It's still a bit early for backcountry skiing at Lassen Volcanic National Park, but it's coming.../NPS file

Lassen Volcanic National Park in California has moved into winter operations with the closure of Lassen National Park Highway (CA State Hwy 89).

The park remains open throughout the year for visitors to recreate responsibly in their public lands. Those planning to visit during the winter months should plan ahead by checking the weather and the park website before venturing to the park.

Ten inches of snow currently covers the ground at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center (6,700 feet in elevation). In the northwest area of the park, at the Loomis Museum (5,900 feet in elevation) there are small patches of snow along the Manzanita Lake trail. Cross-country skiing along the park road is possible at higher elevations. However, snow is still very thin, preventing sledding and making backcountry skiing hazardous. Visitors should be advised that a temporary camping closure remains in place east of the Lassen National Park Highway.

The Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Restrooms are available 24 hours a day, even when the main building is closed for holidays. The Loomis Museum has closed for the winter and will reopen in May 2021; restrooms are available at the Loomis Plaza. 

Visitors are reminded that the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center continues to operate with limited services this winter. Indoor dining is not available, the exhibit area and auditorium remain closed, and there is limited occupancy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Operating in this manner helps protect staff, while still providing the necessary services to keep our visitors informed and safe," said Acting Superintendent, Jason Mateljak.

Food, gifts, and books are still available for purchase, Wednesday through Sunday from the Lassen Association Store (www.lassenassociation.org), and on the weekends from the Lassen Café and Gift (www.lassenlodging.com). The park film is streaming for free on the nps.gov.