Lake Almanor snowmobiling report from the Chester Chamber

If you have an interest in motorized winter recreation, the Lassen’s snowmobile trails are hard to beat. The Forest offers six staging areas with parking lots, miles of groomed trails and warming huts: Ashpan, Morgan Summit, Jonesville, Swain Mountain, Fredonyer, and Bogard Rest Stop.

Almanor Ranger District Information

February 16
Join the Lake Almanor Snowmobile Club for their annual Poker Run. For more information on this event please contact Jenni Cesarin @ 530-284-7469.

Eagle Lake Ranger District Information

Snowshoers:
On Sunday February 10th, there will be a snowshoe hill climb up Fredonyer Peak. Meet at the Fredonyer Snow Park (off Highway 36) at 10:00 a. m. This is an ambitious hill climb, especially in the deep snow.

Cross Country Skiers:
On February 7, 2008 the Bizz Johnson Trail for Skiers from Goumaz to Devils Corral was groomed. There is also a snowmobile trail from Devils Corral to the first tunnel.

Hat Creek Ranger District Information

As of 02/02/2008 55 miles of trail had been groomed, including A-1 through A-10 on the Ashpan system, and L-1 to L-2 in Latour. On 02/03, 45 miles of the lower loops were regroomed, and on 02/05, 30 miles between Ashpan and Latour, via Huckleberry and Cow Creek Cutter were completed prior to the groomer being sidelined for repairs.

Last weekend the system received an additional 12-24” of new snow on top of the existing 4 feet at the staging area, ranging up to the 12-14 feet holding at Latour. By 02/05, the snowpack had settled approximately 10-12 inches, resulting in greatly improved stability and grooming conditions. Minimal snowfall has been received since then. In general, the current snow depth and quality is the best in many years.

Directional signs and caution poles have been reset, and should be visible in most locations, but some remain buried. As always, please ride attentive to hidden hazards, and with respect for your fellow riders.

Please note: that the Shasta Co. Search and Rescue training exercises that were originally scheduled for the Ashpan area on Saturday and Sunday, Feburary 9 and 10, have been relocated to Hatchet Mt., and will no longer need to use a portion of the staging area.

General Information

The Lassen National Forest has many types of outdoor recreation. Call forest offices for more information on where you can operate your wheeled vehicle. Visitors are reminded that snowmobile traffic is not permitted in the Caribou Wilderness, Thousand Lakes Wilderness and in Lassen Volcanic National Park.

For more information about current conditions and restrictions call the Almanor Ranger District (530) 258-2141, Eagle Lake Ranger District (530) 257-4188 or the Hat Creek Ranger District (530) 336-5521.

Additional information about the Lassen National Forest can be found at www.fs.fed.us/r5/lassen/. For information about other snowmobile trails in California and Nevada go to: www.cnsa.net

Make safety your number one priority. Travel with a friend. Make sure you tell someone where you are going. Carry emergency equipment. Use your best judgment. Have fun!