Destination Guide: Milky Way Rising Over Lassen Peak, Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

An Unforgettable Stargazing Experience

Lassen Volcanic National Park offers a unique opportunity to witness the breathtaking spectacle of the Milky Way rising over the majestic Lassen Peak. Far from city lights and with high elevation, Lassen provides incredibly dark skies, perfect for astrophotography and general stargazing. This guide provides essential information for planning your trip and maximizing your experience.

What to Expect:

• Incredible Dark Skies: Lassen Volcanic National Park is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, meaning it's actively committed to preserving its natural nighttime environment. Expect minimal light pollution and stunning views of the stars.
• The Milky Way: Witness the ethereal band of our galaxy stretching across the night sky. The Milky Way is most visible during the summer months (June - August) when it rises higher in the sky and remains visible for longer.
• Lassen Peak: This iconic volcano, a dormant stratovolcano, provides a dramatic foreground for your astrophotography and stargazing.
• Other Celestial Wonders: Look for constellations, planets, meteors, and potentially even the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) under the right conditions.

Planning Your Trip:

1. Best Time to Visit:

• Summer (June - August): The best time for Milky Way viewing. Nights are warmer, and the Milky Way rises higher.
• Shoulder Seasons (May & September): Still good for stargazing, but nights can be cooler.
• New Moon Phase: Plan your visit around the new moon phase. With little to no moonlight, the stars will be much brighter and the Milky Way more visible. Check a moon phase calendar online before you go.

2. Location:

• Manzanita Lake Area: This area, including the picnic area and Reflection Lake, is a popular choice for its accessible location and stunning views of Lassen Peak reflected in the lake (when conditions are still).
• Summit Lake Area: Located further south, this area offers a higher elevation and darker skies. Consider camping at Summit Lake Campground.
• Bumpass Hell Parking Area: A good option, but may require a short walk to get the best unobstructed view.
• Devils Kitchen Parking Area: Similar to Bumpass Hell, this location offers another accessible option.
• Along Highway 89: Several pull-outs along the highway offer opportunities for stargazing and photography. Be cautious of traffic and ensure you are parked safely off the road.

3. What to Bring:

• Warm Clothing: Even in summer, temperatures can drop significantly at night, especially at higher elevations. Bring layers, including a hat, gloves, and a warm jacket.
• Sturdy Footwear: You may be walking on uneven terrain in the dark.
• Red Flashlight or Headlamp: Red light preserves your night vision better than white light.
• Camera (Optional): If you're interested in astrophotography, bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a wide-angle lens (ideally with a low f-stop), a sturdy tripod, and a remote shutter release.
• Binoculars (Optional): For a closer look at stars, planets, and nebulae.
• Star Chart or App: Helps you identify constellations and celestial objects.
• Snacks and Drinks: Stay hydrated and energized.
• Camp Chairs or a Blanket: To relax and enjoy the show.
• Bug Spray: Mosquitoes can be active, especially near water.
• Bear Safety Gear (if hiking/camping): Bear spray is recommended, and be aware of bear safety guidelines.

4. Permits and Reservations:

• Entrance Fee: Lassen Volcanic National Park requires an entrance fee. Consider purchasing an America the Beautiful Pass if you plan on visiting other national parks.
• Camping Reservations: If you plan to camp overnight, reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season. Book well in advance through Recreation.gov.
• Backcountry Permits: Required for overnight backpacking trips.

Tips for Astrophotography:

• Learn the Basics: Understand your camera settings, including ISO, aperture, and shutter speed.
• Shoot in RAW Format: This will give you more flexibility when editing your photos.
• Focus Manually: Auto-focus can be unreliable in the dark. Use live view and zoom in on a bright star to manually focus.
• Use a Remote Shutter Release: To minimize camera shake.
• Experiment with Long Exposures: Try different shutter speeds to capture the Milky Way and star trails. Start with 20-30 seconds and adjust as needed.
• Stack Images (Optional): For even better results, take multiple exposures of the same scene and stack them using specialized software (e.g., Sequator, DeepSkyStacker).
• Process Your Images: Use photo editing software (e.g., Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop) to bring out the details in your astrophotos.

Important Considerations:

• Safety First: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in the dark. Watch out for uneven terrain, wildlife, and other hazards.
• Leave No Trace: Pack out everything you pack in. Stay on marked trails.
• Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance and never feed them.
• Check Weather Conditions: Weather in the mountains can change rapidly. Check the forecast before you go and be prepared for potential rain, wind, or cold temperatures.
• Acclimatize to the Altitude: Lassen Peak is at a relatively high altitude. Take it easy when you first arrive and drink plenty of water.
• Inform Someone of Your Plans: Let someone know where you're going and when you expect to return.
• Dark Sky Etiquette: Be mindful of other stargazers. Use red light only, avoid shining lights directly at others, and keep noise levels down.

Resources:

• Lassen Volcanic National Park Website: https://www.nps.gov/lavo/index.htm
• Recreation.gov: For camping reservations.
• Dark Sky International: https://www.darksky.org/
• Moon Phase Calendar: Search online for "moon phase calendar" for your desired dates.

Enjoy your unforgettable journey to witness the Milky Way rising over Lassen Peak! Remember to respect the environment, stay safe, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the night sky.