Lava Beds National Monument Travel Guide

Our guide provides everything you need to know for a trip to Lava Beds National Monument, from must-see attractions to safety guidelines and transportation options.


Introduction to Lava Beds National Monument

Located in the Shasta Cascades region of California, Lava Beds National Monument is a unique destination known for its stunning geological formations and rich Indigenous history. Established in 1925, the park covers 46,000 acres and is home to more than 700 caves and lava tubes. Visitors to Lava Beds can explore a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to ranger-led tours and stargazing. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the top attractions, outdoor activities, places to stay, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Lava Beds National Monument

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The Lava Beds Visitor Center

The Lava Beds Visitor Center is the perfect place to start your journey through the park. The center offers interactive exhibits, ranger-led programs, and a 20-minute film that provides an overview of the region’s natural and cultural history. Visitors can also purchase maps, guidebooks, and other items to enhance their experience.

Captain Jack’s Stronghold

Captain Jack’s Stronghold is a significant landmark in the park that pays tribute to the Indigenous leader who fought against settlers during the Modoc War. The area is marked by a rocky fortress that was used to protect Jack and his followers from oncoming troops. Today, visitors can access the site via a 2-mile round-trip trail.

Natural Attractions of Lava Beds National Monument: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Skull Cave

Skull Cave is a popular attraction for visitors to the park, offering a unique opportunity to explore a lava tube. The cave is a moderate 1.5-mile hike from the Parking Area, and visitors are recommended to wear sturdy shoes and bring flashlights or headlamps to navigate the tunnel’s dark interior.

Schonchin Butte

Schonchin Butte is a cinder cone that provides one of the best views of the national monument. Visitors can either park at the base of the Butte for a moderate hike or drive up to the top for a panoramic vista of the area.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lava Beds National Monument

Lava Beds National Monument has over 20 miles of hiking trails that provide visitors with a range of outdoor experiences. The trails vary in difficulty, with some being easy and suitable for families with young children. Some of the popular hiking/biking routes include:

  • Cave Loop Trail
  • Big Painted Cave Trail
  • Lyons Trail
  • Bunchgrass Trail

For visitors interested in exploring the park on two-wheels, biking is allowed on paved roads and some designated trails.

Best Things to Do in Lava Beds National Monument: Activities and Tours

Ranger-led Tours

Lava Beds National Monument offers visitors a variety of ranger-led tours that provide a deeper understanding of the park’s unique geology and history. Some of the ranger-led tours include:

  • Introduction to Caving Tour
  • Cedar Cave Tour
  • Petroglyph Point Hike
  • Moon Walk

Stargazing

Lava Beds National Monument is an ideal location for star-gazing due to its remote location and lack of light pollution. Visitors can enjoy the night sky by participating in the ranger-led star-gazing programs that offer telescopes and expert guides.

Week-Long Itinerary for Lava Beds National Monument

For visitors looking to explore Lava Beds National Monument for an extended period, we have put together a 7-day itinerary that covers the park’s top attractions.

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrive at the park, visit the Lava Beds Visitor Center
Day 2 Explore Captain Jack’s Stronghold, hike Jefferson Davis Memorial
Day 3 Traverse lava tubes at Skull Cave, visit Petroglyph Point
Day 4 Hike Schonchin Butte Trail, explore Symbol Bridge
Day 5 Join a ranger-led Introduction to Caving Tour
Day 6 Participate in a ranger-led Moon Walk or stargazing program
Day 7 Depart the park, explore the nearby Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Food and Drink Scene of Lava Beds National Monument

Must-Try Dishes

While there are no restaurants or cafes in the park, visitors can bring their food and drink supplies or drive to the nearby town of Tulelake to dine out. For those looking for local specialties, two dishes are particularly renowned for their cultural and historical significance:

  • Frybread: A flatbread with a crispy texture, traditionally served with savory toppings such as taco meat, beans, and cheese.
  • Churpi: A hard, dried cheese curd that was a popular food staple for the native Modoc people.

Local Beverages

Visitors can enjoy locally produced beers and wines at several establishments near the park, including the Loan Oak Saloon and Winery in Tulelake.

Where to Stay in Lava Beds National Monument: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Lava Beds National Monument offers only one camping ground within the park. Juniper Flat Campground includes 47 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings, and each campsite can accommodate up to six people. For those looking for other accommodations, several hotels, motels, and guesthouses are available in the nearby towns of Tulelake or Klamath Falls.

What to Buy in Lava Beds National Monument: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors can purchase high-quality souvenirs and local handcrafted products at the Lava Beds Visitor Center, including books, clothing, and jewelry.

Local Culture and Customs of Lava Beds National Monument

Lava Beds National Monument has a rich cultural history and is located on land that is sacred for Indigenous people. Visitors should respect the local customs and be mindful of the surroundings while participating in any outdoor activities.

Best Time to Visit Lava Beds National Monument

The best time to visit Lava Beds National Monument is from May through September, when the weather is warm and dry. The park is also less crowded in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, providing a peaceful and serene experience.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lava Beds National Monument

Do:

  • Respect the natural and cultural history of the park
  • Stay on designated trails and pathways
  • Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for outdoor activities

Don’t:

  • Take any souvenirs from the park
  • Camp outside of designated camping areas
  • Leave trash or food waste on the trails

Safety and Health

Safety in Lava Beds National Monument

Visitors should take precautions while exploring the park’s caves and lava tubes. It is recommended to wear a helmet, bring a flashlight or headlamp, and move cautiously while navigating the slippery and uneven surfaces. Visitors should also be aware of potential wildlife encounters, such as snakes and bears.

Health in Lava Beds National Monument

Visitors should carry their own water bottles and stay hydrated while hiking or biking. The high altitude and extreme heat during the summer months can cause dehydration or heat exhaustion, so it’s recommended to take frequent breaks and drink ample amounts of water.

Getting to Lava Beds National Monument: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Lava Beds National Monument

The closest airports to Lava Beds National Monument are Rogue Valley International Airport in Medford, Oregon, and the Sacramento International Airport in California.

Bus Stations Near Lava Beds National Monument

The nearest bus stations are in Klamath Falls, Oregon, and Weed, California. Visitors can take a taxi or rent a car to reach the park from these locations.

Other Options

Visitors can also access the park by driving to the park using Highways 97 or 139 and following the signs to Lava Beds National Monument.

How to Get Around in Lava Beds National Monument

Visitors can explore the park in their vehicles or by biking on designated trails. However, for those wishing to explore the caves deeper, walking is the only option.

Where to Go Next from Lava Beds National Monument: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors can make the most of their trip by exploring nearby destinations such as Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge and the Klamath Basin Wildlife Refuge. For those in the mood for a bigger adventure, the Oregon Caves National Monument and Crater Lake National Park are within driving distance.

Conclusion

Lava Beds National Monument provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the scenic beauty and cultural history of the region. With our comprehensive guide, visitors can discover the park’s top attractions, outdoor activities, and nearby destinations, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

Valentine Cave Valentine Cave The caves vary greatly in difficulty. For the most advanced caves kneepads, elbow pads and a helmet will make the experience of crawling over sharp lava in the dark far less unpleasant. The caves vary greatly in difficulty. For the most advanced caves kneepads, elbow pads and a helmet will make the experience of crawling over sharp lava in the dark far less unpleasant. Lava Beds National Monument above-ground landscape Lava Beds National Monument above-ground landscape