Lassen Volcanic National Park is a place preserved for all to enjoy for generations to come. The majority of the park is designated wilderness, and during the winter months, the areas along the park road is managed similar to wilderness. Over the past several years winter backcountry users have observed and complained about illegal snowmobile use within the designated wilderness of Lassen Volcanic National Park. The areas that have been repeatedly used by snowmobilers include Kings Creek, Mount Harkness, and the southeast aspect of Lassen Peak. Rangers have traced snowmobile tracks out to several points along the south boundary of the park.
Further investigations show the illegal snowmobile use comes from in and around the town of Chester.
The operation of snowmobiles throughout the park is strictly prohibited. It is illegal to operate any and all motorized vehicles within designated wilderness areas such as the majority of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Several excellent designated snowmobile use areas exist, along with hundreds of miles of forest roads provide opportunities for snowmobile use adjacent to, but outside of the park. The investigation into the recent trespass of snowmobiles will continue. Park Rangers need the public s help to report and identify suspects.