Lassen Volcanic

Lassen Volcanic Guide National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Lassen Volcanic National Park Summer/Fall 2022 Be Alert in Burned Areas Hazards in burned areas include falling trees and limbs, loose or fallen rocks, hidden stump holes, and undefined/unmarked trails. Stay out of closed areas to protect yourself and the park. Learn more about visiting safely after the 2021 Dixie Fire on pages 8-9. Explore Your Park in... Four Hours One Day Two or More Days Half a day is just enough to enjoy several Highway Highlights (pg 3) along the 30-mile highway that connects the northwest and southwest entrances. A full day gives you time to enjoy multiple Highway Highlights (pg 3) and at least one hike in the Southwest or Manzanita Lake areas. More time provides the opportunity to enjoy longer hikes and a full day in one of the more remote areas of the park. View directions on back page. Take in the sights, sounds, and smells of Sulphur Works Hydrothermal area (pg 7). Take a hike (pg 10-11). Parking is limited at trailheads along the highway and can fill up early. Consider arriving early or going mid-week. Walk the Devastated Area Interpretive Trail (pg 10) and uncover the dramatic story of the 1914-1915 Lassen Peak eruptions. Stop for a photo or a picnic at Manzanita Lake Day Use Area. Park at the day use area off the campground road (pg 2). Enjoy a picnic (pg 6). Pick up supplies at the Manzanita Lake Camper Store or Kohm Yahmah-nee Visitor Center (pg 4). Cast a fishing line (pg 6) in one of the park's many lakes. Enjoy the Painted Dunes and Fantastic Lava Beds in the Butte Lake Area. Climb Cinder Cone for a bird's-eye view or see all three sights from the eastern shore of Butte Lake. Marvel at the Milky Way (pg 7) under Lassen Volcanic's dark night sky from one of eight campgrounds in the park (p 10). Join a ranger-led program (pg 6). Daily offerings are posted outside the Loomis Museum and Kohm Yah-mahnee Visitor Center. Be Prepared for Closures and Changes to Access Learn more about visiting Lassen Volcanic after the 2021 Dixie Fire on page 9. View current information outside the Loomis Museum and Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center and online at go.nps.gov/lavo/conditions. Inside This Guide Places to Go Services & Facilities Things to Do 2-3 4-5 6-7 For Kids & Families Dixie Fire Recovery Hiking 8 9 10-11 Camping Protect Yourself & the Park Getting Around 12-13 14-15 16 This visitor guide is made possible through support of the Lassen Association. www.lassenassociation.org Places to Go North 2021 Dixie Fire Area Pacific Crest Trail Information site Wheelchair-accessible Designated Wilderness Area Hiking trail Ranger station Food service Unpaved road Self-guided trail Cell service area Campground Picnic area Primitive campsite TH Trailhead 0 2 Kilometers 1 0 1 2 Miles Butte Lake Volcano Adventure Camp Butte Lake Lost Creek Butte Lake 13 Northwest Entrance Fantastic Lava Beds Cinder Cone Chaos Crags 14 Painted Dunes Loomis Museum Day Use Area Hot Rock 12 TH H Cluster Lakes Fantastic Lava Beds Manzanita & Summit Lakes Manzanita Lake Campground E Snag Lake Devastated Area 11 10 TH Summit Lake Twin Lakes Summit Lake North * Lassen Peak Summit Lake Summit Lake South Terrace, Shadow & Cliff Lakes Southwest 8 Horseshoe Lake Lake Helen Juniper Lake Emerald Lake 6 Bumpass Hell Little Hot Springs Valley 2 Sulphur Works Mill Creek Falls Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center Cold Boiling Lake 9 Kings Creek Access may be limited due to impacts of the Dixie Fire {C Drakesbad Guest Ranch Devils Kitchen Warner Valley Juniper Lake Juniper Lake TH Boiling Springs Lake Southwest Entrance Getting Around An area map on page 16 includes distances and travel times from nearby communities as well as directions to the Butte Lake, Warner Valley, and Juniper Lake areas. SW Southwest Area 6700 ft (2042 m) elevation The steep, rugged terrain in the Southwest Area offers dramatic vistas, moderate to difficult hikes including Lassen Peak Trail, and access to the best-known hydrothermal areas in the park: Sulphur Works and Bumpass Hell. ML Manzanita Lake Area (plus Summit Lake) 5800 ft (1768 m) elevation | 6700 (2042 m) elevation Located in the northwest corner of the park, Manzanita Lake offers the most amenities and is popular with campers and families. The largest campground in the park is a short walk from Manzanita Lake, the Camper Store, and Loomis Museum. The popular Summit Lake Campgrounds are located 12 miles southeast of Manzanita Lake. 2 Warner Valley Kings Creek Falls − Southwest Access may be limited due to impacts of the Dixie Fire Mount Harkness Terminal Geyser BL Butte Lake Area 6100 ft (1859 m) elevation This remote landscape is dominated by the jagged Fantastic Lava Beds and barren Cinder Cone volcano. The hike to its summit is both challenging and unforgettable. The campground and day use area provide a great base for hiking, backpacking, swimming, and boating. Plan an hour drive time from the Northwest Entrance. WV Warner Valley Area 5600 feet (1707 m) elevation This narrow valley was heavily impacted by the 2021 Dixie Fire. View the status and conditions of facilities and trails outside park visitor centers or online at go.nps.gov/lavo/conditions. Plan a 90-minute drive time from the Southwest Entrance. JL Juniper Lake Area 6790 feet (2070 m) elevation This remote, high-elevation landscape was heavily impacted by the Dixie Fire. View the status and conditions of facilities and trails outside park visitor centers or at go.nps.gov/lavo/conditions. Plan a 90-minute drive time from the Southwest Entrance. Highway Highlights The 30-mile Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway connects the northwest and southwest entrances of the park. Plan for an hour drive-time without stops. Travel the highway in either direction and enjoy numerous roadside highlights. Highway Highlights match numbered markers along the road. Markers also correspond to stops in the audio tour and road guide. 2 6 Sulphur Works Follow a sidewalk to the park's most accessible hydrothermal area. Brokeoff Volcano Vista Can you spot the rim of the former Brokeoff Volcano in the remnant peaks that surround you? The parking area also serves as the Bumpass Hell Trailhead and is often full. 8 Lassen Peak Parking Area and Viewpoint Experience the majesty of Lassen Peak from the highest point on the park road at 8,512 feet. 9 Kings Creek Meadow Scenic Pull-out Get your camera ready for this popular stop where Kings Creek meanders through an expansive meadow at the foot of Lassen Peak. Summit Lake Picnic Area and Loop Trail * North Enjoy a picnic, walk, or swim along the north and west shores of Summit Lake. Parking is available in pullouts outside the North Summit Lake Campground entrance. 10 Hat Creek Don't miss this area's fantastic fall colors. Use the crosswalk to access hidden Hat Creek meadow. Can you tell what animal used to live here? 11 Devastated Area Discover the story of devastation and forest recovery following Lassen Peak's 1915 eruption on this short, self-guided walk. 12 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. Roadside Audio Tour Learn as you drive the park highway. Download and listen through the NPS Mobile App, the Lassen Audio Tours podcast, or MP3 files from go.nps.gov/lavo/audio. Printed Road Guide The printed guide Lassen Volcanic National Park: Auto Tours, Trips, and Trails offers a more in-depth auto tour. Purchase an audio tour CD or the printed road guide at park stores in the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center or Loomis Museum or at lassenassociation.org. Drive with Care • Protect wildlife by adhering to posted speed limits. • Use pullouts to enjoy the view. • Pull over if taking your time; there are no passing lanes in the park. Give 3 Feet to Bicyclists California law requires drivers give three feet as they pass bicyclists on the road. Can't give three feet? Treat the bicyclist as you would a vehicle in front of you and wait to pass until you can give three feet. 13 Sunflower Flat, Nobles Emigrant Trail Step foot on a spur of the California National Historic Trail. 14 Chaos Crags and Jumbles Scenic Pull-out Imagine a rock slide racing nearly 100 miles an hour down the slopes of this group of dome volcanoes. Recently Viewed NPS Mobile App Save Lassen Volcanic for Offline Use The NPS App is the new official app for the National Park Service with tools to explore more than 400 national parks nationwide. Download at go.nps.gov/app. Once you have downloaded the app, toggle the button on the Lassen Volcanic homepage to save for offline use. Internet access is extremely limited in the park. 3 Services & Facilities Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center Loomis Museum Manzanita Lake Camper Store Most services and facilities are accessible daily June through September. Fall hours and seasonal closures begin in mid-October. There are two visitor centers in the park. The Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center is located at the Southwest Entrance and the