Lassen Volcanic National Park latest in California to start reopening after weeks of closure

Lassen Volcanic National Park will begin welcoming visitors again as park officials slowly reopen key areas after weeks of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As of Friday, back-country camping was permitted again, after Lassen Volcanic, along with other national parks, closed on March 27 to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Those looking for a less rugged experience at the park will have to wait a bit longer. Most official campgrounds will remain closed until scheduled opening dates later in June, but two — Manzanita Lake and Southwest Walk-in — will reopen Monday.

Some campsites, such as those at the summit lake, won’t be open until late June.

All hiking trails are open, along with the Butte Lake area, the Warner Valley area and the Lassen Volcanic Park Highway, which serves as the only thoroughfare through the park.

The park’s two visitor centers, the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center and Loomis Museum, will remain closed. Information will be posted outside for visitors to collect.

Although bathrooms are open, potable drinking water will not be provided in recreation areas, so hikers should bring their own.

Gas stations inside the park will not be operating, nor will there be any food or supplies available for purchase within park boundaries.

The nearest gas stations are located either in Shingletown, to the west of the park, or Chester, to the southeast.

Bumpass Hell Trail and Juniper Lake Road remain closed, though not due to coronavirus — snow hazards prevent their use.

Park officials are encouraging anyone visiting the park to wear a mask and practice social distancing when interacting with others at Lassen Volcanic.

Other national parks in California have already begun to reopen. Redwood National Park and Joshua Tree National Park opened earlier this month.