What to Expect When Visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park After the Dixie Fire

The entrance sign to Juniper Lake burned by the Dixie Fire. Photo: NPS

In 2021, the Dixie Fire ravaged five counties in Northern California, torching 963,309 acres and destroying 1,329 buildings. The fire burned through 73,240 acres of Lassen Volcanic National Park, which reopened for summer operations in June. So how will the burned areas of the Dixie Fire impact visitors to Lassen this summer.?

The Dixie Fire burned at a moderate rate through the east and southeast portions of Lassen, but it still holds a major impact on some portions of the park. All areas west of the park highway, including Manzanita Lake, Sulphur Works, and the Lassen Peak Trail were not affected by the fire. In fact, even some of the burned areas east of the highway will be open this summer, including Bumpass Hell and Summit Lake.

High-severity effects of the 2021 Dixie Fire on above Mill Creek drainage and on Mt. Conard. Photo: NPS/Amanda Sweeney

The closures in Lassen this summer will be seen in the southeastern portion of the park, including Warner Valley, Juniper Lake, and portions of Lassen Volcanic Wilderness between Butte and Juniper lakes. Unfortunately, Kings Creek Falls, Mill Creek Falls, and Drakesbad Ranch are also closed due to the impacts of the fire.

According to the National Park Service, 18 percent of the park remains unchanged, 49 percent of the park has experienced low to moderate change, and 33 percent experienced a high impact from the fire. Here is a detailed map of the current openings/closures in Lassen (find a detailed list of updated closures here):

Even though many areas in the park that were moderately burned are open this summer, it’s important to know the risks involved when visiting these areas. Hazards may include Falling trees and limbs, hidden stump holes, and loose or falling rock.

Backpacking and camping are still permitted in the open areas of the park. For more information on open campsites, go here. For all resources about visiting Lassen following the Dixie Fire, go here.

Active NorCal

Telling the Stories of Northern California

9 Comments

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