In association with Hikercentral.com
and Goingoutside.com

Paul's Backpacking

This is Paul Lewis, I've made this site about backpacking for backpackers or people who want to become backpackers.

Carry all these things on every hiking trip.

MOSQUITO COILS
The only way to totally avoid mosquitoes is to go hiking in the winter, but in the summer you need to use mosquito coils.

FIRST AID KIT
Rather than going on about what kind of first aid supplies you need to bring I recommend buying a ready made kit, they usually come in little orange pouches.

SLEEPING PAD
Never underestimate the value of a good nights sleep. Make sure you can sleep comfortably even if it means carrying a bit more weight. A sleeping pad will keep you warm but not comfortable. I recommend an air mattress.

FIRE TOOL
Bring plenty of lighters and matches. Lighters are very small and light so bringing extra ones in case one doesn't work is a very good idea. Without means to make fire you will freeze to death. You can try to make fire like a caveman by spinning a stick against a piece of wood but that is a skill that takes practice to learn and if you don't already have that skill you'll freeze to death before you have it figured out.

MULTI PURPOSE TOOL
I haven't made my mind up yet if I like Leatherman tools better than Swiss army knives. Leatherman tools are better for big stuff while Swiss army knives are better for more detailed work.

TARP
Bring a tarp even if you're just going on a day trip, in case you get stuck you can easily make a shelter to shield yourself from the elements.

CAMPSTOVE
There are two kinds of hikers, those who wouldn't use anything else than a Trailstove and those who have never tried it. It has the lowest pack weight in the world even though it's based on ancient concepts. It simply burns wood, and it works great.

HOW TO MAKE A GOOD CAMP FIRE

1. COLLECT WOOD. You should have about 20 to 30 very thin twigs, and 10 to 15 small sticks to get the fire started and as many larger pieces you need to keep the fire going for as long as you need it.

2. BOTTOM BRANCHES. If the ground is covered with snow you can break dry branches off the bottom of a tree.

3. STARTER MATERIAL. You will need some material that ignites very easily to start the fire. There are a number of things you can use for this. Dry leaves, dry grass, bark, or chips from a dry semi-decomposed dead tree. Paper works fine too if you have some with you.

4. FIRE RING. Find a good location for your fire, there should be nothing nearby that could catch fire such as dry vegetation. Make a ring on the ground with rocks.

5. STARTER MATERIAL. Place the starter material in the center of the fire ring. Make sure there's plenty of air around each piece of material.

6. TWIGS. Make a teepee around the starter material using the thin twigs you collected earlier.

7. STICKS. Put the larger sticks around your twig teepee. Finish off with some more massive pieces.

8. LIGHT. Light the starter material.

9. WAIT. In about a minute the starter material has started to ignite the small twigs.

10. FIRE. After a few minutes your fire will be in full flame. Soon the teepee will collapse into a shapeless collection of burning wood, don't worry this is all normal and good. By now you fire is stable and will keep burning for as long as you feed it wood.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Mineral, CA

Lassen Volcanic became a national park in 1916 because of its significance as an active volcanic landscape. Lassen Peak began erupting in 1914, had the most significant activity in 1915, and had minor activity until 1921. All four types of volcanoes in the world are found in Lassen's 106,000 acres.

CONTACTS

Email - LAVO_information@nps.gov

Fax- 530-595-3262

Write to
Lassen Volcanic National Park
PO Box 100
Mineral, CA 96063

Phone
Visitor Information - (530) 595-4444
For Hearing Impaired Visitors (TDD) - (530) 595-3480

TRAVEL BASICS

Operating Hours, Seasons
Summer:
Park Headquarters open 8:00am-4:30pm, Mon-Fri, closed on holidays.
Loomis Museum 9:00am-5:00pm: open weekends Memorial Day through mid-June, then 7 days a week mid-June through late September.
Southwest Information Station 9:00am-4:00pm: open weekends Memorial Day through mid-June and in September; open 9:00am-5:00pm, 7 days a week mid-June through Labor Day.

Winter/Spring/Fall:
Park Headquarters open 8:00am-4:30pm, Mon-Fri, closed on holidays.
Loomis Ranger Station open 8:00am-4:00pm weekends during winter months.

Getting There
PLANE - Major airlines serve Redding and Chico, California as well as Reno, Nevada

CAR - The best access to the park is by private automobile. Auto rental services are available in Redding, Red Bluff, Chico, Susanville or Reno. Fifty miles east of Red Bluff on highway 36, and 50 miles east of Redding on highway 44.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - Greyhound and Trailways bus lines serve cities within 60 miles of the park. Major airlines serve Redding, Chico and Reno.

Weather & Climate
Snow covers much of the park mid-October through mid-June. The Park Road (the main road that connects Hwy. 89 through the Park) is usually closed late October through mid-June. During years of heavy snowfall, the road may open significantly later. Please call the Park for road and trail condition updates. Many of the main park attractions are snow covered and inaccessible by car and foot during the winter. The months of July, August, and September may bring mostly sunny skies with warm daytime temperatures and cold nighttime temperatures.

