What is the easiest way to get to Lassen Volcanic National Park from San Francisco?
I want to visit Lassen Volcanic National Park sometime this summer with my family. I was wondering what the best way to get there would be?
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Answers ( 1 )
There are 3 major ways to get form San Francisco to Lassen Volcanic National Park, according to Google Maps. Depending on which route you choose (assuming light traffic), you can expect your trip to last between 3 hrs and 40 minutes (on the I-5) and 4 hrs, 11 minutes (on a bunch of interesting state roads). The I-5 route takes you through Red Bluff, which has a few big box retailers (e.g. Walmart) for last-minute camping supplies. When you take the scenic route, you can do your last minute shopping in Chico. (We always forget something from our camping checklist, which is why this is handy information to have!).
Once you get near Lassen, if you're planning on staying there for any length of time, you can pick up groceries and sundries in Chester, just a few minutes southeast of the closest entrance to the park from San Francisco. There are also some decent outdoor suppliers in "town" (Chester is actually a census-designated place, not a town per se), and some AirBNB options for people who don't want to rough it in the Park. You can also pick up beers, etc.
Another option if you're taking the I-5 up is to go a bit further north through Redding California, and then cut across due East and enter the park from the Shasta County side. I don't personally see much utility in doing that, but the option is available. I marked out this alternative route in pink on the map screenshot below.
Happy Camping!