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 KrusePhone 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, 1925By The Numbers
Acres: 46,560.00Annual 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? : YesHas Shuttle System? : No
Has Volunteer Program? : No
Park Photos
Lava Beds Sunrise
Michael J. Thompson
Schonchin Butte
Michael J. Thompson
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.
Lava Beds In Depth
News from the Parks
Frommer's Top 5 Parks for Cozy Camping
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
Park to Reopen Today after Crews Repair Road, Channel Kautz Creek
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
Jenna Otter Returns to Scene of Grizzly Bear Attack
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
Expected Rule Change Would Benefit Bicycling in National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
Things Slow At Hawaii's National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
