Lassen Park Highway Shuts Down for Winter as Storms Blanket the Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park has officially shifted into winter mode. After a series of storms dumped heavy snow and ice across the high elevations, the Lassen National Park Highway is now closed to through traffic for the winter and spring season.

But while the road is closed, the park is very much open — and winter might be the most underrated time to explore it.

Visitors can still access parts of the highway from both sides. The road remains open ten miles from the northwest entrance to the Devastated Area and one mile from the southwest entrance to the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. Roads to Juniper Lake and Warner Valley are closed for the season.

Winter camping is available with a few rules. Self-contained vehicles may camp in the Southwest Area parking lot, but no tent camping is allowed there or at the visitor center. Tent camping is still permitted in the backcountry (½ mile from open roads) with a permit, and in Lassen National Forest. No fires are allowed, but gas stoves and self-contained barbecues are good to go.

Park officials also warn visitors to use caution around fire-damaged trees still weakened from the 2021 Dixie Fire, as branches can fall without warning.

If you plan to visit Lassen in the snow, come prepared: check the weather, pack layers, bring chains, food, and water, and top off the tank before entering — there’s no gas available in the park until May.

Winter has arrived at Lassen, and so has a whole new season of adventure.