Inside the Park
There is a cafe at the new Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. Hours are 9am to 5pm fall to spring and 9am to 6pm in the summer. There's also a snack bar, with sandwiches, hot dogs, and the like, at the Manzanita Lake Camper Store (tel. 530/335-7557), at the park's north entrance. It's open late May to early October, daily from 8am to 8pm in midsummer, 9am to 5pm at the beginning and end of the season.
Near the Park
Restaurant choices in the area are limited. The best approach may be to stay at a B&B or lodge that offers meals or to book a room (or stay at a campsite) where you can prepare your own..
A few eateries are fairly close to the park, primarily in Chester and on the shores of Lake Almanor. From the south entrance, the closest restaurant is the Lassen Mineral Lodge, which serves three meals of basic American fare a day, plus a few Italian and vegetarian items. You can also head southeast on Calif. 36 to Chester and dine at the Kopper Kettle Café, 243 Main St. (tel. 530/258-2698), for a hearty breakfast, or the Knotbumper, 274 Main St. (tel. 530/258-2301), for lunch or dinner. Another solid option in Chester is the Red Onion Grill, 384 Main St. (tel. 530/258-1800), which has an eclectic menu that includes Cajun salmon, steaks, and Italian fare for lunch and dinner. Kids will like the 1950s-themed Cotton Candy Diner, also in Chester at 300 Main St. (tel. 530/258-1950), featuring burgers, pizza, banana splits, and free cotton candy for kids.
On the Lake Almanor Peninsula, Tantardino's, 401 Ponderosa Dr. (tel. 530/596-3902), is a time-tested pizzeria and Italian restaurant. For a fancy dinner, locals head to Gamboni's Peninsula Grill, 401 Peninsula Dr. (tel. 530/596-3538), for steaks, seafood, and pasta dishes.
Picnic & Camping Supplies
The Manzanita Lake Camper Store (tel. 530/335-7557), at the park's north entrance, is a good place to stock up on groceries, ice, firewood, and basic outdoor gear. It also sells gasoline.
At the southern end of the park, you'll find just about everything you need for your outdoor adventure in the old-fashioned general store at Lassen Mineral Lodge, on Calif. 36 in Mineral.
North of the park, just south of Old Station, try the store at Hat Creek Resort, on Calif. 89 (tel. 530/335-7121; www.hatcreekresortrv.com), where you'll also find a restaurant, an RV park, and an assortment of cabins and motel rooms.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
