About Lassen Volcanic
Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to steaming fumaroles, meadows freckled with wildflowers, clear mountain lakes, and numerous volcanoes. Jagged peaks tell the story of its eruptive past while hot water continues to shape the land.
Things to do: Auto and ATV · Scenic Driving · Astronomy · Stargazing · Biking · Road Biking · Boating · Camping · Backcountry Camping · Car or Front Country Camping · Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use) · Group Camping · RV Camping · Compass and GPS
Trails
Lassen Volcanic has roughly 150 named trails. Log the one you hiked in the app — or just the park if you're not sure.
Camping
Approximately 172 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reservations are strongly recommended in peak season (June – October).
Best time to visit
Peak season: June – October. The park is open year-round, though some roads and facilities close or run reduced hours in winter.
Weather at Lassen can vary dramatically throughout the year. 2 °C). 8 °F. 9 days, and drop to 32 ° or lower on an average of 164 days days annually.
Entrance fees
- Entrance - Private Vehicle — Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle. Valid for up to 7 consecutive days from day of purchase at Lassen Volcanic National Park. When entrance station is not staffed, digital passes may be purchased online at recreation.gov.$30
- Entrance - Private Vehicle — Discounted entry fee during winter. Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle. Valid for up to 7 consecutive days from day of purchase at Lassen Volcanic National Park. When entrance station is not staffed, digital passes may be purchased online at recreation.gov.$10
- Entrance - Motorcycle — Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. When entrance station is not staffed, digital passes may be purchased online at recreation.gov.$25
- Entrance - Per Person — Per-person entrance fee used to admit one person on foot or bicycle. Also used for individuals traveling together in a vehicle as a non-commercial, organized group. Valid for up to 7 consecutive days from day of purchase at Lassen Volcanic National Park. When entrance station is not staffed, digital passes may be purchased online at recreation.gov.$15
- Entrance - Education/Academic Groups — Park entrance fees are waived for eligible academic groups with approved fee waiver application. Applications must be submitted at least two weeks prior to park visit.Free
Annual Entrance - Park: $55. An America the Beautiful pass ($80/yr) covers every national park.
Getting there
Nearest city: Redding, CA. Park center: 40.490°, -121.510°.
From Interstate 5 (Redding), take Hwy 44 - 48 miles east to the junction of Hwy 89. Follow Hwy 89 south 1 mile to the north entrance of the park. From Interstate 5 (Red Bluff) take Hwy 36 E - 51 miles east to the junction of Hwy 89. Follow Hwy 89 north 6 miles to south entrance of the park.
Common questions
How much does it cost to visit Lassen Volcanic National Park?
Entrance - Private Vehicle: $30. Entrance - Private Vehicle: $10. Entrance - Motorcycle: $25.
When is the best time to visit Lassen Volcanic?
Peak season is June – October. The park is open year-round, with some roads and facilities on reduced winter schedules. Weather at Lassen can vary dramatically throughout the year. 2 °C). 8 °F. 9 days, and drop to 32 ° or lower on an average of 164 days days annually.
Can you camp in Lassen Volcanic National Park?
Yes — about 172 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reserve ahead in peak season.
What is the closest city to Lassen Volcanic National Park?
Redding, CA is the nearest major city. From Interstate 5 (Redding), take Hwy 44 - 48 miles east to the junction of Hwy 89. Follow Hwy 89 south 1 mile to the north entrance of the park. From Interstate 5 (Red Bluff) take Hwy 36 E - 51 miles east to the junction of Hwy 89. Follow Hwy 89 north 6 miles to south entrance of the park.
Plan your trip
The practical bits, so more of the weekend goes to the trail.