Backcountry Camping in Lassen's Wilderness

• A Wilderness Permit is required to stay overnight in the backcountry. There is no limit to the number of permits available each day or for each camping zone location. Wilderness Permits may only be obtained online via recreation.gov. Wilderness permit requests are not accepted by mail, email, or in-person. Please only reserve one permit per trip. Group size is limited to 10 persons maximum. Wilderness permit fees are calculated per person, not per night. Once you complete your purchase on Recreation.gov, you will receive an email including your permit. You must have a copy of this permit, either saved digitally or printed, on your person during your trip. You do not need to check in or out with park staff before or after your trip but be prepared to present your backcountry permit to a ranger upon request.

Butte Lake Campground

• Reservations are required for all sites at Butte Lake Campground for the entire operating season. Reservations may be made a maximum of 6 months up to the time of arrival. It is best to reserve ahead of your arrival. Connection is limited to non-existent in the park. Park staff or campground hosts do not handle reservations. Between 9/3-10/14 only Loop B is open, and water is shut off for the season (no drinking water or flush toilets).
• Butte Lake Campground contains two large loops in a conifer forest adjacent to Butte Lake. A non-staffed Ranger Station sits at the entrance of the campground where the road forks to loop A (right) and loop B (left). Sites A-F in loop B can be reserved together as group sites. Restrooms include flush toilets, sinks, and water spigots.

Juniper Lake Campground

• All single sites are first-come, first-served only. Group sites and the stock corral are reservation-only.
• Juniper Lake Campground is a small campground along the east shore of a large lake at the base of a large volcanic peak. The campground is laid out along a wending road with several short spurs. The campsites are tucked between large conifers with partial views of the lake.

Lost Creek Group Campground

• Reservations required for all sites.
• Lost Creek Campground is comprised of a single, large loop with seven campsites on the outside of the loop and one campsite on the inside of the loop. There are four restrooms spaced along the inside of the loop. Campsites are spread far apart and are large to support multiple tents. Large trees tower over the edge of the campsite, which is located north of the park highway.

Manzanita Lake Campground

• Reservations are required for all sites in the 2024 season. Reservations can be made up to the day of arrival. It is best to reserve prior to arriving at the park due to limited connectivity. Reservations can be made 6 months in advance up to the day of arrival. Park staff does not handle reservations. Camping fee is reduced $15 when water is turned off, typically in mid-October.
• Manzanita Lake Campground is the largest campground in the park and is located adjacent to Manzanita Lake. The campground is accessed via spur road off the park highway and provides walking access to numerous facilities and recreation opportunities. The campground includes five loops beginning with the cabin loop, which is closest to the lake. The Manzanita Lake Camper Store is located just before the self-registration area at the entrance to the A-Loop. The B-Loop includes sites B20 through B34 that can reserved together as group sites. D-Loop is for tents only. Each loops includes one or more water spigot and restroom facility. Some offer flush toilets and sinks and others are pit toilets.

Southwest Parking Area Self-Contained Camping

• Spaces are not reservable. Please self-register at the southwest entrance station upon arrival.
• Standard parking spaces in a large lot next to the visitor center.

Southwest Walk-In Campground

• Southwest Walk-in campsites are first-come, first-served only.
• This small campground consists of 20 campsites accessed via short walkways from an adjacent parking area. Campsites are nestled in a red fir forest and within walking distance of the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. A paved pathway loops into the forest with short spurs connecting to a restroom with flush toilets and a utility sink.

Summit Lake North Campground

• Reservations are required for all sites in the 2024 season. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance of arrival date up to the day of arrival. It is best to reserve ahead of arrival, as there is limited to no connectivity in the park. Sites cannot be claimed without a reservation.
• Summit Lake North Campground is comprised of a two adjacent loops located directly north of a small mountain lake. A registration station is located at the entrance of the first loop (A) and the campground host is located two sites to the left in A3. One restroom is located behind the host site and another is located in the northeastern corner of the second loop (B). The campsites are relatively close together in this smaller campground and surrounded by shrubs and pine and fir trees.

Summit Lake South Campground

• The campground is open 6/28/2024 - 9/23/2024. All sites are by reservation only throughout the duration of the operating season. Sites that are reservation only cannot be claimed without a reservation. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance up to the day of arrival. It is best to reserve ahead of arrival, as there is limited to no connectivity in the park.
• Summit Lake South Campground is comprised of three stacked loops extending south from a small mountain lake. Vehicle travel is counterclockwise through each loop. A registration station is located at the entrance of the campground at the start of the C-Loop. A restroom is located in the C-Loop and E-Loop and immediately north of the D-Loop. The E-Loop is for tents only. All sites are relatively close together with short parking areas that cannot accommodate RVs or trailers. Pine and fir trees are spread throughout the campground. Campsites on the west backup to the park highway and campsites on the east backup to a meadow.

Warner Valley Campground

• Eight sites may be reserved via www.recreation.gov. The remaining nine sites are first come, first served.
• This 17-site campground is nestled at the base of a steep mountainside amid conifer trees. A road branches off the main Warner Valley road onto the hillside. Small spurs end at campsites with one spur of four sites and the end of the campground contains two loops with sites 7 through 14.

Avalanche Awareness at Lassen

Are you avalanche aware? While these tips and resources don't take the place of a formal avalanche safety training, they are a great reminder to review before hitting the snow!

• Safety information about avalanches at Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Brokeoff Volcano Vista

Spot the rim of the eroded Brokeoff Volcano in the volcanic remnants that surround this scenic vista. Or, investigate the lone boulder perched high above Hot Springs Valley that tells the story of the massive volcano's slow disappearance.

• A paved parking area sits on the edge a slope above a wide valley lined by volcanic peaks. A two-panel bulletin case rests at one of the parking area denoting a hiking trail that leaves the parking area and winds along an adjacent, steep hillside. On the other end of the parking area is a small ledge with waysides and a single large boulder known as the glacial erratic. A small building with two vault toilets is located to the right of the ledge and vista.

Butte Lake Day Use Area

Enjoy hiking, swimming, fishing, and boating in the remote Butte Lake Area dominated by the jagged Fantastic Lava Beds and barren Cinder Cone volcano.

• Butte Lake Day Use area consists of a dirt parking area edged by restrooms on the edge of a large lake. Picnic tables are spaced out below the parking area near the lakeshore. Three trailheads and a boat ramp are accessed via the parking area. Each trailhead is parked by a bulletin case containing trail information.

Chaos Crags Viewpoint

Imagine a rock slide racing nearly 100 miles an hour down Chaos Crags at this pullout on the north side of the highway about a mile from the Loomis Museum.

• A slope of large rocks with sparse, stunted trees at the base of a group of five lava dome volcanoes.

Cinder Cone Trail

Enjoy a hike to the base or summit of this striking cinder cone volcano.

• Cinder Cone Trailhead is located next to a boat launch area adjacent to a day use parking area. Large conifer trees line the edge of a large lake and the jagged edges of a black lava field. The trailhead is marked by informational signs and a box with guides of a self-led interpretive tour along the trail. The trails heads directly south into the forest on a black trail made of cinders, or course sand-like rock.

Devastated Area

Discover the "devastating" story behind the 1915-1916 Lassen Peak eruption.

• A rocky area with large boulders laying amid young trees. A walkway connects a paved parking area to a half-mile loop. A spur off the loop leads to two pit toilets.

Diamond Peak Scenic Vista

Small pullout below Diamond Peak offers a view of Lassen Peak.

• A small pullout on a steep turn on a mountain highway offers a view of a large volcanic peak a short distance away. A steep rock face looms above the overlook on one side and a steep drop extends down into a narrow, forested valley.

Drakesbad Guest Ranch

Drakesbad Guest Ranch is a secluded lodge at the southeast end of Lassen Volcanic National Park.

• A guest ranch located in the center of a narrow valley, lined by volcanic peaks and opening to the south. A collection of 18 brown buildings with red roofs sit at the base of a tree-lined cliff and are fronted by a large meadow. A gated pool area, fed by hyrothermal springs rests a short distance to the west and is connected to the cluster of buildings by a gravel walkway.

Emerald Lake

This roadside alpine lake gets its name from vegetation in its shallow waters.

• A small green-colored lake rests below a steep rocky slope on the side of a highway.

Hat Creek Viewpoint

• A creek wends through a grassy meadow flanked by green conifers. Volcanic peaks rise on two sides.

Hot Rock

Snap a photo with this several-ton rock that photographer B.F. Loomis reported was too hot to touch after it was ejected from the crater of Lassen Peak in 1915.

• A large boulder the size of a small car rests at the edge of a dense forest at the base of volcanic peak that is nearly indiscernible through the trees.

Juniper Lake Day Use Area

This remote, high-elevation landscape contains the largest lake in the park. The day use area offers hiking, backpacking, swimming, and non-motorized boating.

• Juniper Lake Day Use Area is set on the northern tip of a large mountain lake surrounded by volcanic peaks. A beach of course sand/small gravel edges much of the shoreline here. Patches of conifers connect the beach to a gravel road and parking area. Two trailheads lead northeast and northwest across and up forested slopes.

Kings Creek Meadow Viewpoint

Kings Creek wends its way through this photogenic mountain meadow that reflects the colors of the season.

• A creek wends through a large meadow lined by conifer trees on slopes that rise upward toward two large volcanic peaks to the center and the right.

Lake Helen

Nestled at the base of Lassen Peak, this sapphire lake offers some of the most dramatic scenic views in the park.

Lassen Crossroads

Learn more about the Lassen region including Lassen Volcanic National Park and Lassen National Forest.

Lassen Peak Scenic Vista

Experience the majesty of Lassen Peak from the highest point on the park road at 8,512 feet. The Lassen Peak Trail begins here.

• A parking area at the base of a large dome-shaped volcano.

Little Hot Springs Valley Overlook

This one of three pullouts that offer a view into Little Hot Springs Valley hydrothermal area.

• This small pullout on the side of the park highway sits above Little Hot Springs Valley. On one side, a slope curves gently upward to a small peak. The other side slopes down into a narrow valley lined by steep slopes.

Loomis Museum

This historic Loomis Museum offers a glimpse into park history and current visitor information in the Manzanita Lake Area of Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Manzanita Lake Area

Manzanita Lake Area is a popular destination located at the north end of Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway.

• The northwest corner of a square park centered around a large lake flanked by volcanic peaks. A large campground sits on the southeast shore of the lake and a highway passes along the northeast shore.

Manzanita Lake Day Use Area

Manzanita Lake day use area includes a boat launch, trailhead, and picnic area, and is a popular destination for first-time visitors, families, and campers.

• Manzanita Lake is surrounded by conifers and bordered on its northwestern shore by the park highway. At the southeast corner of the lake is a picnic area, boat launch, trailhead, and parking area. A loop trail closely follows the shore of the lake and provides access to the Loomis Plaza, located a short distance from the northeast corner of the lake.

Manzanita Lake Entrance Station

Show a valid pass, purchase park passes and entry fees, grab a map, and start your adventure at Lassen's Manzanita Lake entrance station. Lassen Volcanic National Park charges an entrance fee year-round.

Manzanita Lake Winter Routes

Explore Lassen on skis or snowshoes using these winter routes on the Manzanita Lake (northwest) side of the park.

Mount Harkness Fire Lookout

High atop Mt. Harkness, this rustic fire lookout is still accessible to hikers.

Reflection Lake

Southwest Area Winter Routes

Explore Lassen on skis or snowshoes using these winter routes.

Southwest Entrance Sign

Start or end your visit to Lassen Volcanic National park with a quick photo at the Southwest Entrance sign.

• A wooden sign mounted to a rock base sits on the side of a two-lane highway. The brown, wooden sign reads Lassen Volcanic National Park and features a white outline of two volcanic peaks. A wooden NPS arrowhead symbol is mounted at the bottom. Conifer trees line the mountain slopes above and below the highway.

Southwest Entrance Station

Show a valid pass, purchase park passes and entry fees, grab a map, and start your adventure at Lassen's southwest entrance station. Lassen Volcanic National Park charges an entrance fee year-round.

Sulphur Works

Sulphur Works is the most accessible hydrothermal area in the park. A parking area provides access to a short, paved walk to bubbling mudpots and steaming ground.

• Hydrothermal features including bubbling mudpot and steaming vents are visible from either side of a mountain highway. Sidewalks on either side of the highway are lined by wooden railings to keep visitors a safe distance from the features. The sidewalk on the uphill side of the road extends down to a parking area. Additional hydrothermal features are found on a creek above the highway on a steep hillside that continues up to jagged volcanic peaks. Features along the deeply-carved creek on the downhill side of the highway.

Sunflower Flat

Step foot on a spur of the California National Historic Trail. The wagon tracks have since faded but the story is forever etched on the landscape. This route welcomed a portion of the more than 250,000 emigrants who traveled to the gold fields and rich farmlands of California during the 1840s and 1850s in the greatest mass migration in American history.

