Lassen V NP wilderness permits easy

[SSSdave]

A good choice for short notice backpacking would be Lassen Volcanic NP as one can self register at entrance stations:

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https://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/ ... mation.htm

COVID-19 Modification: For start dates in JULY 2020, please self-register when you arrive in the park. We are not currently accepting advance permits requests for July.

To obtain a backcountry camping permit:

Review the park backcountry camping regulations below.
If your start date is more than two weeks away: download and email a completed backcountry permit request form (PDF, 71KB) to lavo_information@nps.gov with the subject line Backcountry Permit Application.
If your start date is less than two weeks away: self-register at one of the locations listed below.
Attach your permit to your pack and ensure that is visible for the duration of your trip. A copy of the backcountry permit regulations is attached to each permit for your reference.

If you need to change a permit you received by mail: please complete a new self-registration permit upon arrival, write Canceled on your old permit, and deposit it at the self-registration station.

Self-registration Stations. If permits are out of stock at Butte Lake, Juniper Lake, or Warner Valley; please leave your contact information, a brief itinerary, and an emergency contact.

Loomis Ranger Station (next door to the Loomis Museum)
Butte Lake Ranger Station (not staffed)
Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center (self-registration in the Visitor Center vestibule open 24/7)
Warner Valley Ranger Station (occasionally staffed)
Juniper Lake Ranger Station (not staffed)

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Useful online map showing no camping zones as a green boundary mostly around roads. :

https://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/maps.htm

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The below satellite image shows a section of Lassen west of the Summit Lake campground area along SR89. The no-name shallow marshy pond at top center is about 3/4 mile from the road over a part of the large August 2012 fire area so travel to it requires the tedious effort of hiking over much down burned timber. All other lakes or ponds to the east of Lassen don't provide near reflection views because of tall trees along shores blocking much landscapes beyond. Summit Lake for example. After the fire, it opened up views on the peak for that pond although there will be possibly ugly standing snags. Am thinking of backpacking into that spot for a sunrise reflection as it would otherwise be too difficult to day hike to in the darkness of early dawn.

https://caltopo.com/map.html#ll=40.5082 ... z=16&b=hyb

Another interesting place for fishermen might be the nearby Noble Trail that also has much down burned timber everywhere that is along the East Fork of Hat Creek, a sizable all year stream where I would expect after 8 years, a population of fish has risen down stream beyond the one mile point where no one has likely explored. All the timber that fell in to the creek provides ideal cover for trout so may backpack in their also for a one nighter. Back closer to the SR89 entrance there are likely usual expanses of mule ears now blooming.

An area I might day hike into is into one morning where thousands look down at from the highway vista points but apparently almost no one hikes down to, Little Hot Springs Valley that is maybe 500 to 700 feet vertical below. Some hot spring features like at nearby Bumpass Hell.

[dave54]

You can download a park brochure map here https://www.nps.gov/carto/app/#!/parks

Topo maps here https://data.fs.usda.gov/geodata/raster ... states.php

The topo maps are 1" = 1 mile and fit on a 8.5x11 paper in your home printer. Use photo paper for the clearest image.

[dave54]

The NF trail into Heart Lake, just outside the SW corner of the Park is in good shape. One downed log easily navigated. Best part is almost no mosquitoes.

[balzaccom]

BTW--As i posted in my trip report, at least in the Juniper Lake entrance, there are no wilderness permits, nor was there any place to leave them....so just fill out a piece of paper with your trip log, and leave it on your car

[Lumbergh21]

The one time I did an overnight trip in Lassen, I knew the regulations better than the young ranger issuing my permit, lol. Even with no limits, there aren't a lot of backpackers out there in my experience. Lots of people at campgrounds (though probably not this year) and dayhiking (my typical Lassen trip).

[creekfeet]

The one time I did an overnight trip in Lassen, I knew the regulations better than the young ranger issuing my permit, lol. Even with no limits, there aren't a lot of backpackers out there in my experience. Lots of people at campgrounds (though probably not this year) and dayhiking (my typical Lassen trip).

Haha! I had the exact same experience. The poor kid had never written a permit before, and as a former NPS interp ranger I had to teach him how to do it.

[balzaccom]

They have now closed Rainbow and Twin Lakes because of bear problems. Or rather, because people have caused bears to look for their food....

[Lumbergh21]

They have now closed Rainbow and Twin Lakes because of bear problems. Or rather, because people have caused bears to look for their food....

That stinks. Even though I have no intention of overnight camping in Lassen, Twin Lakes is my favorite place in the park and Rainbow Lake is nice too.