Lassen Volcanic National Park is in northern California. It's rich in hydrothermal sites like Bumpass Hell, with its acres of bubbling mud pots. The summit of Lassen Peak Volcano offers views over the surrounding wilderness. Nearby, the Devastated Area is littered with lava rocks from its last eruption. A network of trails through forest and around several lakes connects with the Pacific Crest Trail in the north.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is a scenic and wondrous place to visit, with bubbling mudpots, wildflower-carpeted meadows, and jagged volcanic peaks. Lassen strives for full and equal participation for all visitors. By using principals of universal design, Lassen is committed to providing an ever-increasing level of accessibility. From designing and building new facilities to rehabilitating older buildings, accessibility has become a key component of all projects.
Facilities
Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center
The visitor center has an exhibit hall, information desk, auditorium, amphitheater, café, gift shop, and bookstore. The visitor center is fully accessible with tactile exhibits including a relief map of the park and models of the four types of volcanoes. Audio description of the exhibits is available; inquire at the information desk. Accessible parking spaces are located near the entrance of the visitor center, and near the Southwest campground.
Loomis Museum
The Loomis Museum has an information desk, bookstore, and history exhibits. An auditorium inside the visitor center shows the 20-minute park film. A wheelchair accessible entrance is located on the west side of the building. Accessible restrooms are located outside of the museum in the Loomis Plaza.
The visitor center has an exhibit hall, information desk, auditorium, amphitheater, café, gift shop, and bookstore. The visitor center is fully accessible with tactile exhibits including a relief map of the park and models of the four types of volcanoes. Audio description of the exhibits is available; inquire at the information desk. Accessible parking spaces are located near the entrance of the visitor center, and near the Southwest campground.
Discovery Center
The Discovery Center at Manzanita Lake is located across the street from the Loomis Museum. The center is geared towards children and their families and is open at select times each summer. Check the park newspaper for operating hours. The center offers nature exhibits and interactive, tactile displays on Lassen's natural history. A wheelchair accessible entrance is located at the east entrance, and an accessible restroom is located inside.
Picnic Areas
Lassen has several picnic areas in which to enjoy an afternoon in the park. Manzanita Lake, Lake Helen, Devastated Area, and Kings Creek picnic areas offer level sites, accessible restrooms, and accessible parking.
Park Features
Sulphur Works
Near the center of the ancient Brokeoff Volcano lies Sulphur Works, the most accessible hydrothermal area in the park. Plopping mudpots and smoking steam vents can be seen roadside. A paved sidewalk connects the parking area to the features; this path requires assisted mobility. Interpretive exhibits tell the story of this constantly changing area. Accessible parking and vault toilets are available in the parking area.
Geologic Walk Through Time
Outside the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, a short paved accessible path features displays with audio descriptions that take visitors through the park's geologic timeline. Ask the visitor center desk for listening devices.
A half-mile (.08 km) hard surface loop trail offers spectacular views of Lassen Peak and its 1915 mudflow. Interpretive exhibits with motion activated audio description highlight the eruption of Lassen Peak. Accessible parking spaces and vault toilets are available at the trailhead.
Manzanita Lake
This popular summer destination offers excellent bird watching, swimming, boating, and picnicking opportunities. Paths at Manzanita Lake have a dirt surface. None are designated as accessible; however many visitors find it possible to access a portion of the south side of the 1.8 mile (2.9 km) lake loop trail via the boat launch area.
Campsites
Three campgrounds in Lassen offer accessible campsites suitable for wheelchairs. Accessible campsites include Manzanita Lake A32 and B9, Butte Lake A6, and Summit Lake North A-1. All mentioned sites are located near accessible restrooms. Accessible campsites are first-come, first-served only. Other campsites may be reserved through the park Fee Office by calling 530-595-6121. Visitors with access passes receive a 50% discount on camping in Lassen.
Manzanita Camping Cabins
Adjacent to Manzanita Campground, the camping cabins are within walking distance of Manzanita Lake. Cabins 1,8,14, and 18 are wheelchair accessible. Each cabin includes a bed, propane heater, lantern, bear box, fire ring, access ramp, stairs with handrails and an extended picnic table.
Lassen Volcanic Accessibility Guide
Learn more about accessible facilities, park features, and more in this handout (pdf, 436 KB).
