Lava Beds National Monument

April 16th: Remaining repairs to the park phone system will be completed soon. IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO REACH US, PLEASE USE THE E-MAIL LINK TO THE LEFT. THanks for your patience.

Welcome to Lava Beds

Lava Beds National Monument is a land of turmoil, both geological and historical. Over the last half-million years, volcanic eruptions on the Medicine Lake shield volcano have created a rugged landscape dotted with diverse volcanic features. More than 700 caves, Native American rock art sites, historic battlefields and campsites, and a high desert wilderness experience await you!

		The Modoc War During the Modoc War of 1872-1873, a small band of Modoc Indians used an intimate knowledge of their homeland's terrain to their tactical advantage. Under the leadership of Kintpuash (Captain Jack), the Modocs took refuge in "Captain Jacks Stronghold," a natural lava fortress. From here the Modocs held off US Army forces numbering up to ten times their strength for five months. At sites throughout the monument, you can contemplate this clash of cultures. more...

Lava Tube Caves

One of the most exciting things to do at the Lava Beds is to visit lava tube caves. Though many are hidden in the wilderness, some caves have ladders and trails, and vary from easy walks to strenuous excursions. Temperate and moist year round, caves are often very different from the outside world, forming “micro-climates” full of fascinating life such as bats, ferns, and sparkling bacteria.
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Ferns hide in the shaded crevasses of sun-baked lava flows

Nature & Science

From bats to birds, caves to cinder cones, the Lava Beds are a natural wonder full of amazing wildlife and unique geology. These textbook examples of volcanic formations will amaze even the most experienced rock-hound. This incredible landscape is also home to a great diversity of life, including plants and animals that thrive only in caves or nearby cave collapse trenches.
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Wide open spaces and amazing sunsets await in the Lava Beds wilderness areas

Wilderness Experience

Imagine wildflowers bursting from stark black lava flows, hawks soaring overhead, crisp dry air, and nobody in sight. Whether you choose a short hike or overnight experience, Lava Beds provides an opportunity to escape the sights and sounds of everyday life and encounter untamed wildlife in rugged landscapes.
Lava Beds trails
Backcountry camping

Write to

1 Indian Well Headquarters
Tulelake, CA 96134

Phone

General Information
(530) 667-8100

Administration
(530) 667-8104

Fax

(530) 667-2737

Climate

The weather in northeastern California is particularly unpredictable and visitors should be ready for all conditions throughout the year. However, summers are generally sunny and warm while winters are cold with below-freezing nights and occasional snow. Visitors should always have warm clothing, sturdy boots, gloves, and protective headgear available if they plan to visit the lava tube caves.
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Communities Surrounding Lava Beds National Monument

Note: The times listed below are approximate driving times to the park.
Tulelake, CA (24 min. ) Pop. 1,020 Merrill, OR (26 min. ) Pop. 897 Malin, OR (37 min. ) Pop. 638 Midland, OR (49 min. ) Klamath Falls, OR (51 min. ) Pop. 19,462	Dorris, CA (52 min. ) Pop. 886 Macdoel, CA (55 min. ) Pop. 140 Dairy, OR (56 min. ) Keno, OR (57 min. ) Bonanza, OR (59 min. ) Pop. 415


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