Loomis Museum is located one mile from the Northwest Entrance. Food is available at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center and the Manzanita Lake Camper Store, which also offers camper services and unleaded gas. SW Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center Explore exhibits, purchase souvenirs, or enjoy a casual meal at this year-round visitor center. The 20-minute park film plays on the hour and half hour. ML Loomis Museum Park information is available outside the museum in the Loomis Plaza. Educational items are available at the Lassen Association store inside. Lassen Café & Gift ML Manzanita Lake Camper Store Located at the entrance to the Manzanita Lake Campground, the store offers camping supplies, gifts, hot and cold food, gasoline, showers, and laundry. An ATM is located inside the Camper Store. Browse the gift shop for souvenirs including arts and crafts from local artists or enjoy café offerings. Lassen Association Store Open during visitor center hours Browse books, maps, trail guides, videos, and educational gifts at the Lassen Association store. All profits benefit the park. Wi-Fi Free Wi-Fi is available at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. You must open a browser and agree to terms of use to connect to NPS Visitor WiFi. Please note that bandwidth is very limited during the summer months and service may be slow or unavailable during busy times. Electric Vehicle Charging Station Two level 2 electric vehicle charging stations are available in the Kohm Yahmah-nee Visitor Center parking area. Payment is accepted only through the free Liberty Hydra app. Please move your vehicle when charging is complete to allow others to use it. Learn more at go.nps.gov/lavo/transport. Showers and Laundry Coin-operated showers and laundry machines are available at the Manzanita Lake Camper Store. A change machine is located in the laundry room. Gasoline Unleaded gas is available behind the Manzanita Lake Camper Store. Gas may be purchased with a credit card 24 hours a day. Note that there is no gas available within 30 miles of the Southwest Entrance. Dump Station A dump station is located on Manzanita Lake Campground Road. Fee is $8. Holders of Senior and Access passes receive a 50% discount. ML Lassen Crossroads This open-air pavilion highlights features of the Lassen region. The site offers large vehicle parking and can be used for carpooling into the park. The site is open daily between 7 am and 3 pm and gated at all other times. Be Prepared for Changes Due to COVID-19 Response Facilities may be impacted by COVID-19 response. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we continue to adapt and modify operations for the safety of both staff and visitors. 4 Entrance Fees Your park fees provide funding for park projects that improve and enhance the park for all visitors. Manzanita Lake camping cabin Pass Phones and Cell Service Cell service (AT&T and Verizon) is very limited in the park and surrounding areas. View spots with limited coverage on the map on page 2. Pay phones are located outside the Manzanita Lake Camper Store and the Loomis Museum (payment by calling card only). An emergency phone is located in the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center 24-hour vestibule. Lost and Found Leave a found item or report a lost item at the Kohm Yahmah-nee Visitor Center or Loomis Museum. Lodging Cost Valid for 1-7 Days Vehicle Pass $30 Motorcycle Entry Pass $25 Individual Entry Pass $15 Annual Passes Lassen & Whiskeytown Pass $55 Valid one year from month of purchase at Lassen Volcanic and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Interagency Pass $80 Valid for entrance to all federal recreation sites for one year from month of purchase. Free Lodging is available within numerous communities around the park (see map on pg 16). Military Pass Available to active duty military members and their dependents. (in-person only) WV Drakesbad Guest Ranch This historic ranch is closed this season for repairs following the 2021 Dixie Fire. 4th Grade Pass Free ML Manzanita Lake Cabins Rustic, 1-room, 2-room, and bunk cabins are available. For reservations call (866) 999-0914 or visit lassenlodging.com. Check-in inside the Manzanita Lake Camper Store. Available to all U.S. 4th graders with a valid Every Kid Outdoors paper pass. Lifetime Passes Access Pass Available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Senior Pass Lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over. Free (in-person) $10 (by mail) $80 (in-person) $90 (by mail) $20 (one year) Access for People with Disabilities A complete list of accessible services and recreation opportunities is available at visitor centers and online at go.nps.gov/lavo/access. with access for users with limited mobility include: Devastated Area Interpretive Trail (with ô Trails audio description), Sulphur Works hydrothermal area, and Lassen Crossroads information area. campsites are available at Manzanita Lake, Summit Lake North, and Butte Lake − Accessible Campgrounds. Accessible camping cabins are available at Manzanita Lake. Assisted Listening Devices are available for auditorium and amphitheater presentations. Audio description is available for the park brochure, visitor center exhibits, and the park film. A braille version of the park brochure is also available. Ask a ranger for assistance. 5 Things to Do Summit Lake Lake Helen picnic area Ranger-led Programs Information about daily program offerings will be posted outside the Loomis Museum and Kohm Yahmah-nee Visitor Center, when available. Field Seminars Delve into nature photography in a two-day workshop or take a guided hike with Lassen Volcanic hiking book author Tracy Salcedo. Reservations are highly recommended. Course fees directly benefit the park. Learn more at go.nps.gov/lavo/seminar. Hiking Climb volcanoes, marvel at hydrothermal areas, explore lakeshores, and so much more. Choose from a selection of easy to strenuous day hikes listed by park area on pages 10 and 11. Swimming The high-elevation lakes in the park offer a refreshing reprieve from summer heat. Entering thermal waters is prohibited and extremely dangerous (learn more on page 7). Tread Lightly on Lakeshores and Wetlands. Help protect these sensitive habitats by staying on hard surfaces and off of flowers. Learn more on page 15. Picnicking Enjoy lunch at any of the scenic spots along the park highway, or find a picnic table at Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, Lake Helen, Manzanita Lake, Kings Creek Picnic Area (charcoal disposal available), Butte Lake (charcoal grills available), or along the northern shore of Summit Lake. Backpacking Expect temporary trail closures in the eastern portion of the park. Learn more on page 11. Experience Wilderness Venture just beyond the highway to enter Lassen Volcanic Wilderness and experience nature at its wildest. 75% of the park is designated Wilderness and is managed to minimize human influence and preserve natural conditions. View Lassen Volcanic Wilderness Area on the park map on page 2. 6 Paddle boarders on Butte Lake Wildflower Viewing Blooms appear May through September in park meadows and valleys, and along lakeshores. View a wildflower guide at go.nps.gov/lavo/flora or purchase one at Lassen Association stores (pg 4). Learn how you can help foster park wildflower populations like the rare Lassen Paintbrush on page 15. Biking Bikes are welcome on roads and parking areas (not on hiking trails). There are no bike trails in the park. Helmets are highly recommended for adults and are required under California law for children age 17 and younger. Biking on the park highway is recommended only for experienced riders; there are no shoulders or bike lanes. Road cyclists must ride single file and be attentive to passing vehicles that may not be aware of cyclists. Bicyclists may also use the gravel roads into Butte and Juniper Lake areas and Warner Valley road (13 miles pavement then 3 gravel). See map on page 16. Boating Boating is popular on Manzanita Lake, Butte Lake, Summit Lake, and Juniper Lake. Only non-motorized watercraft are permitted. Put in and take out is restricted to designated boat launches at Manzanita and Butte Lakes. Watercraft are not permitted on Boiling Springs Lake, Emerald Lake, Reflection Lake, and Lake Helen. Children under 13 years of age must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Fishing 2022 California free fishing days: 7/2 and 9/3 California fishing regulations apply to all areas within the park. A California license is required; children under 16 years of age do not require a license. Fishing is not permitted at Manzanita and Butte Lake boat launch areas or in Manzanita Creek above Manzanita Lake (to protect nesting birds, spawning fish, and their habitats). Fishing in Manzanita Lake is limited to catch and release with artificial lures (no bait) and a single, barbless hook only. Lakes with trout species include: Manzanita, Butte, Horseshoe, Ridge, Terrace, Summit, Snag, and Crystal. Creeks with fish include: North Fork Bailey, North