Accessibility
The Loomis Museum and Park Headquarters are accessible. The Devastated Area Interpretive Trail and certain naturalist programs are accessible. Park Headquarters offers a TDD information line for the hearing impaired: the number is (530) 595-3408.

Getting Around
Allow at least three hours to drive across the park and to make stops. Allow at least two days to hike some of the spectacular trails.

FEES/PERMITS

Entrance Fee
COMMERCIAL TOURS
$25-$150 for 7 Days
Fee is based upon seating capacity of commercial vehicle.

INDIVIDUAL
$5 for 7 Days
On foot, bicycle, or motorcycle.

LASSEN NATIONAL PARK PASS
$20 for Annual
Covers entrance fee at Lassen Volcanic National Park and day use fee at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Valid for one year from month of purchase.

VEHICLE
$10 for 7 Days

CAMPING

Butte Lake
New water treatment plant has been completed. Drinking water will be available for the summer of 2002. 6100' in elevation. Located 6 miles south on dirt road via Highway 44 East, and 17 miles from Old Station. Accomodates trailers to 35'. # of sites: 42 Daily Fee : $10 Boat launch, fishing, and swimming are available. Bearproof boxes are available.

Crags
5700' in elevation. Located 5 miles south of Manzanita Lake. Accomodates trailers to 35' . # of sites : 45 Daily Fee : $8 Potable water and bearproof boxes are available. Will open early, as needed, if Manzanita Lake Campground fills.

Juniper Lake
6792' in elevation. Located on the east shore of Juniper Lake via rough dirt road leading 13 miles north of Chester. Not recommended for trailers. # of sites : 18 Daily Fee : $10 Swimming and bearproof boxes are available.

Juniper Lake - Group Site (By Reservation Only)
At 6745 foot elevation, Juniper Lake campground is located on the east shore of Juniper Lake, one mile from the ranger station. It is reached via 13 miles of oiled and dirt road leading north from the town of Chester. The last six miles of road into Juniper Lake is dirt, very rough and not recommended for buses, motor homes or trailers. There are two sites which can accomodate groups of 10-15 people each. Parking is available for no more than 3 vehicles. Tents only are allowed. Pit toilets, picnic tables and fire rings are provided. No water is available. Cost is $30 per night.
For More Information on this campground please call (530) 595-4444 ext. 5184

Juniper Lake Stock Corral-Group Site (By Reservation Only)
At 6792' elevation, the Juniper Lake Stock Corral is located at Juniper Lake 13 miles north of the town of Chester.There is 1 corral, which can be divided into 2, if needed, with a maximum of 8 animals. Parking is available for 2 trailers. Stock parties must camp at the corral campsite. Only one stock party is assigned to the corral at one time. Owners must bring own feed. NO GRAZING. Scoop manure, and place in container at site. Water is available for stock only. Cost is $4 per animal, and $6 per campsite per night.
For More Information on this campground please call (530) 595-4444 ext. 5184

Lost Creek - Group Site (By Reservation Only)
At 5700 foot elevation, Lost Creek is located 4.5 miles south of Manzanita Lake on the Lassen Park Road. The campground has 9 groups sites and will accomodate 10-25 people. Groups exceeding 25 persons will be assigned additional sites. Parking is available for 4 cars or one bus per site. Tents only are allowed. Rvs must use regular campgrounds. Pit toilets and water are available. Cost is $45 per night.
For More Information on this campground please call (530) 595-4444 ext. 5184

Manzanita Lake
5890' in elevation. Located adjacent to and south of Manzanita Lake. Accomodates trailers to 35'. Dump station is available for a fee; there are no RV hook-ups. # of sites: 179 Daily Fee : $14 during summer season; $8 late September until snow closure. Potable water in summer. No water after late September. Amenities and Attractions: boat launch, fishing, swimming, ranger-led programs and bearproof boxes are available. Pay phone, food, showers, laundromat, and gift shop are located nearby at the Camper Store.

Southwest Walk-In
Open All Year
6700' in elevation. Located on the east side of Lassen Chalet parking area (near Southwest Entrance Station). RVs may park overnight in the Lassen Chalet parking lot for $8 per night and should register at the campground. Open throughout the winter for snow camping. # of sites: 21 Daily Fee : $12 in the summer, $8 after Late September. Potable Water and flush toilets are available at the campground from Memorial Day weekend through late September and at the nearby Lassen Chalet year round. Attractions and Amenities: Ranger-Led Programs are conducted at the Southwest Information Station, Lassen Chalet, and nearby Sulphur Works. Pay Phone is located year round nearby at the Lassen Chalet. Food and Gift Shop is located nearby at the Lassen Chalet (summer only).

