Lassen Wilderness Permit: Route and Dates

Lassen Wilderness permits are booked by advance reservation in Lassen Volcanic National Park.

This guide covers the Lassen Volcanic Wilderness permit.

Lassen Volcanic Wilderness permit alerts All Lassen Volcanic National Park permits

$6 reservation fee + $5 per person per trip (15 and under free)

Permit Cost

1-3 nights

Duration

moderate

Difficulty

About Lassen Wilderness

Required for every overnight in Lassen's designated wilderness. Pick the zone closest to where you plan to sleep and camp at large inside it.

The Lassen Wilderness route

Trip length: 1-3 nights
Difficulty: moderate

Entry points: Butte Lake, Warner Valley, Juniper Lake

Southern Cascades. Nearest town: Mineral

Points along the route

Butte Lake Trailhead
Cinder Cone
Painted Dunes
Snag Lake
Warner Valley Trailhead
Juniper Lake Trailhead
Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center

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Pro Tips

There is no quota, so book late without stress. What actually blocks a trip is snow at the trailhead.

Rent a canister at the Loomis Museum or Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center rather than buying one for a single trip.

Skip Summit Lake. The Park Service itself flags it as the most congested trailhead.

In winter you can legally camp on the snow-covered park road, so pick the zone nearest where you will stop.

Written by

PermitSnag Team

100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience

This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a Lassen Wilderness permit?

Lassen Wilderness permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.

When is the best time to visit Lassen Wilderness?

Mid-July through mid-October, once the snow has cleared the higher zones and before the first storms close the park road. Winter camping is legal and the park lets you camp on or near the closed main road when it is snow covered.

How difficult is the Lassen Wilderness route?

Backpackers who want an uncrowded Cascades trip without competing for a permit, including first-timers on the Butte Lake to Snag Lake route.

Where does the Lassen Wilderness route start?

The permit covers 3 entry points: Butte Lake, Warner Valley, Juniper Lake.

What gear do I need for the Lassen Wilderness route?

Essential gear includes: An approved bear canister between April 16 and November 30, A stove, because fires are prohibited park-wide in the wilderness, Water filter or treatment for lake and creek water, Warm layers. Nights at 6,000 to 8,000 feet drop hard even in August, Trash bag, since everything including food waste gets packed out.