Lava Beds National Monument

Lava Beds National Monument The Lava Beds was formed by volcanic outflows from the Medicine Lake Volcano. In actual mass, this volcano is larger than Mt. Shasta.
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Lava Beds National Monument is a place where you can smell the sage and juniper, listen to birds, and hike miles of lava flows or developed trails. Volcanic eruptions on the Medicine Lake shield volcano have created an incredibly rugged landscape punctuated by cinder cones, lava flows, spatter cones, lava tube caves and pit craters. Explore caves created by the sudden cooling of lava flows or visit the site of the only Indian war in California at the historic Captain Jack’s Stronghold. The Stronghold, a natural lava fortress, is where a small band of 53 warriors and their families led by Captain Jack held off a force 20 times its size for five months. Just south of the Lava Beds is Medicine Lake ’s volcano, one of the largest shield volcanoes in the world. Millions of eruptions over half a million years were gentle rather than explosive, covering more than 750 square miles of landscape with lava. A visit to Glass Mountain in Modoc National Forest offers fields of obsidian shining in the sun like black diamonds. At the crest of the mountain, Medicine Lake is a great place for camping, swimming and fishing. To learn more about Lava Beds please visit our website: www.nps.gov/labe

We're pleased to share that with cooler temperatures moving through the area, we are lifting campfire restrictions. Per ...
09/02/2026

We're pleased to share that with cooler temperatures moving through the area, we are lifting campfire restrictions.

Per normal regulations, wood fires are permitted only in metal fire rings at Indian Well Campground. Open fires remain prohibited in the backcountry, wilderness, and caves where year-round restrictions are always in place.

Thank you for doing your part to keep Lava Beds safe and protected.

We hope to see you at our last regularly scheduled ranger programs of the summer.
09/01/2026

We hope to see you at our last regularly scheduled ranger programs of the summer.

Happening now!! Jr Ranger Day activities will run till 3 pm. Then join us for an evening program at 8 pm.
08/29/2026

Happening now!! Jr Ranger Day activities will run till 3 pm. Then join us for an evening program at 8 pm.

In addition to our Jr. Ranger Day activities we will also have an evening program that night and a cave tour the followi...
08/27/2026

In addition to our Jr. Ranger Day activities we will also have an evening program that night and a cave tour the following day. We hope to see you this weekend!!

Its National Park Week!! Come celebrate with us on Saturday August 29th during Jr. Ranger's Day from 11am - 3pm. This we...
08/27/2026

Its National Park Week!! Come celebrate with us on Saturday August 29th during Jr. Ranger's Day from 11am - 3pm.

This week, and every week, you’re invited (and encouraged) to get out and explore the more than 400 National Park sites across the United States, connect with our nation’s natural, historical, and cultural heritage, and discover what makes our National Parks great.

We hope to see you at this weekend's ranger-led programs.
08/19/2026

We hope to see you at this weekend's ranger-led programs.

We've practiced above ground, now it’s time to test our skills below ground. Sentinel Cave will be closed August 27th fr...
08/18/2026

We've practiced above ground, now it’s time to test our skills below ground.

Sentinel Cave will be closed August 27th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, while NPS Law Enforcement staff lead a Search and Rescue (SAR) training exercise.

This training enhances our emergency response readiness and ensures we’re prepared for real world incidents in challenging environments. Thank you for your understanding as our team practices these critical skills.

All photos are from past SAR trainings.

Skull Cave will be closed from approximately August 17–28 while our maintenance crew, with support from the California C...
08/16/2026

Skull Cave will be closed from approximately August 17–28 while our maintenance crew, with support from the California Conservation Corps, completes trail work inside the cave. Due to the limited parking, Skull Cave Road will remain closed to vehicle traffic, which protects crews, equipment, and visitors during active project work.

Visitors can park at Bunchgrass Overlook and hike to Symbol Bridge or the Lyons Trail. Please do not park along the main park road or block the gate.

Thank you for your patience as we work to improve trail conditions!

Photo: Youth Conservation Crew members hand laying rocks to make current trail in Skull Cave.

We’ve always said half the park is after dark, but daytime rules still apply. When enjoying our amazing night sky, pleas...
08/13/2026

We’ve always said half the park is after dark, but daytime rules still apply. When enjoying our amazing night sky, please remember that camping in parking lots and overlooks is not allowed. There is plenty of room in the campground and you can still get an amazing night sky view from there.

https://www.nps.gov/labe/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm

Fleener Chimneys area is closed due to wasp activity. They're social, territorial, and they don't do well with anyone ge...
08/04/2026

Fleener Chimneys area is closed due to wasp activity. They're social, territorial, and they don't do well with anyone getting near to their nests. For your safety and theirs, this area will remain closed for the time being. Picnic areas are available by Mushpot Cave and at the Stronghold. We hope you are still able to enjoy the park!

Address

1 Indian Well Hqts
Tulelake, CA
96134

Telephone

+15306678113

Website

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