Arm Rice, Hat, Hot Springs, Kings, Summit, and Grassy. Milky Way over Manzanita Lake Stargazing You can enjoy Lassen's dark night skies anywhere you find open sky. Bumpass Hell and Devastated parking areas offer wide views of the sky and are located just off the park highway. Lake Helen, Manzanita, Summit, and Reflection Lakes often offer spectacular, mirror-like reflections of the starry sky. The darkest nights afford the best views of the Milky Way—the cloud-like stretch of stars that crosses the sky from east to west. For the best experience, dress warmly and use flashlights minimally, your eyes will adjust to the darkness and stars will appear brighter. Explore the Area Subway Cave This 1/3-mile, self-guided loop begins on top of a lava flow before descending down into a lava tube, named for its similarity to a subway tunnel. Bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes; the cave is completely dark and the floor is rough and jagged. View the map on page 16 for directions from the Northwest Entrance (15 mi / 20 min) to the trailhead in Lassen National Forest. Burney Falls The 129-foot Burney Falls is the centerpiece of nearby McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. The waterfall and stream are fed by large springs that are commonly associated with areas covered by recent lava flows. The park is located 43 miles north of the Northwest Entrance on SR-89 (55 min) and charges an entrance fee. Sulphur Works hydrothermal area Hydrothermal Areas Lassen Volcanic National Park contains eight hydrothermal (hot water) areas. The roaring fumaroles, thumping mudpots, boiling pools, and steaming ground in these areas are produced when water is heated by magma three miles underground. These features are related to active volcanism and are indications of the ongoing potential for further eruptions. Sulphur Works is easily accessed via a short, paved walk along the park highway, near the Southwest Entrance. The 16-acre Bumpass Hell basin is the largest hydrothermal area in the park. Get there via the moderate, 3-mile round-trip hike from the park highway (pg 9). Cold Boiling Lake is a dying hydrothermal area that is better described as a cool, bubbling lake. Get there via an easy, short hike from the park highway (pg 9). Access to the more remote Devils Kitchen, Boiling Springs Lake, and Terminal Geyser may be limited due impacts of the 2021 Dixie Fire. You can often see steam rising in Little Hot Springs Valley and below Pilot Pinnacle from overlooks along the park highway in the Southwest Area. There are no trails to these areas. Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway One of only 42 All American Roads in the nation, this 500-mile route connects Lassen Volcanic and Crater Lake national parks. The volcanic activity of the Cascade Mountain Range has created unique geological formations that can only be seen in this part of America. Learn more at go.nps.gov/VLSB. Circle of Discovery A circle of seven national park sites within northern California and Southern Oregon contains a vast array of resources from America's oldest trees and deepest lake to hydrothermal areas, ice caves, and dramatic waterfalls. Learn more at go.nps.gov/COD. Don't Get Burned For your safety, stay on established boardwalks and trails. Ground in hydrothermal areas can look solid but may actually be a thin crust hiding pools of acidic, boiling water or mud. Visitors have been severely injured traveling off-trail in park hydrothermal areas. 7 For Kids & Families The following activities and destinations are particularly suited to young children and their families. The Manzanita Lake Area is the most popular destination for families who enjoy the large, adjacent campground; proximity to easy hiking trails; and selection of rangerled activities. Summit Lake, Butte Lake, and Warner Valley areas also offer good family-friendly camping and recreation opportunities. Facilities Kids and adults alike enjoy the exhibits inside the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center and Loomis Museum. Lassen Association bookstores inside both visitor centers offer educational materials including activity books, guidebooks, and more. Gift shops inside the Manzanita Lake Camper Store and Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center offer souvenirs and treasures for little ones. The soft-serve ice cream cones offered at both locations are especially popular on hot days. Hiking Trails Young and new hikers alike tend to enjoy trails with shorter distances, gentler terrain, or limited elevation change. Look for hikes with easy to moderate difficulty in the day hikes list on pages 10 and 11. Not listed is a short half-mile loop around Reflection Lake. This route (not a defined trail in all sections) offers fantastic views of Lassen Peak and Chaos Crags and is a shorter alternative to the 1.8-mile Manzanita Lake loop. Just outside the park, Subway Cave Trail (pg 7) offers an unforgettable hike through a lava tube. Other Activities You can enjoy swimming and water play in any park lake, but not in hydrothermal areas (pg 7). Manzanita and Summit lakes offer the shallowest and warmest water. Take a nature walk and explore the park your own way. Choose a pullout off the park highway or start walking from your campsite and explore! Let your young adventurer lead the way as you listen for birds, look for wildlife, smell the wildflowers, and touch and feel nature's textures. Information about daily ranger-led program offerings will be posted outside the Loomis Museum and Kohm Yah-mahnee Visitor Center, when available. Become a Junior Ranger Age 4 and Younger Our youngest explorers are welcome to participate in our Chipmunk Club. Kids can learn more about wildlife in the park and earn a Chipmunk Club sticker. Pick up a Chipmunk Club card at the Loomis Museum or Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. Ages 5 to 18 Complete the Junior Ranger activity booklet or participate in a Junior Ranger program to earn a Lassen Junior Ranger badge. Pick up a Junior Ranger activity booklet at the Loomis Museum or Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center and then choose from a variety of activities while learning more about Lassen Volcanic National Park. Ranger Tip: Be sure to plan enough time to return your booklet to a visitor center during business hours. The park does not mail badges. Free Parks Pass for Fourth Graders Get and print your pass at everykidoutdoors.gov. Use your printed pass or trade it in for a pass card for free entrance for you and your family to all federal lands and waters through August 31. Volcano Adventure Camp Lassen's designated youthcamping facility, Volcano Adventure Camp, supports lowcost group camping experiences by reducing the amount of equipment required and providing necessary amenities for first-time campers. Learn more at go.nps.gov/VAC. 8 Dixie Fire Recovery The Dixie Fire started on July 13, 2021 approximately 40 miles southeast of Lassen Volcanic. By the time it was fully contained on October 26, the fire reached a total size of 963,309 acres, making it the largest single fire in California history. Most areas west of and adjacent to the park highway are open with minimal impacts. Temporary closures are in effect in eastern portions of the park to allow for repair or rehabilitation work and reduce risk to visitors and damage to park resources. This may include Warner Valley, Juniper Lake, and portions of Lassen Volcanic Wilderness between Butte and Juniper lakes. View current information outside the Loomis Museum and Kohm Yahmah-nee Visitor Center. The park is prioritizing efforts to open high-use trails within the burn footprint as soon as possible. Trails will open in sections as crews clear hazards including fallen trees and complete restoration or repair work. 18% 49% 73,240 park acres 69% of park area 12 park structures destroyed/damaged Unchanged Low to Moderate High Vegetation Burn Severity Post-Fire 33% The Lassen Resilience silkscreen print by Chico artist Jake Early features Lassen Peak and a mosaic of wildfire effects. Sales of the limited edition print benefit park Dixie Fire recovery and education efforts. Prints are available at park stores or at lassenassociation.org The Dixie Fire footprint covers 69% of Lassen Volcanic, however effects within the park are more moderate than in other areas of the fire. Weather, firefighting efforts, and 30 years of fuel reduction helped to slow the fire's progression through the park and resulted in more varied levels of burn severity. Views from the highway highlight the full spectrum of fire effects within the park. In the Southwest Area, the Mill Creek drainage contains the striking results of high-intensity fire. Below Reading Peak, the forest exhibits a more natural mosaic of mixed fire effects. Areas burned by the Dixie Fire can aid the return of natural patterns of wildfire. Park fire management activities support regular cycles of smaller, natural wildfires that contribute to forest health and reduce the risk of catastrophic fire. Wildfire is one of many powerful forces