Lava Beds National Monument is an unbelievable landscape spanning 46,000 acres in Northern California. It comprises an intricate network of more than 800 caves created by ancient volcanic eruptions, plus fascinating remnants of Native American history and battle sites from the Modoc War.
Would you make the road trip up to Tulelake to see Lava Beds for yourself? Keep reading for some tips to help you make the most of this unbelievable national park.
Volcanic caves, Native American rock sites, and high desert wilderness
About two dozen caves at Lava Beds National Monument are accessible to visitors, varying in route difficulty and experience level. You need to get a free caving permit before entering any cave, available at the Visitor Center.
- Mushpot Cave: This 770-foot-long cave is the only one in the monument with lighting, making it one of the easiest ones to navigate.
- Valentine Cave: Discovered on Valentine’s Day in 1933, this beautiful 1,653-foot-long cave is also considered one of the easier ones to explore.
- Skull Cave: If you don’t like tight, enclosed spaces, Skull Cave offers a more wide-open feel and is considered a less challenging cave.
- Catacombs Cave: This labyrinthine, complex cave requires special gear and crawling through tight spaces. It’s also one of the most popular caves at the monument.
In addition to these geographical formations, Lava Beds is a prominent site for Native American history, particularly the Modoc people. From the ancient petroglyphs at Petroglyph Point to Captain Jack’s Stronghold from the Modoc War, you’ll find numerous places to connect with the legacy of California’s earliest civilizations.
Visiting Lava Beds National Monument
The lava tubes maintain a consistent temperature of about 55°F all year round, meaning you can just as well visit during the winter, but you should bring waterproof boots and be dressed for cold weather.
Whether you’re planning on an easy-going stroll through some of the easier caves or a more challenging trek, you’ll need to stop by the Visitor Center for your cave permit.
All visitors should arrive wearing long pants, long sleeves, and close-toed shoes or boots. Everyone must carry a flashlight, which you may borrow from the Visitor Center, and helmets are recommended.
🌐 Learn more: National Park Service