MINERAL, CA –Lassen Volcanic National Park will join 412 park units across the United States to celebrate the 100th birthday of the National Park Service on August 25. Thursday through Sunday, the park entrance fee will be waived and everyone welcomed into the park for free. A special showing of, This is America, will be presented on Thursday in the Loomis Museum Auditorium at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Later that evening at 8:30 p.m., Ranger Chris Duva, will present a special 45-minute evening program at the Manzanita Lake Amphitheater on the history of Lassen Volcanic National Park and the National Park Service. “We invite visitors to come celebrate the National Park Service birthday this weekend and enjoy what Lassen Volcanic National Park has to offer,” said Park Superintendent Steve Gibbons.
This is America is a complete 45-minute film that tells the story of the national park idea through the prism of our nation's diverse population, weaving together stories of extraordinary people from a wide variety of backgrounds who devoted their lives to the national park ideal – to preserve and protect these special places for everyone, for all time – and helped it broaden and evolve over the course of 150 years.
There is still time to submit your favorite Lassen photo for the Annual Pass Photo Contest. Submit up to two photos per household by September 9 – see details on the park website. Ranger-led programs will continue through September 5 and the park’s Reach Higher Trail Challenge is still underway. “This is an opportunity for visitors to enjoy Lassen’s scenic trails and take a fitness challenge that will earn hikers a special park centennial bandana,” stated Park Superintendent Steve Gibbons. As visitors drive along the park highway they can also listen to the new Then and Now Highway Audio Tour which includes sixteen stops that delve into Lassen Volcanic’s 100-year history and highlights the triumphs and challenges of today. Visitors are encouraged to download the MP3 files from the park website through the Lassen Audio Tours podcast before visiting the park.
Come prepared for cool weather especially in the early morning and late afternoon. Lassen is a high elevation park ranging from 5,650 to 10,457 feet and weather can change quickly. Check the weather forecast before your visit and come prepared for the conditions. It is recommended you wear layers and bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Even on overcast days, sun exposure is greater at higher elevations. The Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway is weather-dependent this time of year and is subject to closure at any time due to snow and icy conditions.
The Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center and Loomis Museum are open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, please visit the website www.nps.gov/lavo or contact the park at 530-595-4480 or lavo_information@nps.gov.
