Lava Beds National Monument

Lava Beds National Monument is located in northeastern California, near the border with Oregon. Spanning over 46,000 acres, it is situated in the southern part of the Medicine Lake Volcano, one of the largest shield volcanoes in North America.

The area holds significant historical and cultural importance as it was once home to the Modoc people who used the rugged landscape for protection. In 1872, it became a site of the Modoc War, a prolonged conflict between the Modoc tribe and the United States Army. Today, the park preserves and honors this history with various exhibits and interpretive programs.

One of the main attractions at Lava Beds National Monument is its unique volcanic landscape. It is a result of volcanic eruptions that occurred around 30,000 to 40,000 years ago, leaving behind a vast network of lava tubes, caves, and volcanic fields. Visitors can explore these formations by taking guided cave tours, ranging from easy walks to more challenging treks.

The park boasts over 700 lava tubes, making it one of the most significant concentrations in North America. Visitors can marvel at stunning geological formations like underground lakes, ice formations (during winter), and lava stalactites and stalagmites. Notable caves include Mushpot Cave, a lighted cave that offers an accessible introduction to the underworld, and Catacombs Cave, known for its intricate lava formations.

Additionally, Lava Beds National Monument offers opportunities for outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. The park features diverse ecosystems, including grasslands, pine forests, and wetlands, providing habitats for a wide range of plant and animal species. Birdwatchers can spot various avian species, including golden eagles and red-tailed hawks.

Nearby attractions include Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, where visitors can observe migratory birds and learn about the history of Japanese internment during World War II. The majestic Mount Shasta, a popular destination for hiking and winter sports enthusiasts, lies to the south of the monument. Additionally, Medicine Lake, a large volcanic lake located within the boundaries of Medicine Lake Volcano, offers opportunities for fishing and boating.

Lava Beds National Monument offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and rich historical significance, providing an exciting destination for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking an escape into a unique volcanic landscape.

Lava Beds National Monument is located in the northernmost part of California, within the state's Modoc County. Situated on the eastern side of the southern Cascade Range, this remarkable monument spans across nearly 47,000 acres of captivating volcanic landscapes. Nestled amongst the rugged terrain of the high desert region, Lava Beds National Monument showcases the result of volcanic eruptions from thousands of years ago. It is characterized by its extensive lava tube caves, lava flows, cinder cones, and expansive grassy plains, providing visitors with a unique glimpse into the geological wonders of the area.

Address & Contact

1 Indian Well HQ
Tulelake, CA 96134
Driving Directions
Phone: 5306678113
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Lava Beds National Monument would be between June and September. During this period, the average maximum temperatures range from 77°F to 85°F, providing pleasant weather conditions for outdoor activities. Additionally, the average minimum temperatures range from 46°F to 52°F, ensuring comfortable evenings. The average monthly precipitation during this time ranges from 0.3 in to 0.9 in, allowing visitors to enjoy the park without significant rainfall. Furthermore, visitor numbers gradually increase from June to July, reaching the highest count. Thus, visiting between June and September would offer both enjoyable weather and relatively smaller crowds.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Lava Beds National Monument are: Astronomy Stargazing Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Biking Road Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Hiking Front-Country Hiking Backcountry Hiking Skiing Cross-Country Skiing Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Group Camping RV Camping Caving

Topics

Learn about these topics at Lava Beds National Monument: Animals Birds Caves, Caverns and Karst Geology Night Sky Native American Heritage Westward Expansion Cats (wild) Fire Unique Species Wilderness Military US Army Forests and Woodlands Grasslands Natural Sounds Astronomy Scenic Views Battlefields Monuments and Memorials Wars and Conflicts Migrations Indigenous and Native Warrior Indian and Frontier Wars Coniferous Forests Thickets and Shrublands Rare Volcanoes Homesteading Great Depression

Visitor Centers

Lava Beds Visitor Center

Lava Beds is home to one visitor center located at the south end of the park, near cave loop road. An entrance station is located at the north end of the park, but is only open in the summer. As you drive through the park you can find information kiosks with park maps at Petroglyph Point, and Gillem's Camp.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Lava Beds Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Lava Beds National Monument

Indian Well Campground

Lava Beds has one campground, Indian Well Campground, located 1/2 mile (0.8 km) from the Visitor Center and cave loop. There are 43 sites available on a first-come, first serve basis. Sites can accommodate tents, pickup campers, small trailers and motor homes up to 30 feet. Note: not all sites can accommodate motor homes.
Fees (US$): 10.00 (Camping fee)
Total Campsites: 43
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Group Campsite

The Group Campsite is in the B-Loop of the Indian Well Campground. The group site is only for groups with a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 40 campers. The group campsite includes picnic tables, grills, two pit toilets, a group fire ring, water spigot and a large cooking grill. Group site is open April 1st - October 31st. It can be reserved up to 6 months in advanced.
Fees (US$): 60.00 (Group Campsite Fee)
Total Campsites: 1
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal