Despite Local Covid Concerns, Lassen Volcanic National Park Reopens to the Public

Photo by Pam Riches 

Following a two-month shutdown during the Covid-19 pandemic, Lassen Volcanic National park has reopened to the public. The park is now mostly open, with the park’s highway and most of the outside destinations completely clear of snow.

The announcement of the park’s reopening came just days before a string of Coronavirus cases swept through Lassen County, previously boasting zero confirmed cases. The county began to move into Phase 2 of California’s reopening plan until five cases popped up in the area, and now the county has temporarily rescinded its orders allowing the reopening of restaurants, shopping and other services.

“We were fully aware of the risk that the virus could come to our community from people visiting people living in infected areas outside of our county or people visiting our county. Unfortunately, this did happen and we now have a serious problem. We need to contained the spread of the virus in Lassen County now,” Dr. Kenneth Korver, the county’s public health officer, wrote Tuesday in a public health order.

Park officials in Lassen reminded the public that no services are available in the area before reopening on Friday.

“There is no gas, food, or supplies in the park at this time. Please come with everything you need to enjoy your visit,” said park officials.

The park’s reopening began Friday morning by opening the 30-mile park highway, Butte Lake road, Warner Valley road, and all hiking trails (except Bumpass Hell) on Friday. All fees are currently mandatory when the park reopens and backcountry camping is allowed, which requires a free permit. Juniper Lake Road will remain closed at the park boundary due to snow.

On June 1st, Manzanita Lake and Southwest Walk-in Campgrounds will open to the public. Any other campsites will be opened on their scheduled date, which you can find here.

The Loomis Museum and Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center will remain closed until further notice, but park updates will be posted outside each facility as they made available. Visitors are encouraged to plan their visit before coming to the park, as the usual assistance programs will not be available until further notice.

Active NorCal

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