Lava Beds National Monument

QUICKLINKS:

Welcome to "The 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 created an incredibly rugged landscape punctuated by cinder cones, lava flows, spatter cones, lava tube caves and pit craters. These lava tube caves, of which there are more than 500 in the Monument, are a favorite underground destination for visitors to explore.

		The Modoc War During the Modoc War of 1872-1873, the Modoc Indians used the park's lava flows to their tactical advantage. Under the leadership of Captain Jack, the Modocs took refuge in "Captain Jack's Stronghold," a natural lava fortress. From here a group of 53 fighting men and their families held off US Army forces numbering up to ten times their strength for five months.

		The Lava Tubes One of the most exiting things to do at the Lava Beds is to visit a lava tube cave. There are hundreds to explore, and many have ladders and trails to help you on your way. Sometimes warm and dry, sometimes cold and full of ice, caves are often very different from the outside world, forming special “micro-climates” full of special living things like bats, ferns, frogs and more.

		Wilderness Experience Wildflowers bursting from stark black lava flows, hawks soaring overhead, crisp dry air, and nobody in sight. Lava Beds provides an opportunity to experience the opposite of civilization and progress, and encounter untamed wildlife and rugged landscapes.

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 experience rock-hound. This amazing landscape is also home to a great diversity of life, including plants and animals that thrive in only in caves or nearby cave collapse trenches.

Write to

1 Indian Wells HQTRS
Tulelake, CA 96134

E-mail Us

Phone

General Information
(530) 667-8100

Administrative Issues & Staff
(530) 667-8104

Fax

(503) 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.

Lava Beds National Monument

Lava Beds National Monument Information