Lassen Peak

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Drive Time: 5.5 hours

Distance: 600 mile RT

Wilderness Permit: Contact Lassen Visitor Center in Mineral

(Availability of self-issue at the Chalet is unpredictable)

Base Campground: SW campground near the Ski Chalet

Fees: $10 Lassen N.P. entrance

http://www.nps.gov/lavo/ Telephone (530) 595-4444

Lassen Volcanic National Park, Post Office Box 100, Mineral, CA 96063-0100

Driving Route:

Tricky intersections:

From 880, make sure to take 80 WEST.

From 80 West, make sure to take 505 north.

In Red Bluff, make sure to take the sharp left onto hwy 36.

Winter closures:

89 through the park

Dinner suggestions:

Red Bluff serves bland foods. There are two Mexican restaurants and a Peking restaurant in downtown Red Bluff (west of I5, turn right at the main intersection)

Nat's suggestion: 'Try Granzellas in Williams, just take the highway 20 exit towards the coast (and Mendocino) and get one of the best Deli sandwiches of your life, along with free olive tasting, Gelato, and of course, an immense beer/wine selection for the celebratory post hike picnic."

Hiking Route:

Lassen gets a lot of powerful weather during the winter. 0F temperatures, ice storms and even rain can happen at all elevations in the park even in the middle of winter. Watch the weather carefully during the week before your trip and make sure you pack clothes that will keep you dry and warm.

2 hours: snowshoe or ski to the 1st or second hairpin and set up camp away from the road. The 1st hairpin takes you up near Diamond Peak -- head away from the road and towards the peak a bit and you will find places to sleep that feel more like wilderness. The peak has some weird rock formations as well. The road is easy to travel at night. If it is clear you will not even need lights to follow the road-- the starlight lights up the snow.

1/2 day: Chalet to Helen lake. If you decided to pay campground fees and sleep there, you can make Helen lake in ~4 hours. Camp on the 1/2 of Helen Lake closest to Lassen Peak.

1/2 day: Peak Ascent. The Peak is usually has strong winds (~25 knots). Bring a shell that you know blocks strong wind and several warm layers. The summer trail follows the SE ridge -- a good bail out route or way to go if there is a lot of snow/ice and the avalanche risk is more than minimal. Otherwise, kick steps into the 20-40 degree slopes of the W &SW faces.

2+ hours: Eating dinner. Remember that the cold, the altitude, and exercise make eating enough to stay warm and to have energy for the peak ascent difficult. So start take it easy and start eating early and do the peak after everyone is rested and well fed.