California Map

Request Free Visitor Guides

Lava Beds National Monument

Contact Info
1 Indian Well Headquarters
Tulelake, CA 96134

Phone:
530-667-2282, Ext. 232
Basics
Location:
A few miles south of the Oregon border in north central California
Type:
National Park

Description

At Lava Beds National Monument, volcanic eruptions on the Medicine Lake shield volcano have created an incredibly rugged landscape punctuated by cinder cones, lava flows, spatter cones, lava tube caves and pit craters. In the late 1800s, the Modoc Indians used these tortuous lava flows to their advantage in a battle with US troops. Under the leadership of Captain Jack, the Modocs took refuge in "Captain Jack's Stronghold," a natural lava fortress. From this base a group of 53 fighting men and their families held off US Army forces numbering up to ten times their strength for five months. Visitors can tour both the geologic and historic wonders of this unusual landscape.

Hours + Fees

Hours:

Lava Beds National Monument is always open to visitors.

Lava Beds’‘ caves, trails, camping, and attractions are open year-round. Occasionally in winter, snow can temporarily close park roads until they are plowed.

The Visitor Center is open every day except Christmas (December 25). Hours are as follows:
Summer: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
(Memorial through Labor Day)
Fall, Winter, Spring: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Season:
Open year-round (visitor center open 8 am to 5 pm in winter and 8 am to 6 pm in summer)

Amenities

Amenities:
Campground
Modern Restrooms
Picnic Area(s)
Visitor Center

Details

Additional Details:
Popular activities at the park include exploring lava tube caves, hiking to cinder cones and craters, or viewing petroglyphs from northern California''s indigenous people.

Map + Directions

Basic Directions
Visitors traveling south on Highway 139 (from Oregon) will see signs four miles south of Tulelake directing them into Lava Beds. Visitors traveling north on Highway 139 (from Alturas) will see signs 27 miles north of Canby directing them into Lava Beds.
Customizable Directions


Copyright © 1997 - 2024 The Go Travel Sites. All Rights Reserved and.

Email Page Link

Complete the form below to email this page to a friend or family member's email. You can send yourself an email as well. Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. See our full Privacy Policy for details.
:
:
:
 
 
 
:
Copy Yourself on the Email Yes No
:
:

1

Select a Free Visitor Guide below

2

Complete the form to receive your guides by mail

Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Cascade Mountains. More Visitor Guides are available in California. Click here to view them all!

Maverick Helicopters Maverick Helicopters Maverick Helicopters
Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, and CaliforniaUnforgettable Tours Offered in Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, and California.
Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested! You're all set! Complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.