Hat Creek Rimfall foliage
No reports yet this season for Lassen National Forest.
Right now in Hat Creek Rim · September
- Hat Creek Rim Overlook open · Apr–Nov
- Subway Cave lava tube open · Apr–Oct
27days to the next fall foliage seasonusually well under way by late October, statewide (USA-NPN volunteer observations)
Next 7 days
No frost, strong wind or heavy rain in the forecast.
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 5:00 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Lassen National Forest through the year
- Hat Creek Rim Overlook openNowApr–Nov
- Subway Cave lava tube openNowApr–Oct
- Christmas tree permits at Old StationNov–Dec
Best spots around Lassen National Forest
- Hat Creek Rim OverlookView over Hat Creek Valley; Pacific Crest Trail access
- Lake Almanor Recreation Trail11 miles on the west shore, views of Lassen Peak
- Crater Lake Campground17 lakeside sites; aspen stands color up in fall
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · US Forest Service, Fall Colors (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · Lassen National Forest, Epic Adventures (special places) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Fall Colors of Aspen (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · Lassen National Forest, Hat Creek Rim Overlook (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · Lassen National Forest, Subway Cave (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Lassen National Forest in 2026?
We don't have local timing for Lassen National Forest yet. Statewide for California: color is usually well under way by late October (USA-NPN volunteer observations, 2020–2025). That's for the whole state and isn't a peak or a forecast.
How is the fall color in Lassen National Forest right now?
Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 27 days (usually well under way by late October, statewide (USA-NPN volunteer observations)).
Where is the fall color on the Lassen?
The Forest Service says it comes from aspen groves, willows and mountain alder, especially around Hat Creek Rim and Lake Almanor. At Crater Lake, in the Eagle Lake district, aspen stands color the shore in fall.Sources: US Forest Service, Fall Colors ↗ (opens in a new tab), Lassen National Forest, Epic Adventures (special places) ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Fall Colors of Aspen ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is Hat Creek Rim Overlook open in the fall?
Yes: it's open April through November, dawn to dusk, with no fee. There are picnic tables and vault toilets but no running water, and no overnight camping.Source: Lassen National Forest, Hat Creek Rim Overlook ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I take an RV to Crater Lake?
Motor homes and large trailers aren't recommended: the campground is 7 miles off Highway 44 on a rough, steep road. It has 17 sites, hand-pumped water and vault toilets, and no gas motors are allowed on the lake.Source: Lassen National Forest, Epic Adventures (special places) ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Lassen National Forest?
Hat Creek Rim Overlook: view over Hat Creek Valley; Pacific Crest Trail access; Lake Almanor Recreation Trail: 11 miles on the west shore, views of Lassen Peak; Crater Lake Campground: 17 lakeside sites; aspen stands color up in fall.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Lassen National Forest?
Christmas tree permits at Old Station (Nov–Dec).
What is Lassen National Forest like through the year?
Hat Creek Rim Overlook open (Apr–Nov), Subway Cave lava tube open (Apr–Oct) and Christmas tree permits at Old Station (Nov–Dec).