• An open spot amid conifer trees and volcanic rock outcrops. A wayside and a rock with a plaque describe the area as a point called Sunflower Flat on an emigrant route used in the mid 1800s.

Warner Valley Day Use Area

This narrow valley features a number of hydrothermal areas and the historic Drakesbad Guest Ranch. Enjoy easy to moderate hikes to remote hydrothermal areas including Devils Kitchen, Boiling Springs Lake, and Terminal Geyser.

Winter Safety at Lassen

Review these safety tips and resources before you start your winter adventure!

• Winter safety information and tips for anyone visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center

• Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center
• This year-round visitor center is located one mile from the Southwest Entrance. The visitor center offers an information desk, exhibit hall, auditorium, amphitheater (summer), park store, dining area, patio (summer), and a gift shop and cafe (summer). Free Wi-Fi is available inside.

Loomis Museum

• Loomis Museum
• The historic museum is located one mile from the northwest entrance of the park near Manzanita Lake. From the museum you can pick up the trail around Manzanita Lake or cross the highway to access the self-guided, interpretive Lily Pond Nature Trail. Lassen Association store is across the plaza from the Museum.

• Hike to Bumpass Hell
• Hike the three-mile, round-trip trail to the largest hydrothermal area in the park.

• Sledding & Snowplay in the Southwest Area
• The steep slopes behind the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center are a popular destination for sledders. Lassen's deep snowfall also provides ample opportunity for snowplay. Snowman building contest, anyone?

• Snowshoe a Winter Route
• Enjoy Lassen’s winter wonderland by snowshoe! Meander along the park highway route (snow-covered Hwy 89), circuit an icy lake, visit boiling hydrothermal features, or, for intrepid explorers, summit a snowy peak.

• Ski & Snowboard at Lassen
• Enjoy Lassen’s winter wonderland by ski or snowboard! Cross-country ski along one of the park’s numerous winter routes or, for experienced explorers, backcountry ski and snowboard one of Lassen’s mountain slopes.

• Sledding & Snowplay in the Manzanita Lake Area
• Sled a wintery slope, build a snowman, or otherwise enjoy Lassen's winter wonderland at the Manzanita Lake area. Got snow?

• Drive Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway
• The 30-mile park highway connects the northwest (Manzanita Lake) and southwest entrances of the park. This scenic route passes through dense forest, winds around alpine lakes and meadow, crests at 8,512 feet near Lassen Peak Trailhead, and descends steep volcanic slopes into the southwest area. Designated turnouts and parking areas provide opportunities to enjoy the highway highlights.

• Fish Manzanita Lake
• Manzanita Lake is one of the most popular fishing spots in the park and it is easily accessible. This lake holds a fair number of rainbow and brown trout and is rated as a blue-ribbon fly fishery by the state of California Department of Fish and Game.

• Visit Sulphur Works
• This steamy spot is accessible via a short walk along Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway. Sulphur Works is the easiest to access of the park's seven hydrothermal areas.

• Hike to Kings Creek Falls
• The Kings Creek Falls trail leads to a large roaring waterfall draped in ferns and other green plants which thrive off the mist generated by the falls.

• Fish Butte Lake
• Fly fishing, Fishing Butte Lake

• Hike Lassen Peak
• Hiking Lassen Peak

• Hike Reflection Lake Loop
• A short and relatively flat walk offers views of Lassen Peak and Chaos Crags volcanoes, often seen reflecting in the water. The trailhead is across the road from the Loomis Museum.

• Walk Manzanita Lake Trail
• Manzanita Lake Trail is an easy, mostly flat walk suitable for families with young children. It is not stroller-friendly. The walk offers scenic views of Lassen Peak and Chaos Crags volcanoes and birding and wildlife watching opportunities. The trail is popular for sunset viewing.

• Walk Lily Pond Interpretive Trail
• A half-mile, self-led, interpretive loop explores the rich diversity of plant and animal life in the Manzanita Lake Area.

• Walk Devastated Area Interpretive Trail
• Trailside signs on this wheelchair-accessible, 0.2-mile loop provide an introduction to the 1915-1916 Lassen Peak eruption and the resulting Devastated Area.

• Visit Sulphur Works in Winter
• Enjoy the sights and sounds of Sulphur Works hydrothermal area via a two-mile, round-trip over-snow route in the Southwest Area.

Lassen Volcanic NP Highway Audio Tour

Delve into Lassen Volcanic's history with this roadside audio tour. Individual audio files correspond to each of 16 markers along the park's 30-mile highway.