What Is Lava Beds National Monument?
Lava Beds National Monument sits atop the Medicine Lake shield volcano, the largest in North America, and preserves its ancient lava flows and hundreds of caves!
What Makes It Beautiful?
I had low expectations of Lava Beds after visiting audacious parks like Yosemite and Lassen Volcanic National Parks, and I think this was because the mountains aren’t as high here. What I didn’t realize is that most of the beauty in this national monument is hidden from view! Below the forbidding remnants of explosions past, there are over 800 lava tube caves here, with more being discovered all the time!
I got lucky enough to take the Crystal Cave tour, and it was beyond magical! The ice formations were perfectly transparent and huge! Stalactites, stalagmites, curtains, and little globs of icy Flubber all lit up in the glow of the group’s headlamps! It was like journeying into the lost lair of an ancient ice princess, a memory I really can’t let go!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Pay the entrance fee to help maintain trails, signs, structures, and other visitor services!
- Volunteer at Lava Beds National Monument!
- Donate to Lava Beds National Monument!
- Be a responsible visitor! Remember the old adages: Pack out what you pack in! Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints!
How Do I Get There?
- Northwest Entrance:
- 14.1 miles southwest of Tule Lake, via the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway!
- Northeast Entrance:
- 5.7 miles south of Homestead on County Road 111, then 1.7 miles west on County Road 120!
- South Entrance:
- 10.3 miles northwest of Tionesta on Hill Road!
When Should I Visit the Park?
It depends! The park is open year-round, but if you want to take the Crystal Ice Cave Tour, you have to visit between January and March! Likewise, if you want to tour Fern Cave, you’ll have to visit between June and September!
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