Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park

Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park is a protected area in Shasta County featuring black basalt formations, freshwater springs, and about 13 miles of shoreline along interconnected waterways and lakes. The terrain spans roughly 5,930 acres of volcanic landscape with varied scenery.

The state of California acquired this land in 1975, transforming a former muskrat farm and utility company property into a protected natural area. This conversion preserved the volcanic landscape from further development.

The name Ahjumawi comes from the Achomawi people, one of the Pit River Tribe bands, who constructed stone fish traps along the shoreline that remain visible today. These structures show how the original inhabitants worked with the waterways.

Access to the park requires using the boat launch at the Rat Farm site, which leads to three basic campsites and about 20 miles of hiking trails through volcanic terrain. The area is particularly accessible for visitors with their own boats.

The area contains one of North America's largest spring systems, discharging roughly 1.2 billion gallons of fresh water daily from Medicine Lake Volcano snowmelt. This high water output is a notable feature that shapes the ecosystem.

Location: Shasta County

Inception: 1975

Website: https://parks.ca.gov/?page_id=464

GPS coordinates: 41.13610,-121.41800

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:40