Summit Lake North
Open From 6/29/2001 To 09/04/2001
6695' in elevation. Located 12 miles south of Manzanita Lake, 17.5 miles north of Soutwest Entrance. Accomodates trailers to 35'. # of sites : 46 Daily fee : $14 Potable water, swimming, and ranger-led programs are available.

Summit Lake South
'6695 in elevation. Located 12 miles south of Manzanita Lake, and 17.5 miles north of Southwest Entrance. # of sites : 48 Daily Fee : $12 Potable water, swimming and Ranger-Led Programs are available.

Summit Lake Stock Corrals - Group Site (By Reservation Only)
At 6695 foot elevation, Stock Corrals are located 12 miles south of Manzanita Lake at Summit Lake.There is 1 corral, which can be divided into 2, if needed, with a maximum of 8 animals. Parking is available for 2 trailers. Stock parties must camp at the corral campsite. Only one stock party is assigned to the corral at one time. Owners must bring own feed. NO GRAZING. Scoop manure, and place in container at site. Water is available for stock only. Cost is $4 per animal, and $6 per campsite per night.
For More Information on this campground please call (530)595-4444 ext. 5184

Warner Valley
5650' in elevation. Located 1 mile west of Warner Valley Ranger Station via dirt road, and 17 miles north of Chester. Not recommended for trailers. # of sites : 18 Daily Fee : $12 in summer, $8 from early October until snow closure. Potable water is available until late September. Amenities and Attractions: fishing in stream, and bearproof boxes are available.

LODGING

California Guest Services
Open from early June through early October (snow conditions permitting)
Drakesbad Guest Ranch, Manzanita Lake Camper Store and the Lassen Chalet are run by California Guest Services, Inc., the Park's authorized concessioner.
For More Information on this lodging please call (530) 529-1512

FACILITIES

Museums
LOOMIS MUSEUM
Phone - (530) 595-4444 ext. 5180
Location - Manzanita Lake.
Special Programs - The Loomis Museum at Manzanita Lake offers information, exhibits, videos, Ranger-Led programs and publications in the summer months.
Exhibits - B.F. Loomis documented Lassen Peak's most recent eruption cycle and promoted the park's establishment. He photographed the eruptions, explored geologically, and developed an extensive museum collection. Artifacts and photographs of the 1914-1915 eruption are on display in the Loomis Museum. New exhibits feature the original equipment Loomis used to photograph the eruptions and traditional Atsugewi basketry.
Available Facilities - Restrooms, picnic areas, and a Ranger Station with first aid facilities and a public telephone are located nearby. Drinks, food, fuel, and gifts may be purchased at the Manzanita Lake Camper Store at Manzanita Lake Campground.

Visitor Centers
PARK HEADQUARTERS
Open All Year Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm. Closed holidays.
Phone - (530) 595-4444
Location - In the town of Mineral on State Route 36 East, 9 miles outside the Park.
Special Programs - Information and park publications are available, including maps, trail and road guides, field guides, children's activities, and nature puppets. National Park, Lassen National Park (annual), Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and Golden Access passes are available. (Daily or weekly park passes must be purchased at a park Entrance Station.)
Available Facilities - Restroom is available at Park Headquarters. Drinks, food, fuel, and a pay telephone are located nearby in the town of Mineral.

SOUTHWEST INFORMATION STATION
Phone - (530) 595-3308
Special Programs - Offers information and park merchandise including maps, trail and road guides, field guides, children's activities, and nature puppets. Ranger-Led programs are available late June through August.
Available Facilities - Restrooms, pay phone, first aid facilities, drinks, food, and gifts are available next door at the Lassen Chalet.

Some content donated by Hikercentral.com and the National Park Service

MOSQUITO COILS		The only way to totally avoid mosquitoes is to go hiking in the winter, but in the summer you need to use mosquito coils.
FIRST AID KIT		Rather than going on about what kind of first aid supplies you need to bring I recommend buying a ready made kit, they usually come in little orange pouches.
SLEEPING PAD		Never underestimate the value of a good nights sleep. Make sure you can sleep comfortably even if it means carrying a bit more weight. A sleeping pad will keep you warm but not comfortable. I recommend an air mattress.
FIRE TOOL		Bring plenty of lighters and matches. Lighters are very small and light so bringing extra ones in case one doesn't work is a very good idea. Without means to make fire you will freeze to death. You can try to make fire like a caveman by spinning a stick against a piece of wood but that is a skill that takes practice to learn and if you don't already have that skill you'll freeze to death before you have it figured out.
MULTI PURPOSE TOOL		I haven't made my mind up yet if I like Leatherman tools better than Swiss army knives. Leatherman tools are better for big stuff while Swiss army knives are better for more detailed work.
TARP		Bring a tarp even if you're just going on a day trip, in case you get stuck you can easily make a shelter to shield yourself from the elements.
CAMPSTOVE		There are two kinds of hikers, those who wouldn't use anything else than a Trailstove and those who have never tried it. It has the lowest pack weight in the world even though it's based on ancient concepts. It simply burns wood, and it works great.