Lava Beds National Monument

Lava Beds National Monument

Lava Beds National Monument

The history and cultural legacy of the lava beds stretches back thousands of years - it is one of the longest continually occupied areas in North America. Volcanic eruptions have created a rugged landscape with more than 700 caves, Native American rock art sites and Historic battlefields in a high desert wilderness.

At A Glance

In The Park

Superintendent: David Kruse
Phone Number: 530-667-2282
Entrance Fees: Vehicle Pass (valid for 7 days): $10; Individual Pass (motorcycle, bicycle, walk-in): $5

Sights: Mammoth Crater; Symbol Bridge; Big Painted Cave; Hidden Valey; Schonchin Butte; Fleener Chimneys; Thomas-Wright Battlefield; Black Crater; Gillems Camp; Sheepy Ridge; Captain Jacks Stronghold; Petroglyph Point

Important Dates

Established as Park: November 21, 1925

By The Numbers

Acres: 46,560.00
Annual Visitation: 104,490 (2006)

Location

Latitude / Longitude :
41.744160 / -121.517030 (map it)
State: CA
Nearby Big City: Tulelake, CA
Gateway Communities: Tulelake, CA; Merrill, OR; Malin, OR; Midland, OR; Klamath Falls, OR
Nearby Airports: Klamath Falls International Airport (LMT); Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR); Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)

Green Features

Has Recycling? : Yes
Has Shuttle System? : No
Has Volunteer Program? : No

Park Photos

Lava Beds : Lava Beds Sunrise
Lava Beds Sunrise
Michael J. Thompson
Lava Beds : Schonchin Butte
Schonchin Butte
Michael J. Thompson
Lava Beds : Mushpot Cave
Mushpot Cave
Michael J. Thompson

View More Lava Beds Photos

In Detail

Activities & Programs Guided Tours A full schedule of daily ranger-led interpretive programs are offered between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend. Contact the park for more information. Programs include guided c ... read more.

Animals Animals You might be surprised by the variety of wildlife that overcomes dry summers, cold winters, and scarce water to thrive here; bird watching is especially good year-round. Birds The Klamath a ... read more.

Camping The 43 - site Indian Well Campground is located at the south end of the park just downhill from the Visitor Center. It features an amphitheater, two restrooms, and ample supplies of drinking water. ... read more.

Frequently Asked Questions 1. Where can I eat / camp / stay in a motel? Restaurants and motel accomodations are available in neighboring towns approximately 30 minutes from the Visitor Center. Places to stay outside the monume ... read more.

History As one of the longest continually occupied areas in North America, the history and cultural legacy of the lava beds stretches back thousands of years. Explore the history early Native Americans left ... read more.

Just For Kids Become a Lava Beds Junior Ranger! Kids between the ages of 5 and 13 can earn a badge while learning about the amazing caves, history, and wildlife of Lava Beds during a visit. Pick up you copy at th ... read more.

Lodging & Dining Lodging If you don't want to camp in the park, the following lodging facilities are available in the local area. Other facilities are available farther away in Klamath Falls, OR (56 mi ... read more.

Park Regulations & Safety Pets Protect Yourself, Your Pet, and Park Resources. Pets make wonderful companions. However, they are not always compatible with the dangers you can encounter in wild areas, or with the resource pro ... read more.

Planning Your Visit Things To Know Before You Come It pays to plan ahead! Whether it's a sunny, cloudless summer day or a chilly winter morning, being prepared can make the difference between fun or frustrating vacation ... read more.

Plants Overview Even small changes in elevation, soil, and shade can provide just the right conditions for different communities of plants to grow. You'll discover this all over the Lava Beds, where high b ... read more.

Sights to See Nearby Attractions Lava Beds is surrounded by thousands of acres of public lands and is located near a great variety of other scenic, historic, and recreation destinations! There's something to see o ... read more.

Things To Do Maybe you love caves, or you've never been in one. Or you're a history buff, love wildflowers, or just need a few hours of solitude in the wilderness away from the daily commute? Lava Beds is the pl ... read more.