CA0.4 M annual visitors

Can I fly a drone at Lassen Volcanic National Park?

No. Lassen Volcanic National Park is under the National Park Service drone ban.

Operating, launching, or landing a drone on or over NPS-managed land is prohibited under 36 CFR § 1.5(f). Penalties: up to 6 months imprisonment and $5,000 fine. Adjacent USFS, BLM, or state land may permit drones — see legal alternatives below.

Active volcanic landscape in northern California — hydrothermal areas, Lassen Peak, and the only park where all four volcano types are present. NPS drone ban applies.

Why drone pilots want to shoot here

Lassen Peak. Bumpass Hell hydrothermal area. Manzanita Lake. The Devastated Area.

Where you CAN fly nearby

Adjacent USFS, BLM, and state-managed land that typically permits drone use with appropriate rules.

  • Lassen National Forest (CA)

    Adjacent USFS land. Drones allowed in non-Wilderness areas. Similar volcanic terrain.

  • Plumas National Forest (CA)

    South of Lassen NP. Drone-permitted in non-Wilderness areas.

FAQ — Lassen Volcanic National Park

Can I fly at Bumpass Hell?

No. Inside Lassen Volcanic NP. Drone ban applies.

What about Lassen Peak?

Lassen Peak is the centerpiece of the park. Drone ban applies.

Where can I see hydrothermal features outside the park?

Lassen NF and Plumas NF have geothermal features on USFS land where drone use is allowed in non-Wilderness areas.

Other national parks

Found a legal nearby spot? Check the airspace, weather, and TFRs for the exact address.

Run an airspace check

Park boundaries can be irregular. Verify the boundary of any alternative location before flying — adjacent USFS / BLM Wilderness areas have their own drone ban under different statute. Altoa is not the FAA or NPS.