the leave-no-trace principles. Embrace the outdoors responsibly with our commitment to preserving natural wonders.
Respect wildlife habitats, minimize your footprint, and carry out memories, not waste. By following Leave No Trace principles, you contribute to the longevity and beauty of our planet's most stunning landscapes.
Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Lassen Volcanic National Park Tour!
We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.
For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Lassen Volcanic National Park Itinerary.
Like this article? Share it on Pinterest!
RELATED ARTICLES: