Lassen Volcanic National Park provides a wealth of fun activities that are as varied as the seasons of the park. Due to the high elevation and influence of the Pacific Ocean, the park receives upwards of 40 feet of snow per year. Your access to the interior of the park is dependent upon the winter's total snowfall which influences the spring/summer road opening dates.  An approximate description of the seasons in the park is below, keep them in mind as you begin to plan your visit.

NPS Photo

Summer: approximately July to mid-September

The park is sunny and dry, with cool nights.  Lower elevation trails are mostly clear. In heavy snow years snow can linger on trails above 8000 feet until late August.  The Main Park Road is usually open (see link to the right). Campgrounds may fill on weekends.  Ranger programs are in full swing. 

NPS Photo

Fall: approximately mid-September to November

The park is mild during the day and cool at night with a potential for thunderstorms . Light snows that melt off may begin in October. The trails are usually still clear.  The Main Park Road is open until November, weather permitting. 

NPS Photo

Winter: approximately November to April

The park is snowbound and cold. Solitude is abundant. The Main Park Road is only open to the Southwest area on the southside and the Loomis Ranger station on the northside. 

NPS Photo

Spring: approximately April to June

The weather is warming up though the nights can still be below freezing. The higher elevations are still snow-filled. Conditions permitting, the road begins to open (visit the road status webpage). Higher elevation lakes begin to thaw.