Highway Through Lassen Volcanic National Park Now Open to the Public

The scenic 30-mile highway winding through Lassen Volcanic National Park has officially opened for the summer season. However, certain sections of the road may still resemble winter due to a higher-than-average snowpack.

Despite the challenges posed by the historic winter, dedicated teams from the National Park Service and CalTrans have diligently cleared the road, ensuring safe passage for visitors. It’s important for park-goers to be prepared for winter-like conditions at higher elevations and potential delays caused by ongoing road maintenance.

There is a possibility of intermittent closures along the highway due to repair work and inclement weather, so it’s advisable to check the weather forecast before embarking on your journey. While some areas of the park are accessible, there are specific updates to note.

The road to Butte Lake is open, offering a delightful exploration opportunity. Warner Valley Road is closed to vehicles but welcomes bikers and hikers to venture through its scenic wonders. However, Juniper Lake Road remains closed to all traffic at the park boundary due to post-Dixie Fire hazards.

Over the winter, a segment of Highway 89 near Sulphur Works, about a mile north of the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, suffered damage. Approximately 30 feet of sidewalk collapsed, and sections of the road were undermined. As a result, traffic in this area will be limited to one lane throughout the season, managed by automatic traffic lights. Visitors should anticipate possible delays and exercise caution when walking. Repairs are scheduled to commence in September.

Trails in the higher-elevation regions of the park are still covered in snow, including popular routes like Lassen Peak and Brokeoff Mountain. The Bumpass Hell Trail remains closed due to seasonal snow and ice conditions. To stay informed about current trail conditions, refer to the dedicated page providing updates.

Due to snow, snow damage, and hazard trees, the opening of some campgrounds has been delayed. However, there are camping options available.

The Manzanita Lake Campground, cabins, and the Camper Store are open and ready to accommodate visitors. Butte Lake Campground is also open for those seeking a camping experience. The safety of Summit Lake and Warner Valley is currently being assessed, and they will open to the public once deemed safe. Remember that reservations are mandatory for all camping and backpacking activities, and they can be made through recreation.gov.

Unfortunately, Juniper Lake campground will be closed for the entire 2023 season as recovery efforts continue in the aftermath of the Dixie Fire. Drakesbad Guest Ranch in Warner Valley will also remain closed throughout 2023 due to ongoing recovery work related to the Dixie Fire