Lassen National Park in the winter?

[Vic]

Has anyone been to Lassen in the winter? Starting to look at options for long weekends after the 1st of the year and thought that might be fun for some snow shoeing/ snow play. I know the Southwest Campground is the only one open but wondered if anyone had been there/ what to expect/ etc?

Mainly wondering if I'll have trouble with a 2wd & chains. It actually does pretty good in the snow with the camper in the back and the limited slip differential, but don't want to get there and find it unworkable.

Thanks - Vic

 

[Dughlas Stiubhart]

Hi Vic, US 89 is plowed to the now-closed ski resort on the south side of Lassen. Usually it is no problem in 2wd and chains. There you can snowshoe or XC-ski along the road or wander into the woods. There are even some photos and comments on this topic right here at WtW.

You may be able to find some FS campgrounds at lower elevations that are open close by.

Stew

 

[ski3pin]

Vic, Stew's right. Most the time the road is in good shape (plowed) getting to the parking at the old ski area. Following the unplowed highway 89 up from there makes a nice ski or snowshoe as far as you'd like to go. The sulfur works are a little ways in and always interesting. Just remember the hot ground melts the snow from the bottom up. Always good to watch your step around geothermal areas!