Ultimate Guide to Lava Beds National Monument, California (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
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Lava Beds National Monument is a place where you can hear the birds, crawl under the earth’s surface, smell the juniper and learn about the history of the Modoc. The place was formed from a series of eruptions that occurred over the past 500,000 years. The activity led to the formation of a rugged landscape with both developed and underdeveloped caves and cinder cones that afford a beautiful view of the Tule Lake Basin.
The environment and the natural settings at Lava Beds have formed a natural habitat for animals like mule deer, rabbits, bald eagles, and other species. Visitors are encouraged to come here to explore the very cool lava tubes, and some even have ice throughout the year.
You can explore the lava tubes on your own, and you will not require any spelunking experience for this. Lava Beds is also famous for being used as hideouts during the Modoc War in 1872 – 73.
History of Lava Beds National Monument
The Lava Beds can best be described as a land of turmoil from both geological and historical point of view. Throughout the last half-million years, the volcanic eruptions on Medicine Lake gave birth to a rugged landscape with pit craters, spatter cones, lava tube caves, and cinder cones. The Lava Beds National Monument got formed in 1925 that included sites of many important battles of the Modoc Indian War of 1872 – 73.
During the Modoc War, the warriors of a band led by Captain Jack used the lava beds as a defensive stronghold to resist being captured. They knew that they would be sent to Klamath Reservation in Oregon once they were captured. They were removed from there by the European Americans who wanted the lands.
The Modoc took refuge in a natural lava fortress that came to be known as Captain Jack’s stronghold. From this defensive base the 53 men and their families held off the US Army forces, which was around ten times the population of the Modoc, for an astonishing five months.
In the peace commission meeting of April 1873, Captain Jack killed General Edward Canby while his associates killed or wounded the other commissioners. The Modoc thought the Americans would leave if their leaders were killed.
However, Army reinforcements were called in, and the Modoc were forced to surrender. Captain Jack and his associates were convicted of war crimes, and they were executed by hanging at Fort Klamath.
Geological Cave Formations
Lava Beds National Monument has great geological importance. It has a wide array of volcanic formations like lava tubes, lava flows, volcanic fields, cinder cones, pit craters, and spatter cones. There are around 450 lava tubes; some contain permanent ice deposits, while others have lava stalactites. The Lava Beds National Monument has the largest concentration of lava tubes in the US.
While only one has electrical lighting, the others get illuminated by flashlights or ceiling collapse portals. The cinder cones rise an average of 300 ft above the bed, and some of the spatter cones resemble chimneys and deep chasms.
Wildlife in Lava Beds National Monument
Although the prevailing conditions are harsh and of semi-arid nature, the native wildlife has well adapted to the environmental constraints present in the region. Since there are no water resources in the National Monument, the animals get the water from the caves while others cover about 12 miles to get to Tule Lake.
The most common species are Cooper’s Hawk, long-eared myotis, pallid bat, American badger, etc. The amphibian presence here is limited to Pacific tree frogs. The reptile species include the Great Basin fence lizard, desert night snake, and western rattlesnake.
Is Lava Beds National Monument Haunted?
The history of Lava Beds is not pleasing with a bloody story of the Modoc Indian War associated with it. Many people died during that war under horrible circumstances, and locals believe that their spirits live here. If you choose to wander around Lava Beds at night, you might encounter a few mysterious occurrences.
How Big is Lava Beds National Monument?
The Lava Beds covers a total area of more than 46,000 acres.
Lava Beds National Monument Tours
Most of the caves are open for exploration without a guide, and most of the caves are well-marked, easily accessible. One can safely explore them with the help of flashlights, proper clothing, and sturdy footwear. Tours are carried out for Crystal Ice Cave and Fern Cave.
The Crystal Ice Cave Tour is a strenuous three-hour-long excursion that is best enjoyed by people above 12 years of age and in good physical condition. The Fern Cave, on the other hand, is open to visitors only on small tours that are guided by rangers only once a week during the summer months.
Tour Prices and Discounts
The entrance fees of Lava Beds National Monument are as follows:
- Entrance Fee – USD 25 per vehicle
- Individual Fee – USD 15
- Motorcycle Fee – USD 20
- Children who under 16 years of age are not charged any entrance fees. The passes can be obtained at the park itself.
There is a USD 10 per night charge for each site of the campground.
Is Lava Beds National Monument Cold?
Lava Beds National Monument is at an average elevation of 4000 to 5700 ft. The weather can turn cold any time of the year, and, believe it or not; snow has been recorded in almost all months of the year. The average winter daytime temperature is 20 degrees F, and morning fog is common from autumn to spring.
What to Wear?
A visit to Lava Beds National Monument would involve a lot of caving. Keeping this in mind, we recommend that you dress appropriately, including long pants, long sleeves, gloves, close-toed shoes, helmets, and kneepads. One may also purchase items like gloves, helmets, and flashlights at the visitor center.
Lava Beds National Monument Hours
The Lava Beds are open on all days of the year but, in winter, it might close down temporarily due to heavy snow, and the premises opens only when the park roads are properly plowed.
What to Do at Lava Beds National Monument (Beside Tours)
Visitors to Lava Beds get very excited as there is so much to see and do here. You can explore a cave, climb upon a spatter cone, visualize the gory battle that took place here in 1872 – 73, peer into a crater, or marvel at the Native American rock art. The place is perfect for those interested in Modoc War sites, rock art, caves, wilderness hiking, and geological features.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Lava Beds would be winter as the lava tubes become easily accessible, and the weather also suits most travelers.
How to Get to Lava Beds National Monument
You can come to Lava Beds in your car but do remember to fill up your tank as there is no gas available here. Depending on the route you are taking, the last gas station can be an hour away from Lava Beds.
From the North via Klamath Falls, Oregon
One needs to take Highway 39 south for approximately 15 miles till you see a brown highway sign for the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges. Now you need to follow this route by turning south on Merrill Pit Road. Travel for around 2 miles till Stateline Road 161. Now turn left for approximately three miles and turn right at the golf course onto Hill Road. Now travel in the south direction for nine miles till you enter the Lava Beds National Monument.
You will then pass the visitor center for the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges on your way to the monument. It will take around 60 min to reach the Visitor Center from Klamath Falls by taking this route.
If you want to know how to reach here from Redding, Lassen National Volcanic Park areas, or from the I-5 corridor, you can follow the directions given here.
Hotels Nearby
There are several decent lodging options near Lava Beds National Monument, such as Golden Eagle Motel and Microtel Inn & Suites. Lava Beds also has a campground with more than 40 sites, but all get filled on a first-come-first-served basis.
Visiting Lava Beds National Monument
Do you need more information before visiting Lava Beds National Monument? Call (530) 667-8113 or Lava Beds National Monument for an information packet.
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