SeeCalifornia.com

In 2018 the annual Lassen Volcanic National Park Dark Sky Festival grew to include a Whiskeytown National Park Dark Sky Festival, as well as International Dark Sky Week at Schreder Planetarium in Redding. Then came the devastating effects of the Carr Fire which has killed several people, destroyed over 83,000 acres, 500 structures & homes and damaged another 100+ buildings in and beyond the City of Redding.

As of the last weekend in July 2018, the Shasta County area continued to experience wildfire conditions and a local/state emergency was declared. According to Redding Convention & Visitors Bureau (visitredding.com), lodging properties offer(ed) reservation cancellations without penalties to open up rooms for emergency personnel services and evacuees.

As of this posting, the National Park Service states that “Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is Closed Until Further Notice.” Located a few miles west of Redding, its Dark Sky Festival on Aug.3-4 is not specifically mentioned.

At the Lassen Volcanic National Park east of Redding much of the park appears to be open. While the original Dark Sky Festival Aug. 3-4 is scheduled, three park notices announce:

• Due to the current nearby fires, smokey and hazy skies can affect viewing opportunities.
• Fires near the park are affecting air quality.
• The information phone line is experiencing intermittent issues.

THE TAKEAWAY: Events may be cancelled in certain areas and some are on. It’s best for travelers in this and all situations to confirm before going.

Good news! Yosemite National Park announced Yosemite Valley reopens to all visitors at 4 p.m. on August 3, 2018 with limited visitor services inside Yosemite Valley, including campgrounds, lodging, and food service operations.It has been temporarily closed since July 25 from smoke impacts and for firefighting operations due to the Ferguson Fire.