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Lassen National Park Highway Open To Vehicles

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By Compiled From N... - June 4th, 2022

The Lassen Volcanic Highway has opened to wheeled traffic./NPS

The 30-mile highway through Lassen Volcanic National Park in northern California has opened to through traffic a bit earlier than normal.

A lower-than-average snowpack accelerated snow clearing operations in the park. Intermittent closures along the highway are possible due to repair work, as well as inclement weather. Park staff suggests you check the weather forecast before traveling to the park. In other areas of the park, the road to Butte Lake is open; Warner Valley and Juniper Lake roads remain closed at the park boundary due to post Dixie Fire hazards. 

The 2021 Dixie Fire footprint covers 69 percent of the park and nearly a million acres within the region. While there are some high severity impacts, much of the park experienced low to moderate burn severity. Weather, firefighting efforts, and past fuel reduction helped to slow the fire’s progression through the park. 

“Impacts of the 2021 Dixie Fire are visible from the park highway along with patches of new growth that serve as a reminder of Lassen Volcanic’s resilience,” said Superintendent Jim Richardson. “Visitors will find many of their favorite areas including Manzanita Lake, Lassen Peak, and Sulphur Works unaffected by the fire.”

Visitors can make their trip to Lassen Volcanic safer and more enjoyable by being prepared. Planning ahead is especially important when visiting any park after a wildfire. The areas most impacted by the Dixie Fire are in the east and southeast portions of the park, including Warner Valley, Juniper Lake, and portions of Lassen Volcanic Wilderness between Butte and Juniper Lakes. Areas west of the park highway were not impacted by the fire. While most of the park will be open this summer, there are special safety considerations each visitor will need to make. Learn more about visiting after the Dixie Fire at this page.

Closures will be signed and enforced, however several areas burned in the Dixie Fire will be open to hiking. Visitors choosing to visit these impacted areas should be experienced in wayfinding, comfortable with using a map and compass, and be prepared to navigate unmarked or undefined sections of trail. Falling trees, limbs, hidden stump holes, and rockfalls are especially dangerous and will require hikers to be constantly vigilant of their surroundings. Learn more about burned area safety at this page.

Manzanita Lake Campground, cabins, and the Camper Store are open. Butte Lake Campground opened Friday for dry-camping only; drinking water is not available. Other campgrounds, including Summit Lake, Warner Valley, and Juniper Lake are being assessed for safety and will open when possible. Drakesbad Guest Ranch, in Warner Valley, will remain closed for the entire 2022 season to replace a water treatment plant destroyed in the Dixie Fire. View all 2022 season dates at this page.

The Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Loomis Museum is currently open Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and then daily beginning June 20. Visitors are encouraged to bring drinking water, as services are limited.

Trails in the higher-elevation areas of the park remain snow-covered. This includes, but is not limited to, Lassen Peak and Brokeoff Mountain. Bumpass Hell Trail remains under seasonal closure due to snow and ice. View current trail conditions at this page.

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