Is Lassen Volcanic National Park Dog Friendly?

National Park

Lassen Volcanic Dog Policy

Lassen Volcanic National Park is Somewhat Dog Friendly

Trails

Dogs Not Allowed

^[]

Campground

Dogs Allowed

with 6' Leash ^[]

Roads

Dogs Allowed

with 6' Leash & Exceptions ^[]

Lassen Peak, the largest lava dome volcano in the world, is joined by all three other types of volcanoes in this park: shield, cinder cone, and composite. Though Lassen itself last erupted in 1915, most of the rest of the park is continuously active. Numerous hydrothermal features, including fumaroles, boiling pools, and bubbling mud pots, are heated by molten rock from beneath the peak.^[1]

Lassen Volcanic National Park is somewhat dog friendly. Dogs can't use any trails, and are limited in their activities here, but they are allowed in campgrounds and allowed along roads. Dogs must be on a 6' or less leash at all times. Dogs can be left unattended in vehicles if the temperature is not high enough to present a danger, but please do so with great care that your vehicle is safe for your dog.

Lassen Volcanic National Park also runs the BARK Ranger Program, where you can earn a special dog tag by learning and following responsible practices (see the BARK Ranger section below).

Website: https://www.nps.gov/lavo/index.htm
Pet Policy Details: https://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/pets.htm
BARK Ranger: Yes ^[]
Area: 167 mi²
Annual Visitors: 542,274

Trail Policy

Dogs are not allowed on any trails or in the back-country.

Campground Policy

Dogs are allowed at all front-country campgrounds while on a 6' or less leash, including the following campgrounds:

Road Policy

Dogs are allowed along any roads that cars are also allowed on.

BARK Ranger

Bark Ranger is a really great program that some National Park Service destinations run. The Bark Ranger program teaches dog owners responsible behaviors with their dogs, and in return you get a special dog tag that’s different for each park (note: some parks require you to purchase the tag at the end). You start the program by going to a park office and picking up a checklist. When you complete the checklist (see the link below for more details), you can get your special dog tag.

B.A.R.K. is an acronym for:

B: Bag your poop: Help keep the park clean by bagging and picking up your dog poop, and properly disposing of it. Don’t leave your bagged poop on the side of the trail, hanging from branches, or throw it into the woods. Please note dog poop is not a natural fertilizer — it can carry disease that can spread to wildlife or other dogs.
A: Always wear a leash: Dogs must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6'. Retractable leashes that extend beyond 6' are not allowed. Not everyone appreciates a dog running up to them, and many people are scared or allergic to dogs — a leash prevents uncomfortable situations between your dog and others. Leashes also help protect your dog from running off if anything spooks them.
R: Respect wildlife: Dogs can chase or scare wildlife such as birds and turtles. They can also damage nesting areas. Some parks have wildlife, such as bears, coyotes, or wolves, that can threaten your dog. Please be respectful of wildlife with your dog, and if you do encounter wildlife, keep dog at distance to protect both your dog and the wildlife.
K: Know where to go: Know which trails allow dogs, and which don’t. Don’t leave dogs unattended in vehicles while you go off to hike. See the link below for more details.

We also have a list of all parks that run the BARK Ranger program.

Location & Map

State

California

Locality

Mineral

Have a photo of your dog here?

Note: Policies can change -- please make sure to check official dog/pet policies prior to making plans or booking travel.

Please tell us if you think there’s anything we should add or change on this page.

Credits

[1] Overview text from the Wikipedia article List of national parks of the United States, which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.