HomeMy WebLinkAboutlassenNE ~S ups
~~a
130AR[? OF SUPERVISORS
DEC d ~ 200
Forest Service
United States
Department of
Agriculture
Lassen National Forest
2550 Riverside Drive
Susanville, CA 96130
Contact:
Heidi Perry-McCourt
(530} 252-6b04 or
Esther Miranda-Cole
(530) 252-6b05
RELEASE, December 9, 2010 LAS 11-07
For TDD assistance, please dial (530) 252-6624
Winter Recreation Fun Awaits You on the Lassen
SUSANVI!-LE, CA...The Lassen National Forest has many opportunities for those
seeking outdoor activities. With winter conditions fast upon us, the time has came for
fans of cold weather recreation to dust off the skis, pull out the snowshoes, and rev up
the snowmobiles. Beginning December 26, wheeled vehicles will be seasonally
restricted from traveling on snowmobile and skiing routes, thus providing for a smoother
and safer experience far visitors taking part in these winter recreation activities.
5nowmobiling -The Lassen is host to mare than 500 miles of designated snowmobile
trails, of which approximately 400 are groomed. "Our groomed snowmobile trail system
is one of the largest in California," commented Christopher O'Brien, Lassen National
Forest Public Services Oft'ICer. Snowmobile riders can choose to ride groomed trails
from six staging areas:
Fredonyer Snowmobile Area is located an Highway 36 just west of Fredonyer
Summit, between Susanville and Westwood, and has 80 miles of designated trails.
The southern part of this area features loop trails and connections to trails on the
Plumas National Forest and Swain Mountain. A restroam is mailable.
Bogard Snowmobile Area is located on Highway 44 at the Bogard Rest Area 25
miles west of Susanville and has 80 miles of designated trails. All of the groomed
trails in the Bogard area are considered easy, as they follow Forest roads.
Swain Mountain Snowmobile Area is located just off of Lassen County Road A-21,
approximately nine miles north of Westwood. It can also be accessed from the
Forest's 10 Road just east of Chester. Swain Mountain has 60 miles of designated
trails, which include three loop trails. A restroom is available at the trailhead.
.lonesville Snowmobile Area is about two miles east of the Cherry Hill Campground
on the Butte Meadows Road (Humboldt County Rd.}, which is accessed via Highway
32. Jonesville offers 60 miles of designated trails and three loop trails. Restroams
are available at the trailhead.
Morgan Summit Snowmobile Area is located four miles east of Mineral on Highway
36 and has 77 miles of designated trails, a large parking area, restrooms, and a
warming hut.
-more-
Ashpan Snowmobile Area is located just off Highway 44, approximately four miles
north of the junction of Highways 44 and 89 at the northwest entrance to Lassen
Volcanic National Park. Ashpan has 102 miles of designated trails. A warming but
and restrooms are available.
Your Green Sticker Dollars at Work -Snowmobile opportunities on the Lassen are
made possible through a partnership between the Forest Service, California Off-
highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division, and many dedicated volunteers. Be sure
your snowmobile orall-terrain vehicle has current registration and a "green sticker" on
the machine. Fees collected for green stickers provide the funds for staging areas,
restrooms, warming huts, and trail grooming programs.
Cross-Count Skiin -The Lassen offers many miles of marked and unmarked trails
on the Almanor and Eagle Lake Ranger Districts. There are 14 different tours for Nordic
skiers. Among the most popular are the Bizz Johnson, Eagle Lake, McGowan Lake,
Colby Meadows, and Lake Almanor Trails. Descriptions and maps showing the
locations of each of these are available at District offices.
Snowshoeing -More and more people are discovering the fun and health benefits of
snowshoeing. Pack your snowshoes and head off anywhere on the Forest for a winter
adventure! The Almanor and Eagle Lake Ranger Districts host several snowshoe walks
throughout the winter, which include interpretive talks about the Forest. Be sure to bring
a camera, as it's not unusual to encounter wildlife species in their snowy habitats or
other winter treasures worth a snapshot or two.
Safety and Courtesy -Since many skiers and snowshoers also enjoy touring on the
groomed snowmobile trails, trey should be aware that snowmobile operators are often
unable to hear other trail users. On shared trails, skiers should ski single file on the right
side of the trail, and keep arms and poles out of the way of passing snowmobilers.
Snowmobile operators are advised to slow down to minimum speed when approaching
and passing skiers and snowshoers. Consideration of others is necessary to avoid user
conflicts and to ensure everyone has an enjoyable and safe outing in the snow.
There are miles of both groomed and ungroomed trails, which vary by location. While
ungroomed areas are open far snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, participants
should stay alert for possible hazards under the snow. Please do not trespass onto
private property. Also, be aware that riding snowmobiles in the Caribou and Thousand
Lakes Wildernesses, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and other posted non-motorized
areas is prohibited. Watch for signs indicating which areas do not allow snowmobiles.
The 2010 Motor Vehicle Use Maps, available at Forest offices or online, show where
wheeled vehicles may travel over snow.
Stay Tuned -Beginning soon, a weekly groomed trail report will be published and
posted on the Forest website (www.fs.usda.govllassen). For more information about
winter recreation and hosted snowshoe walks, please visit the website or contact the
following offices:
Almanor Ranger District (530) 2582141
Eagle Lake Ranger District {530) 257-418$
Hat Creek Ranger District {530) 336-5521
-LNF-