Park Superintendent Darlene M. Koontz announced last week that the highway through Lassen Volcanic National Park would open for through traffic as of Friday, June 1.

“We are happy to have this major access to Lassen Volcanic National Park opened now that summer has arrived,” said Koontz. “This year’s road opening operations progressed more quickly compared to last year’s mid-July opening primarily because of the light snowfall this past winter.”

The roads to Butte Lake and Warner Valley are also open for the season.

The accessible campgrounds include Manzanita Lake campground and the Southwest (walk-in) campground. Visitor services include the Loomis Museum, Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, Manzanita Lake Camper Store and Lassen Cafe & Gifts (located at the visitor center).

Many of the park trails still have significant snow coverage, including Brokeoff Mountain trail. Kings Creek Falls and Bumpass Hell trails are not accessible due to snow. Hikers will find that travel in snow-covered areas requires sturdy hiking boots and trekking poles. The trail to Lassen Peak summit is closed at the 1.3-mile “Grandview Overlook” as work on it will resume for the season.     Visitors wishing to avoid snowy areas may hike trails in the Manzanita Lake, Warner Valley and Butte Lake areas.  One hike frequently overlooked is Cinder Cone volcano trail, which begins along Fantastic Lava Beds and opens up with wonderful views of Painted Dunes, Snag Lake and Lassen Peak.

To learn of facility opening activities and trail status, or to receive updates or check for current conditions, go to the park website at nps.gov/lavo, Twitter @LassenNPS or Facebook, or contact park staff at 595-4480.