California parks launched new programs and opened seasonal ones during one of their busiest times of the year: Memorial Day weekend.
Lakes and rivers are brimming after heavy rain and snow last winter, so “we expect to be busy,” U.S. Forest Service Public Services Director Jim Bacon announced.
Park officials caution guests to look before they plunge: Melting snow means water is cold and moving fast, especially over wildfire burn scars, and there’s a lot of debris flowing. Check park websites or call visitor centers for updates, and closures.
Here is what’s new at five of the North State’s favorite parks.
Klamath National Forest, west of Yreka
What's new at Klamath National Forest: Juanita Lake Campground is now reservations only, so reserve space as early as possible, spokesperson Kimberly DeVall said. Crews are still clearing some roads and trails so more will open throughout summer.
Take precautions: Water levels in stream crossings rise as afternoon temperatures heat up, so plan alternate return routes “if water levels are too high to cross safely,” DeVall said. Motorists should go slow while roads are cleared, and guests should avoid burn scar areas caused by the McKinneyFirein 2022.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
What's new at Lassen: Staff will resume hosting its summer Night Sky program and Dark SkyFestival― celebrating astronomy events, like the Perseid Meteor Shower ― on Aug. 12 and Sept. 9, park spokesperson Sierra Coon said. The park may add a sky-watch party on Oct. 14 during the partial annular eclipse. Other events this summer are live music at the Manzanita Lake amphitheater.
People who plan to buy a Lassen Park wilderness and backcountry camping permit must now do so at recreation.gov. These aren’t available in person.
Take precautions: Crews are repairing trails after winter storms. Watch your step and make sure the ground is stable and clear before you step. Avoid the burn scar caused by the Dixie Fire in 2021.
Lava Beds and Tule Lake National Monuments, Siskiyou and Modoc counties
New at Lava Beds and Tule Lake: The park opens *its summer cave hikes program over the Memorial Day weekend, park spokesperson Marc Blackburn said. Guests need a cave permit, available at the entrance station or Visitor Center. Some caves on Cave Loop Road are closed “to protect fragile bat colonies, so watch for signs.
For the first time since 2019, Lava Beds will offer ranger-guided cave tours and campground evening programs on weekends, starting July 4. The park will also host evening programs at the park's campground some weekends.
Tule Lake's new visitor center opens this weekend. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursdays to Mondays.
Updated: And the Indian Well Campground is now open. As of June, spaces are first come, first served, according to the park's website.
Take precautions: Guests who plan to visit lava tubes should bring headlamps or flashlights, and wear closed-toed shoes. For challenging cave walks, bring a bike helmet, gloves and knee pads, and wear pants and long sleeves.
Shasta-Trinity National Forest
What's new at Shasta-Trinity: Crews cleared the Ney Springs/Faery Falls Trail, the Dog Trail to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), and the PCT northbound to Burstarse Creek. In June, crews begin work on the McCloud River Trail, the Grizzly Peak area and parts of the PCT.
Wildflowers in the foothills are in bloom, so check out lower elevations in the park, spokesperson Daniel Hewitt said.
Take precautions: High elevations are still snowy and water is very cold, so keep to the foothills through June. Avoid the 2021 McFarland Fire burn scar.
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Redding
What's new at Whiskeytown: Programs open now and in June including kayak, paddleboard, historic and patio boat tours, Junior Rangers and Junior Firefighters programs; and Saturday night movies at Oak Bottom Amphitheater. Staff plan youth fishing derbies in July, spokesman Scott Einberger said, and crews are building a new ranger station at Oak Bottom.
Part of Brandy Creek Falls Trail re-opened late in 2022, but the approach to the waterfall is still closed.
Take precautions: Parts of Whiskeytown remain closed after the Carr Fire devastated the park in 2018. Watch for unstable trees and limbs. Also guests shouldn’t wade at Crystal Creek Falls while currents are fast, and note water at some creek crossings are deep.
Jessica Skropanic is a features reporter for the Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. She covers science, arts, social issues and news stories.Followher on Twitter@RS_JSkropanicand onFacebook. Join Jessica in theGet Out! Nor Calrecreation Facebook group. To support and sustain this work,please subscribe today. Thank you.
