National Park Service Lassen Volcanic Winter/Spring Guide U.S. Department of the Interior
Visitors at the sledding area behind the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center in the Southwest Area. Winter/Spring 2020 - 2021 Welcome! Lassen Volcanic National Park receives as Southwest Area Manzanita Lake Area much as 30 feet of snow in its winter season. Steep slopes and sweeping vistas abound in the Manzanita Lake Area (5,800 elevation) consists of The resulting snowpack often lasts more than Southwest Area of the park. Beginning at 6,700 gentle slopes and scenic lakes. It offers the easiest half of the year (approximately November to feet elevation, this area receives the most snow. routes for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing June). Despite the heavy snowfall, sunny skies The visitor center here is an excellent first stop in the park. See page 3 for location. are common between storms. These windows of for new winter explorers. See page 3 for location. "blue bird" days provide excellent opportunities to explore the park by snowshoe or ski or to Loomis Plaza simply enjoy the sights and sounds of winter. Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center The plaza includes a heated restroom, pay Access to exhibits and the park film may phone, and informational signage. The far end of be limited due to COVID-19 response. The the plaza is one of multiple access points for the Vehicle Access information desk and park store are available Manzanita Lake loop. The Manzanita Lake and Southwest Areas of when the building is open. See hours on page 2. the park are accessible throughout the winter Light snacks and hot drinks are available on Manzanita Lake Snowshoe Route season. Visitors can travel two miles from SR-44 weekends only between 11 am and 2 pm. to the Loomis Plaza in the Manzanita Lake Area or five miles north of SR-36 to the Kohm Yah- Sledding/Snow Play Area mah-nee Visitor Center in the Southwest Area Smaller, gentler slopes are located directly behind (see map on page 3). the visitor center. Steeper slopes are accessed via a short walk along the snow-covered park highway. The park highway is closed to through traffic due Sled with caution; sledding is the number one to snow approximately November through May. cause of visitor injury in the winter season. During heavy winters, the highway may close to through traffic as early as late-October and open Sulphur Works Hydrothermal Area as late as mid-July. Other park roads to Juniper Lake, Butte Lake, and Warner Valley Areas are also closed in winter. This 1.8-mile loop offers spectacular views of Lassen Peak and Chaos Crags. Pick up the Two routes around the park connect the trail anywhere between the entrance station Manzanita Lake and Southwest Areas. Travel and Loomis Plaza. This trail follows a narrow time is approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours in shoreline and is not recommended for skiing. normal winter driving conditions. Learn more More on page 6. on page 8. Experience the sights, sounds, and smells of Cross-Country Skiing the park's most accessible hydrothermal area. The snow-covered park highway is the most Inside this Guide Snowshoe or ski one mile from the visitor center popular cross-country ski route in the park. The along the snow-covered park highway to reach Content Page Manzanita Lake Area offers a gentler and more this steamy spot. Learn more on page 7. Facilities and Services 2 gradual climb than in the Southwest Area. There Maintain a safe distance from hydrothermal are no groomed trails in the park, however ski Winter Preparedness and Safety 3 features. Visitors have been severely burned by tracks often last between storms along this well- General Information 4 hot mud and water. shaded corridor. Learn more on page 6. Winter Wildlife 5 Manzanita Lake Area Winter Routes 6 Backcountry Skiing/Snowboarding Sledding Areas Small hills on the northern shore of Manzanita Southwest Winter Routes 7 Experienced backcountry users will appreciate Lake and in the Chaos Jumbles Area can be fun the spectacular terrain and uncommon solitude Winter Travel 8 with small children or those new to sledding. in the Southwest Area. Learn more about Steeper terrain can be found at the popular avalanche safety and routes on page 7. Eskimo Hill snow play area located 1.2 miles east Need More Help? of the park turnoff on SR-44/89 (map on page 3). Visit nps.gov/lavo Ranger-led Snowshoe Walks Email [email protected] Postponed until 2022 Sled with caution; sledding is the number one cause of visitor injury in the winter season. Call (530) 595-4480 Ranger-led snowshoe walks will not be offered Write P.O. Box 100, Mineral, CA 96063 this year due to COVID-19 response.
Share Your Experience This visitor guide is made possible through the support @LassenNPS #FindYourPark of the Lassen Association. Facilities and Services
Availability of Facilities and Services Services Southwest Area Manzanita Lake Area Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center open Wed-Sun, 9 am - 5 pm plus Information kiosks in Loomis Plaza (unstaffed) M Information Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Presidents' Day
In visitor center during regular hours Call 911 - pay phone in Loomis Plaza = First Aid Call 911 after hours - emergency phone in 24-hour vestibule
E Fuel No winter fuel services in the park; nearby gas stations shown on the regional map on page 8
m Restrooms Inside the 24-hour vestibule at visitor center entrance In Loomis Plaza
Ö Supplies & Gifts Gift Shop and Lassen Association Store inside (see hours below) Not available
No winter lodging in the park October through May W Lodging View information about accommodations in the area at go.nps.gov/lavo/lodging
Light snacks and hot drinks weekends, 11 am - 2 pm Not available } Dining Vending machine items available Wed-Sun, 9 am - 5 pm
Southwest Campground open for oversnow camping Not available − Campground Camping in vehicles (not tents) permitted between islands in parking area
ç Backcountry Permits Self-registration inside visitor center 24-hour vestibule Self-registration outside Ranger Station
Southwest Area Facilities and Services
Kohm Yah-mah-nee Southwest Area Map Visitor Center z Sledding Area North The visitor center may close at any time due to inclement weather. Please do not camp or Safest paths around building cook inside the vestibule. 0 100 200 Feet Winter November 1 through April 30 Season Kohm Yah-mah-nee
Open Wednesday through Sunday Visitor Center 9 am to 5 pm m January 18, 2021 (MLK Day) Keep Clear February 15, 2021 (Presidents’ Day) Falling snow and ice Please do not sled z into walkway Closed Mondays and Tuesdays Thanksgiving and Christmas
Snow ramp to Sulphur snow-covered Lassen Café & Gift highway and Works sledding area Browse the gift shop for souvenirs including 1 mile art and crafts from local artists, or enjoy café offerings including self-serve frozen items, snacks, and hot and cold beverages during No Camping operating hours. You are also welcome to bring Snow clearing hazard your own meal to enjoy in the dining area. 2Ä ` Park Highway ké Hours 11 am to 2 pm Overnight Winter Route Parking Days Weekends only* Area Separate tracks for skiers and snowshoer/hikers − *May also be open on selected holiday period weekdays. More at go.nps.gov/lavo/hours.
Lassen Association Store Open during visitor center hours Road closed here in winter Browse books, maps, trail guides, and videos about the park’s natural and cultural history at the Lassen Association store. Choose from a wide selection of educational gift merchandise Southwest to enhance your park experience and take home Entrance as memories. All profits go directly to the park. Station Pay Camping Oversnow − Lost & Found Entrance Tent Camping Fees Here Pay fee at entrance station Retrieve lost items or drop off found items inside Water the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. Treatment Building Wi-Fi Free Wi-Fi is available at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee ké− Winter Camping Visitor Center. You must open a browser and The Southwest Campground is open for oversnow agree to terms of use to connect to NPS Visitor camping. Fires and fire pans are not permitted in Tents are permitted only in the oversnow tent WiFi. Please note that bandwidth is very limited the winter. Self-contained barbecues are allowed camping area, not in the parking area. Overnight and service may be slow or unavailable during in the paved parking area. The fee for tent or vehicles must park between islands to allow for busy times. vehicle camping is $10 per night. snow plowing operations. Please self-register at the entrance station. 2 Winter Roads and Services Map
44 89 Road closed Eskimo Hill here in winter Snow Play Area 1.2 miles S Forest Service Facility
Chaos Jumbles Butte Lake Area Road closed Not accessible by here in winter vehicle in winter 44 Manzanita Lake Area Loomis Plaza Manzanita Lake ^Mm7äi Entrance Station Information kiosks only Devastated Area Ranger Station not staffed regularly
Lassen Peak Park Highway Winter Route Closed to vehicles in winter Ä2 Juniper Lake Area Not accessible by Lake Helen vehicle in winter
Southwest Area Warner Valley Area Sulphur Not accessible by vehicle in winter
Works 9 1 ^M=mÖ7 k− 1
Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center Road closed Road closed Southwest Entrance Station here in winter here in winter
Road closed 89 here in winter To Chester To McGowan Cross-Country Ski Area 2.5 miles To 3 S Forest Service Facility 9 1 Closure Gate ^ Parking Ö Food, Supplies, Gifts 1 mergency Phone Plowed Roads M Information 7 Water ä Pay Phone North Roads Closed for Winter 0 1 2 Kilometers Ranger Station = First Aid i Wi-Fi Park Highway Oversnow Route 0 1 2 Miles m Restrooms k −Camping Cell Service Other Oversnow Routes
Winter Preparedness and Safety
NIC NA CA TIO L N O A V L
Dress for Success Are You Prepared? N P E A Weather S R
S K
A Even in winter conditions, you can improve your You are responsible L With elevations from 5,650 feet to 10,457 feet, a comfort and safety by dressing properly. for your safety. E wide variety of weather conditions occur in the X Y PL EL A few suggestions to help you ORE SAF park. Expect a 5° temperature decrease for every Wear clothes in several layers including 1,000 foot increase in elevation. waterproof outwear, warm underlayers, improve your safety: a hat, and gloves. Average Wear waterproof and insulated footwear Month High/Low Date Sunrise Sunset
Avoid cotton clothes of any kind, including Bring water and extra food November 56/21 oF 11/15 6:55 am 4:51 pm
jeans, sweatshirts, underwear, or socks. o Carry extra layers for warmth December 50/14 F 12/15 7:25 am 4:43 pm They retain moisture and put you at risk for January 50/13 oF 1/15 7:31 am 5:06 pm hypothermia. Take breaks often February 51/13 oF 2/15 7:03 am 5:44 pm Carry sunscreen and sunglasses Wear polyester or wool whenever possible, March 53/16 oF 3/15* 7:20 am 7:17 pm
these fabrics wick moisture from your skin Bring a flashlight or headlamp April 61/23 oF 4/15 6:30 am 7:49 pm
and help keep you dry. Finish your outing before dark 5/15 5:52 am 8:20 pm Wear sunglasses to protect from light reflected Tell someone where you are going and Data for Manzanita Lake Area (5,850 ft elevation) Daylight savings time begins 3/14/21 by snow; polarized lenses are best. when you will return Check the weather forecast at the visitor center or online at go.nps.gov/lavo/current Know the Risks Enjoying winter at Lassen involves risk. Be aware of and prepared for winter conditions and Effects of High Elevation their associated risks: Hiking at high elevation can aggravate pre- existing medical conditions. Carry plenty of • Deep snow/heavy snowfall water, take breaks often, and do not exceed your • Sudden changes in weather abilities. • Cold temperatures If you start to experience any symptoms of • Sun exposure altitude sickness (headache, dizziness, shortness • Avalanche terrain of breath, confusion, pain behind the eyes, • Sport-related injuries nausea), descend immediately. Seek medical (sledding is the number one cause of injury) attention from a ranger or doctor. • High elevation/altitude effects 3 General Information
Spring Snow Clearing ô Accessibility ` Dogs in the Park Facilities in the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Dogs and other pets are welcome in parking Center and Loomis Plaza are accessible. An areas and in the Loomis Plaza. Pets must be Accessibility Guide to Lassen Volcanic is leashed at all times and are not permitted on available at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor trails/routes (including over the snow) or inside Center and online at go.nps.gov/lavo/access. visitor centers or other facilities.
Service animals are allowed in all facilities and Why Are Dogs Limited to Paved Areas? on all trails unless an area has been closed by All dogs leave behind a territorial scent that the superintendent to protect park resources. disrupts the behavior of native animals like Service animals must always be leashed or the Sierra Nevada red fox. Spring road clearing near the Southwest Entrance and harnessed, under control, and attended at all times. Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. Dogs are predators that could chase, scare, kill, and transmit diseases to wild animals. Snow removal from the park highway usually ç Backcountry Permits begins in April and continues for about two Wild animals can transmit diseases including months before the highway opens to through Backcountry camping permits are required bubonic plague to pets (and then to humans). traffic. Visit go.nps.gov/lavo/snowclearing for for overnight use outside of the Southwest spring road information. Campground. Self-registration is available outside the Loomis Ranger Station and in the Pets are permitted in most areas of the surrounding Lassen National Forest. Learn more The high-elevation park highway encompasses Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center 24-hour about the McGowan Ski Area near the Southwest 30 miles of stunning views with hairpin turns, vestibule. Entrance on page 7 or other nearby areas to take steep grades, and avalanche-prone slopes your pet at go.nps.gov/lavo/pets. with up to 2,000-foot drops. The steep terrain Cell Service combined with heavy snowfall can result in Cell service (AT&T and Verizon) is very limited snowdrifts up to 40 feet deep. in the park and surrounding areas. View spots = Emergencies with limited coverage on the map on page 3. If you have an emergency call 911. If phone Predicting when the highway will open is not service is not available, contact a park employee, possible, even in late spring, because weather Entrance Fees go to the Loomis Ranger Station, or use the in April and May can affect plowing progress emergency phone in the 24-hour vestibule of the significantly. See the chart below for opening All visitors must pay an entrance fee. Display your Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. and closing dates for the last ten years. fee receipt, Lassen Annual Pass, or Interagency Pass on your vehicle’s dashboard. Entrance fee Date plowing Date road Equipment Rental Year Date road closed payment is usually self-serve and cannot be paid at began opened the visitor center. Bring a check or exact change or Equipment rental is not available in the park. 2010 April 19 July 8 October 23 purchase an annual pass online prior to your visit. Equipment rental is available in Mineral, Childs 2011 April 19 July 16 November 22 Meadow, Chester, Redding, and Chico. 2012 April 21 June 1 November 19 1-7 Day Vehicle Fee December 1 to April 15 - $10 2013 March 21 May 24 December 18 Firearms April 16 to November 30 - $30 2014 April 2 May 19 December 1 Visitors are responsible for understanding and 2015 March 30 May 3 November 8 Annual Passes complying with all applicable State of California, 2016 April 18 June 12 October 30 Lassen Annual Pass - $55 local, and federal firearms laws. Federal law 2017 April 4 July 26 November 10 Also valid at Whiskeytown National Recreation prohibits firearms in certain facilities in this park 2018 March 30 May 27 November 20 Area. Visit www.pay.gov or call (530) 595-6120. identified by posted signs at public entrances. 2019 April 22 June 22 November 29 For more information visit oag.ca.gov/firearms 2020 March 19 May 29 Interagency Passes or email [email protected]. The passes listed below cover all national park units and other federal recreation areas with * Spring Hiking and Biking entrance fees. Visit storeusgs.gov/pass or call 888-ASK-USGS ext1. Hike and Bike the Highway (HBH) is an opportunity for visitors to enjoy cleared sections Pass Price of the highway before they open to vehicles. Annual $80 Senior $20 Annual / $80 Lifetime The park highway usually opens in segments as Access Free with documentation of permanent disability Fourth graders and their families can get free access to snow clearing operations progress. The usual Military Free with identification CAC Card/DD Form 1173 hundreds of parks, lands, and waters for an entire year. order of opening is: 4th Grade Free at everykidoutdoors.gov Loomis Museum to Devastated Area - 10 mi Southwest Entrance to Sulphur Works - 1 mi Sulphur Works to Bumpass Hell parking - 7 mi Park Partners Lassen Peak parking area - 8 mi is a non-profit partner provides Open to through traffic - 30 mi Lassen Association Lassen Park Foundation that promotes the discovery of Lassen Volcanic, philanthropic support to Lassen Volcanic enriches the experience of visitors, and supports National Park and invites all, especially youth, to You can view which segments of the highway the preservation and protection of the park for experience and preserve the natural and cultural will be open during your visit on the spring road future generations. resources of this special place. opening map at go.nps.gov/lavo/snowclearing. Shop the Store, Support Your Park With the generosity and dedication of our Generally, the timing of openings is largely Profits from Lassen Association stores directly supporters, the non-profit Park Foundation dependent on snow depth, snow clearing support park research, conservation, and has provided funding for projects including the operations, and conditions at the time of education programs. Browse a wide selection winter snowshoe education program, Kohm Yah- anticipated opening. Learn more about HBH at of books, maps, trail guides, videos, and mah-nee Visitor Center, and Volcano Adventure go.nps.gov/hbh. educational gifts in park stores or online at Camp (youth camping facility). lassenassociation.org. Please become a Friend of Lassen by Lassen Association contributing to the Lassen Park Foundation! (530) 348-2670 Your donation is tax-deductible. [email protected] www.lassenassociation.org Lassen Park Foundation (530) 768-1110 [email protected] www.lassenparkfoundation.org
4 Protect Yourself—Protect the Park
Recreate Responsibly Prohibited Activities Become a Junior Ranger The National Park Service encourages all visitors These activities are dangerous or destructive and to make responsible decisions and follow Center carry legal penalties, including fines: Kids age five and older are invited to for Disease Control guidance to help reduce the participate in our Junior Ranger program. spread of COVID-19: Bringing pets on trails or routes; Choose from a variety of activities to earn an including over the snow or in a carrier. official Junior Ranger badge. Practice social distancing. Maintain at least 6 feet (1.8 meters) of distance Camping outside of designated Our younger explorers are welcome to between you and others. campsites or overnight parking areas. participate in the Chipmunk Club. Kids can learn more about wildlife in the park and earn Wear a face covering when social Feeding wildlife (includes littering). a Chipmunk Club sticker. distancing cannot be maintained. Launching, landing, or operating unmanned aircraft (drones) on park lands and waters. Pick up your Chipmunk Club card or Junior Wash your hands often with soap Ranger booklet at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee and water for at least 20 seconds. Snowmobiling within park boundaries. Visitor Center or print one online at go.nps.gov/lavo/jr. Cover your mouth and nose when Carrying a firearm into park buildings. you cough or sneeze (not with your hands). Traveling or camping too close to hydrothermal areas. Visitors have been Avoid touching your eyes, nose, severely injured by walking too close to and mouth. hydrothermal features.
Most importantly, please return home This is only a partial list of regulations. and stay at home if you feel sick. For more information, consult 36 Code of Federal Regulations and the Superintendent's Access to and availability of park services Compendium available at and facilities may be impacted by COVID-19 go.nps.gov/lavo/regs. response. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we adapt for the safety of both staff and visitors. View current modifications at go.nps.gov/lavo/current.
Winter Wildlife
Can you spot these winter residents or signs Lassen's Own Help Keep Wild Animals Wild of their presence such as tracks or scat? These animals have adaptations to survive Lassen's Sierra Nevada Red Fox Enjoy your food, but please do harsh winters, such as storing food and developing not share with park animals. thicker coats. Winter residents each have their own special adaptations Steller's Jay that help them survive the long Cyanocitta stelleri winter season. This large, dark jay swoops on its broad, rounded wings. Bad for wildlife: Keep an eye on your winter picnic as they are quick to spot Wildlife can become dependent on people unattended food. Steller's and A Sierra Nevada red fox (Vulpes vulpes necator) captured on a for food. Animals that cannot find food on Blue jays are the only northern motion-sensor camera in Lassen Volcanic. their own may starve. American jays with crests. Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of two Wild animals can become unhealthy or die known habitats for Sierra Nevada red fox from eating human food instead of their Mountain Chickadee (SNRF). Although once found throughout the natural food. Poecile gambeli Sierra Nevada and Southern Cascade mountain Sparrow-sized, small-billed ranges, the species is now one of the rarest Fed animals hang around parking lots and bird often sighted in trees mammals in California. roads and could be hit and killed by cars. throughout the winter months. Makes two distinctive calls, Researchers estimate the Lassen area population Animals that are fed can become nuisances "chicka-dee-dee-de" and consists of only about 20 individuals, based on and may have to be destroyed. another that sounds strikingly survey findings from 2009 to 2011. An ongoing like "cheeseburger!" survey effort in and around Lassen Volcanic may Bad for you: provide our best opportunity for understanding Small rodents and birds can and will bite the Clark's Nutcracker and fostering Lassen’s native red fox. hand that feeds them, transmitting a variety Nucifraga columbiana of diseases. This member of the crow family Smaller in size than low-elevation red foxes, caches thousands of seeds each SNRFs generally weigh 4.5 to 9 pounds, have a Animals may carry rabies and you will have to year. Easy to spot throughout narrow pointed muzzle, large pointy ears, and a get shots if bitten. the park as they swoop between slender body and legs. trees. Listen for their frequent Fed animals lose their wariness of people long, grating calls. SNRFs are typically yellowish to reddish brown, and become aggressive. Larger animals, such but, despite their name, can also be black or as deer, have been known to buck or kick Snowshoe Hare silver. Handsome dark-brown markings adorn suddenly and cause serious injuries. Lepus americanus the top of their ears and shins, and white covers Wildlife may carry diseases that your pets are Slightly larger than rabbits, their chest and stomach. Their bushy fox tail not protected from. with taller hind legs and longer always has a white tip, is long and flowing and ears. Their large, furry feet carried close to the ground where it adds an help them move atop snow additional dimension to their length. and a snow-white winter coat turns brown when the snow melts each spring. ö Report a Red Fox Sighting If you observe a red fox or signs of its presence American "Pine" Marten in the Sierra Nevada, Southern Cascade, or Martes americana 2.3 - 3.1 Klamath mountain ranges above 2,500 feet inches long Cat-sized weasel with a long, elevation, please report your observation by slender body, short legs, providing: date and time observed, location, rounded ears, and a bushy tail. terrain (e.g. rocky slope/ forest/meadow), The marten may be active as photos, and GPS location. little as 15% of the day in the These fox prints and scat seen on the snow-covered winter. Spotted occasionally in Lassen Park Highway last winter suggest SNRFs use Learn more or report a sighting ski and snowshoe tracks to facilitate winter travel and the Southwest Area. at go.nps.gov/lavo/SNRF. may be sighted in the vicinity. 5 Manzanita Lake Area Winter Routes
Beginner Routes Intermediate Routes
Manzanita Lake Snowshoe Loop Chaos Jumbles Area Manzanita Creek This route is not recommended for skiing Distance: 1.2+ miles round-trip Distance: 7.5 miles round-trip Distance: 1.8 mile loop Elevation: 5,900 to 6,187 feet Elevation: 5,850 to 7,100 feet Elevation: 5,800 to 5,850 feet Average Time: 1+ hour Average Skiing Time: 6 hours Average Time: 1.5 hours Head up the park highway for 0.6 mile to an From the Loomis Ranger Station, cross a Begin near the Loomis Ranger Station and circle open area of stunted trees. Veer to the right footbridge, then turn right onto the Manzanita the lake in either direction. This route provides up toward Chaos Crags. Here, the undulating Lake Campground road. Travel through the excellent views of Lassen Peak and Chaos Crags. topography slopes up into the bowl of the Crags. campground to the Manzanita Creek trailhead Please stay off lake ice, it is unstable and shores The terrain is easy to moderately difficult with sign. The route is mostly a gradual climb. Beware may be difficult to recognize under snow. excellent views at the higher elevations. of avalanche chutes off of Loomis Peak that may reach the upper end of the route. Reflection Lake Snowshoe Loop Chaos Crags Route This route is not recommended for skiing This route is not recommended for skiing Park Highway Destinations Distance: 0.5 mile loop Distance: 4 miles round-trip The park highway route begins at the road Elevation: 5,800 feet Elevation: 5,900 to 6,650 feet closure gate just beyond the Loomis Plaza Average Time: 30 minutes Average Time: 3-4 hours parking area. Destinations beyond Lost Creek Begin at the shore across the highway from the Cross the footbridge by the Loomis Ranger Campground area are recommended for Loomis Museum and circle the lake in either Station, turn left and follow the road to the overnight trips only. direction. It may be necessary to follow the Chaos Crags Trailhead sign. Follow yellow tree park highway for a short section of the lake edge markers as the route climbs steeply up to a ridge. Sunflower Flat closest to the road. Please stay off lake ice, it If you decide to descend to Crags Lake, beware Distance: 2.5 miles one-way Elevation: 5,995 feet may be unstable and shores can be difficult to of potential rockfall and high winds. recognize under snow. Estimated Time: 2 hours
Nobles Emigrant Route Lost Creek Campground Manzanita Campground Loop Distance: 4 miles one-way Distance: 5.2 miles round-trip Elevation: 5,628 feet Distance: 1.5 mile loop Elevation: 5,875 to 6,275 feet Estimated Time: 3-4 hours Elevation: 5,800 feet Average Skiing Time: 3-4 hours Average Skiing Time: 1.5 hours Pick up the route north of Reflection Lake or at Hot Rock Cross the footbridge by the Loomis Ranger the trailhead off a service road west of Reflection Distance: 6.7 miles one-way Station, turn right and follow the road to the Lake. Follow the orange tree markers along the Elevation: 6,157 feet campground for approximately a quarter mile to base of Table Mountain. The trail climbs over Estimated Time: Overnight where it turns to the right through a set of large a flank of Table Mountain into fir forest and rocks. The route covers a half-mile loop through rejoins the park highway at Sunflower Flat. Devastated Area several sections of the campground. Return the way you came or via the park highway Distance: 8.7 miles one-way to make a loop. Elevation: 6,456 feet Estimated Time: Overnight
Manzanita Lake Area Winter Routes Map
Winter Etiquette
1.5mi 2.4km 2 Ä Lost Creek Campground Table Mountain 5628ft 6919ft 1715m Do not walk on ski tracks 2108m Footprints and snowshoe tracks create Destinations beyond hazards that make skiing more difficult. te Sunflower Flat u Lost Creek Campground Ro 5995ft nt 1827m recommended for ra Snowshoe parallel to the ski track ig 2.7mi overnight trips only. m 4.3km s E 1.9mi Using a separate track ensures snowshoers le 3.1km ob 2.8mi remain clear of downhill skiers. N 4.5km Yield to faster skiers or downhill traffic Reflection Lake Loop Step to the side to allow skiers traveling 0.5mi 0.8km 5900ft | 1798m Chaos Jumbles downhill to safely pass. In all other cases, 0.6mi Hot Rock yield to those traveling uphill, as they are 1.0km 2.0mi 6157ft 1.8mi 3.2km 1877m working harder and have the right of way. ra 2.9km s C g 6650ft ao s P Manzanita h R 2027m a C o r ute k Lake Loop 1.5mi oo is l H 2.4km w y Manzanita Lake C R 8530ft ou Campground Loop t 2592m e M 2.0mi 3.2km a
n C z M a n a it n Devastated Area a 6456ft 3.4mi C 5.4km an 1968m r i e ta ek C R re o e u t e 0 1 2 Kilometers
0 1 2 Miles North Park Highway Ski/Snowshoe Trail Ski/Snowshoe Trails 1.5mi 2.4km Distance Indicator 7100ft 2164m
Lassen Peak 10457ft 3187m
Please be courteous and do not walk in ski tracks.
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Beginner Routes Intermediate Routes Advanced Routes
Sulphur Works Ridge Lakes Brokeoff Mountain Distance: 2 miles round-trip Distance: 4 miles round-trip Distance: 7 miles round-trip Elevation: 6,700 to 7,000 feet Elevation: 7,000 to 8,000 feet Elevation: 6,650 to 9,250 feet Average Skiing Time: 1 hour Average Skiing Time: 4 hours Average Skiing Time: 8 hours Marvel at boiling mudpots and steam vents at Follow the park highway route from the Traditional routes use the Forest Lake route Sulphur Works hydrothermal area. Follow the southwest parking area about ¾ mile and cross or the summer trail that begins near the park park highway route from the southwest parking the bridge before Sulphur Works. The route entrance. Numerous avalanche paths exist on area. The left side of the route is bordered by begins at the north end of the flat area to the left. all aspects of the mountain. Travelers should steep side hills, be aware of avalanche danger. The route climbs rapidly along the east side of use extreme caution. Many skiers reserve travel For your safety, do not travel or camp in or near West Sulphur Creek to the Ridge Lakes basin. to the summit for spring when snow conditions hydrothermal areas. The snow surrounding these Several good camping spots can be found on the traditionally stabilize. Summit conditions during areas may look solid, but may actually be a weak north shore of Ridge Lakes. If weather is severe, inclement weather often include high winds with snow layer hiding pools of acidic boiling water. more protected camping can be found about ¼ little or no visibility. Be cautious of overhanging Maintain a safe distance from hydrothermal mile below Ridge Lakes along its outlet creek. cornices at the summit. features. Visitors have been severely burned Avoid the area south of Ridge Lakes during by hot mud and water. periods of avalanche danger. Lassen Peak Distance: 17 miles round-trip McGowan Cross-Country Ski Area Diamond Peak Elevation: 6,700 to 10,457 feet Located in adjacent Lassen National Forest, Average Skiing Time: 3 days not shown on map below Distance: 4 miles round-trip Elevation: 6,700 to 8,000 feet Most travelers allow three days to summit Distance: 5 miles to Nanny Creek one-way Average Skiing Time: 4 hours Lassen Peak in the winter. Be prepared for high Elevation: 6,080 to 5,110 feet winds in the Lassen Peak and Lake Helen areas. Follow the park highway route from the Average Skiing Time: 4 hours Conditions on the mountain are most stable southwest parking area 1.5 miles to Windy The McGowan Cross-Country Ski Area is in early morning hours; afternoon travel is not Point. Veer left at the sign for Ranger Cutoff, located in Lassen National Forest, 2.5 miles recommended. The safest route up the mountain just beyond the point. The route climbs a gentle south of the Southwest Entrance. Marked routes follows the summer trail through the forested slope to a ridge with excellent views of Brokeoff travel across a flat and slightly descending section and continues on the southeast ridge Mountain and Sulphur Works. Stop here or landscape. Ask a ranger for a map of the ski area to the summit. Weather conditions on Lassen continue along the ridge as it gradually narrows, or visit go.nps.gov/lavo/skiing. Peak can deteriorate rapidly, creating white out providing views of Lassen Peak and eventually conditions and high winds. opening onto a steep slope at the western foot ` Pets are welcome in this Lassen of Diamond Peak. Return using the same route; National Forest area south of the park. avoid descending the avalanche-prone slopes Travel outside of the highway corridor above the Sulphur Works area. is recommended only for experienced winter travelers.
Avalanche Safety Southwest Area Winter Routes Map There is no avalanche forecast for the park 0 1 2 Kilometers Lassen Peak 1045 ft View the park Avalanche Awareness Guide 318 m with an avalanche terrain map and links to 0 1 2 Miles avalanche forecasts for the nearby Shasta and Tahoe areas at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee 2.5mi North 4.0km Visitor Center or go.nps.gov/winter_ Park Highway Route safety.
Other Routes Lassen is avalanche country. Each year agle Peak avalanches claim more than 150 lives Avalanche Danger 9222ft worldwide. Knowledge, information, and 2811m equipment are key to preventing and surviving 1.5mi avalanche accidents. 2.4km Distance Indicator Highway La e highpoint elen 8511ft Before you enter the backcountry, ensure meral 2594m La e that you have a solid understanding of avalanche awareness. Carry avalanche gear 1. mi including a shovel, probe, and transceiver/ Mount Diller igh 2.5km beacon and know how to use them. 908 ft o e Emerald Sidehill Destinations 2 0m Be especially cautious during and after L beyond Lake Helen it recommended for a snow storm. Spring road opening also 8000ft t l overnight trips only. 243 m e warrants extra caution, as avalanches and i ge La es rockslides can occur on plowed sections of No Name Thermal o the highway at any time. 8 2ft Area t Danger 2 40m p f
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Windy Diamond Sidehill Point Diamond Peak orest 9 8ft La e 2429m 400ft 225 m Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center 00ft Backcountry users should carry avalanche gear and know To McGowan 2042m how to use it. Learn more at go.nps.gov/winter_safety. Cross-Country Ski Area 2.5 miles 7 Winter Travel
To Burney / Mt. Shasta North 0 20 Kilometers Old Station To Manzanita Lake E 49 mi/79 km, 1 hr 0 10 20 Miles Redding 89 To Manzanita Lake E Gas station E 19 mi/31 km, 25 min (Food/supplies also available) 44 Shingletown Manzanita 44 To Manzanita Lake E Lake Entrance 5 Wilson 67 mi/107 km, 90 min Hill Road Black Butte / To Southwest 65 mi/105 km, 80 min Wildcat Road May close in Southwest inclement weather A21 Susanville Manton Road Entrance 89 E Lanes Valley Road A To Southwest 30 mi/48 km, 40 min 3 Chester To Reno Park 3 E E Head uarters Mineral Westwood
E May close in 32 inclement weather Red Bluff To Chico 89 To Southwest To uincy La e lmanor 52 mi/84 km, 1 hr Chico to Southwest uincy to Southwest 71 mi/114 km, 1.5 hr 72 mi/116 km, 1.5 hr
Directions Around the Park Winter Driving Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway is closed to vehicles in the winter and spring. Follow the directions Be prepared for icy or snowy conditions at below for travel between the Southwest and Manzanita Lake Entrances. The route around the west high elevations during the fall and winter side of the park is not recommended for RVs or trailers. For directions from Manzanita Lake to the seasons. Conditions can be very hazardous, Southwest Entrance, follow the directions below in reverse—be sure to reverse left and right turns. especially when temperatures drop during the evening and early morning hours.
Travel Around the West Side of the Park Travel Around the East Side of the Park During periods of heavy snowfall, Southwest Area plowing operations end at 1:30 pm. This route is the shortest route around the park. Best route for RVs and Trailers This windy road is not recommended for RVs This route is slightly longer than the west route, Visitors are strongly encouraged to exit the park behind the snowplow to avoid traveling and trailers. Average travel time is one hour however it has fewer curves and is appropriate through deep snowpack. and 45 minutes. for RVs and trailers. Average travel time is two hours. 1. From the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Protect Yourself Center, head south on Lassen National Park 1. From the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Carry tire chains in your vehicle from October Highway/SR-89 for 5 miles. Center, head south on Lassen National Park through May and know how to use them. Chain 2. Turn right (west) on SR-36. Continue for 23 Highway/SR-89 for 5 miles. requirements can be instituted at any time; even miles. 2. Turn left (east) on SR-36. Continue 38 miles four-wheel drive vehicles with snow tires can be required to chain up. 3. Turn right (north) onto Lanes Valley Road. to CR A21/Mooney Road located in the town of Westwood. Continue for 18 miles. A large road sign on the north side of the If you get stuck, stay in your vehicle and call for Please note that CR A21 may close during highway marks the turnoff approximately or flag down help. Clear your exhaust pipe to heavy snowfall. In the case of closure, one mile before the town of Paynes Creek. prevent carbon monoxide build-up. Continue for 7 miles. follow SR-36 an additional 17 miles to the SR-44 junction just west of Susanville. Keep a full gas tank whenever possible. 4. Turn right onto Manton Road/Co Rd A6. Continue for 0.6 mile. 3. Turn left (west) onto SR-44. Continue for 28 miles. Prevent Crashes 5. Turn left onto Wildcat Road. Continue for • Drive for the conditions 5.5 miles. 4. Turn left (west) onto SR-44/89. Continue for 13.5 miles. • Slower speeds, slower acceleration 6. Turn right onto Black Butte Rd. Continue for 3.6 miles. 5. Turn left (south) into the park. Continue 1 • Leave room for longer stopping distances mile to the Manzanita Lake Area entrance. • Use small, slow motions 7. Turn right (east) onto SR-44. Continue for 24 miles. • Ease on the brakes 8. Turn right (south) into the park. Continue 1 • Steer into the skid mile to the Manzanita Lake Area entrance. • Stomp, stay, steer with anti-lock brakes (ABS)
E No Fuel in the Park There are no winter fuel services in the park. View nearby gas stations on the map above.
Cell Service Limited 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 3.
= Emergencies If you have an emergency call 911. If phone service is not available, contact a park employee, go to the Loomis Ranger Station, or use the emergency phone in the 24-hour vestibule of the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center.
M California Highway Information To check for chain requirements, road closures, or other highway advisories before your trip, call the CalTrans Highway Information Network at 1-800-427-7623 or visit roads.dot.ca.gov.
Southwest Entrance Station and Diamond Peak near the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. 8