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Boiling springs, belching mudpots and hissing steam vents are among the wondrous sights awaiting visitors to beautiful Lassen Volcanic National Park. A national park since 1916, Lassen is a treasure trove of hydrothermal activity. The peak sits at the southernmost end of the Cascade range, which extends from here to Canada. The western part of the park features lava pinnacles and volcanoes, while the eastern part features small cinder cones, forested with conifers and studded with small lakes. Lassen is just a short 30-minute drive from the ChesterLake Almanor area, or an hour from Indian Valley, the park is a great day trip. Observe the hydrothermal activity along the road, or take short hikes and strolls through some of the most pristine, untouched wilderness in the country. The Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center is open daily (except Christmas Day) and is located at the park’s southwest entrance. Visitors are welcome to stroll through the exhibit hall, view the spectacular park film, and browse in the bookstore. The concession cafe and gift shop are open daily in the summer and on weekends and holidays in the winter. The center receives its name from the Mountain Maidu name for Lassen Peak, which means “Snow Mountain.” Hiking trails take park visitors through a hydrothermal area called Bumpass Hell and through the Devastated Area, which exhibits remarkable recovery since Lassen’s last eruption in 1921. For a longer trek, visitors can climb to the top of Brokeoff Mountain, elevation 9,235 feet, on a scenic seven-mile, four to five-hour journey that climbs 2,600 feet. Be sure to pick up a map at either park entrance and consider exploring the listed trails. These walks are a great
way to see just a few of the 700 species of flowering plants and 250 species of wildlife in the park. In addition to the landscapes, there are breathtaking views of the entire Lake Almanor Basin, and on a clear day you can see Mount Shasta from Lassen Peak and Brokeoff Mountain. The park also offers talks and evening programs in summer. During the winter, park rangers lead snowshoe walks that enable visitors to explore the beauty of the park year-round. There is a fee of $10 per vehicle to enter Lassen Volcanic National Park. The park road (which connects with Highway 89 north and south of the park) covers 30 miles and takes approximately an hour to drive. The best time to visit the park for car touring or hiking is July through September. The road may be closed from late October to mid-June due to snow, but there is parking and access to the area at both the north and south entrances. Check the website below for Fee Free Days. Campground fees are $10-$18 and sites are available both by reservation and as first-come, first-served. To reserve, call 877-444-6777 or reserve online at www.recreation.gov. Lodging options within the park include Drakesbad Guest Ranch in the Warner Valley, at the park’s southeast end, and new camping cabins at Manzanita Lake near the park’s northeast entrance. Reserve at www.lassenrecreation.com. For more information, call the Visitor Center at (530) 5954480 or visit the website at www.nps.gov/lavo. Chester, located a half hour east, is the nearest full-service town to the park’s southwest entrance. It offers complete visitor services including gas stations, lodging, camping, dining and shopping.
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LASSEN Volcanic National Park
DRAKESBAD
MANZANITA LAKE
Guest Ranch
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www.LassenRecreation.com Marichu Pereira
L A S S E N V O L C A N I C N AT I O N A L PA R K
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Four distinct seasons bring ever-changing views of the scenic topography of Lassen Volcanic National Park.
16
2012 - 2013
$
5 OFF
$5 off a meal at Drakesbad Guest Ranch. Subject to availability, reservations recommended, call 866.999.0914. May not be combined with any other offer. Must present coupon to receive discount, expires 10/8/12. OFFER #PC12-db
PLUMAS COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE
$
5 OFF
$5 off a purchase of $25 or more at Manzanita Lake Camper Service Store. May not be combined with any other offer, not valid for gasoline or alcohol. Must present coupon to receive discount, expires 10/8/12. OFFER #PCV12-ml
California Guest Services is an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service.