that shape this park formed by volcanoes, carved by ice, and altered by hydrothermal activity. Lassen Volcanic is itself a story of resilience told through its continuous cycles of regeneration and renewal. Thank You For Your Support The Lassen Park Foundation provides support to preserve and interpret the special natural and cultural resources of Lassen Volcanic National Park and its environs for future generations. Become a Friend of Lassen by contributing to the Lassen Park Foundation (donations are tax-deductible) or participating in fundraising events like the annual Discover Lassen event. (530) 768-1110 lassenparkfoundation.org info@lassenparkfoundation.org Lassen Association stores offer books, maps, and educational gift items about the natural and cultural history of Lassen. All profits benefit the park and support efforts such as: • Art programs • Dark Sky Festival • Reach Higher Trail Challenge • Junior Ranger Program Become a member today and support your national park. (530) 595-4464 lassenassociation.org lassenassociation@yahoo.com 9 Hiking There are over 150 miles of trails in Lassen Volcanic and each one offers its own reward. Below is a selection of day hikes in the park. Information about additional trails including backpacking routes is available at park visitor centers. Which Trail is Right For You? Choose a trail that fits the lowest level of fitness and ability within your group. Turn around if you feel tired or weak. Average Level of Difficulty: Easy Moderate Moderately Strenuous Strenuous Elevation change is the difference from beginning and ending elevation and is not a cumulative total of gain or loss. u Self-guided Interpretive Trail ô Wheelchair Accessible Trail ^ Parking limited; arrive early or visit on weekdays Manzanita and Summit Lakes Area Level of Difficulty Round-trip Distance (mi) Elevation Change (ft) Manzanita Lake Easy, mostly flat trail wraps around Manzanita Lake. Superb views of Lassen Peak and Chaos Crags. Great for birdwatchers, wildflower enthusiasts, and families. You can pick up this loop trail from the boat launch area or behind the Loomis Museum. 1.5 0 Manzanita Creek Trail climbs gently through firs and pines; switchbacks to a meadow alongside Manzanita Creek; then ends in a meadow with views of Eagle Peak, Vulcan's Castle and Loomis Peak. Trailhead at end of Manzanita Lake Campground road. 7.0 1,110 Lily Pond Interpretive Trail u Easy trail skirts Reflection Lake and a lily pond. A trail brochure and corresponding posts highlight the plants and trees in the area. Trailhead across from the Loomis Museum. 0.6 0 Chaos Crags and Crags Lake Climbs gently through forest along thinly forested edge of Chaos Jumbles. The trail continues down a steep path to the lake which is often dry in the summer. Trailhead 0.1 miles after turnoff to Manzanita Lake Campground. 4.0 850 Devastated Area Interpretive Trail ô u Accessible path with signs about the effects of the 1915 Lassen Peak eruption. Excellent for families or those unable to take longer trails. Trailhead at Devastated parking area. 0.5 0 Paradise Meadow ^ Trail follows a creek up a narrow ravine and ends at a meadow lined by talus cliffs. Trailhead across highway from Hat Creek Meadow. 2.8 700 Cinder Cone u Exposed path of sand-like loose cinders skirts the Fantastic Lava Beds and the Painted Dunes before climbing steeply to the summit with spectacular views of Lassen Peak and the eastern park. Trailhead to the right of Butte Lake boat ramp. 4.0 846 Butte Lake Shore This easy trail affords excellent views of Fantastic Lava Beds, Cinder Cone, and Prospect Peak. Glimpses of Lassen Peak are also visible from the east shore of Butte Lake. Return the way you came or make a small climb up Butte Creek to loop back past Bathtub Lake. 2.3 80 Butte Lake Area Stay out of Closed Areas Closures are in place in some fire-affected areas to reduce the risk to visitors and damage to park resources, or to allow for post-fire recovery and repair. Please adhere to closures for your safety and to reduce the risk to first responders. 10 Adhering to Closures Helps to: • Limit further erosion • Protect plants of concern • Allow sensitive areas and species to recover • Limit the introduction of invasive species Protect wildlife and your pet. Leashed pets are permitted only in developed areas: roadways, parking lots, campgrounds, and picnic areas. Learn more on page 14. □ Bring water □ Wear sturdy footwear □ Pack a map and compass □ Check the weather forecast LASSEN V Prevent Injury—Explore Safely Your Safety is Your Respo