Lava Beds National Monument

Lava Beds National Monument is a nature reserve in northern California featuring more than 800 caves formed by ancient volcanic flows from Medicine Lake Volcano. The landscape displays distinctive volcanic features including lava falls, crater lakes, and lava flows that create a stark and dramatic terrain.

The monument was the battleground of the Modoc War from 1872-1873, when Native American warriors fought to defend their territory against the United States Army. This conflict shaped the region's history and left marks that visitors can still observe today.

Petroglyph Point displays rock carvings made by Native Americans over many centuries, showing how indigenous people used and valued this land. Visitors can walk among these ancient markings and understand the deep connection that tribal communities had to the area.

The visitor center offers safety information, cave maps, and flashlight rentals to help with exploration of the tunnel network. Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water, as hiking can be strenuous and shade is limited across the terrain.

The caves maintain constant temperatures around 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius) throughout the year, supporting rare ice crystal formations and specialized bat populations. This underground world offers glimpses into an ecosystem found in few other places.

Location: Siskiyou County

Location: Modoc County

Inception: November 21, 1925

Operator: National Park Service

Website: https://nps.gov/labe

GPS coordinates: 41.71389,-121.50833

Latest update: December 19, 2025 23:06