Lassen National Park Highway closes to through traffic for the winter and spring snow seasons. The recent fall snow storms brought heavy snow and ice to the high-elevation roadway leaving it unsafe for heavy travel from visitors.
Yet that does not mean you cannot enjoy the park throughout winter, as long as you are well prepared for the cold weather. The park does remain open, but vehicle access is limited to one mile from the northwest entrance to the Loomis Plaza and one mile from the southwest entrance to the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. Most of Lassen National Park Highway and the other park roads into Juniper Lake, Warner Valley, and Butte Lake are closed to vehicles for the winter. Acting Superintendent Kevin Sweeney says some winter activities that can be enjoyed in the park include Sledding, skiing, and snowshoeing.
Camping in motorhomes and trailers is also allowed in the Southwest Area parking lot. If you’re brave enough, Oversnow tent camping is allowed in the Lassen Volcanic backcountry, that’s half a mile from any park road open to vehicle traffic, as long as you have a permit. Fires and fire pans are prohibited; self-contained barbecues and gas stoves are allowed. Drinking water and restrooms are available inside the visitor center.
Be prepared to pay a park entrance fee for your vehicle of $30 and the winter entrance fee of $10 starting December 1st to April 15th. The park reminds you also to check the weather forecast, dress in layers, carry food and water, Stow a shovel, blankets, and tire chains in your vehicle, and expect winter road conditions as well as fill up your gas tank before entering the park as there is no gas available until May.
Visit www.nps.gov for more information.
