Lava Beds National Monument in North California lies 324 miles Northeast of San Francisco and 50 miles Northeast of Mount Shasta. It is a seemingly desolate area with high plateaus, cinder cones and rolling hills flooded with ancient lava flows. Since it is in the desert area, it can get hot and dry in the summers and cold in the winters. However, summer is the best time to visit and to participate in ranger-led hikes, cave trips and campfire programs. The best way to get to the park is from Highway 139, 4 miles south of Tulelake.
Evidence of the geologic violence can be seen in the form of spatter and cinder cones, lava flows, and chimneys that are scattered here. The most spectacular remnants are the lava tubes that were formed over 30,000 years ago. These are formed when the cooler surface layer of a lava flow solidifies while the lava beneath remains fluid, eventually draining out when the eruption stops. More than 200 of these Lava-Tube caves are open to the public to explore on their own or with park rangers. Along with exploring the caves, hiking, climbing a cinder cone, discovering a spatter Cone and camping are some of the other activities available here. Lava Beds National Monument is always open to visitors. The visitor center hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the winters and 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the summers.
Official Site: nps.gov/labe/
General/Visitor Information Phone Number: (530) 667-8100
1 Indian Well Headquarters,
Tulelake, CA 96134
Lava Beds Photos / Pictures
