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. During the Modoc War of 1872-1873, the Modoc Indians used these tortuous lava flows to their advantage. Under the leadership of Captain Jack, the Modocs took refuge in "Captain Jack's Stronghold," a natural lava fortress. From this base a group of 53 fighting men and their families held off US Army forces numbering up to twenty times their strength for five months. Visitors can tour both the geologic and historic wonders of this unusual landscape.

VISITATION:

Highest June through August: many school groups visit in May and October.

 

LOCATION:

Tulelake, CA

 

ADDRESS:

Lava Beds National Monument

P.O. Box 867
Tulelake, CA 96134

TELEPHONE:

(530) 667-2282

 

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

Lava Beds National Monument is always open to visitors. The visitor center hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during winter season and 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during summer season (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas).

 

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

The weather in northeastern California is particularly unpredictable and visitors should be ready for all conditions throughout the year. Generally, however, summers are sunny and warm while winters are cold with below-freezing nights and occasional snow. Visitors should always have warm clothing, sturdy boots, gloves, and protective headgear available if they plan to visit the lava tube caves. Bumpcaps for caving are sold at the visitor center. Bike helmets also work well. Click herefor Monthly Averages.

 

DIRECTIONS:

Visitors travelling south on Highway 139 (from Oregon) will see signs four miles south of Tulelake directing them into Lava Beds. Visitors travelling north on Highway 139 (from Alturas) will see signs 27 miles north of Canby directing them into Lava Beds.

 

TRANSPORTATION:

To Park: Access by State Highway 139 and county roads. Klamath Falls, Oregon, is serviced by an airport and bus station. In Park: Personal Vehicle, bicycle.

 

FEES, COSTS, RATES:

Entry fee is $4.00 per vehicle or $2.00 per motorcycle, bicycle or walk-in. Call for commercial tour fees. Camping is $10.00 per night summer, $6.00 per night off-season. A group site is available by reservation for $2.00 per person up to a maximum of $40.00.

 

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

Things to see and do on your own

Visitor Center/Exhibits:

Indian Well Visitor Center is located at the southern end of the Monument. Just outside, Mushpot Cave is lighted during business hours and contains exhibits describing lava tube geology.

Junior Ranger Program

Trails, Roads:

A paved road winds the length of Lava Beds National Monument with dirt roads leading to sites off the main road. There are several hiking trails, three of which are self-guiding interpretive trails.

 

There are over 25 miles of wilderness and other back country hiking trails. Even on a day hike there is little chance of meeting another person. The rare back country camper is virtually certain of isolation. No back country camping permit is required, but checking in at the visitor center is appreciated. Self-contained stoves only, no campfires. There is no water available in the back country.

Programs/Activities:

Walks, evening slide programs, and cave tours are offered daily during the summer. Ranger-guided activities are available by reservation during the rest of the year.

 

Lodging and camping facilities:

Indian Well Campground in the south end of the park has 40 campsites suitable for tents and small to medium-sized RVs. Fees are $10.00 during the summer and $6.00 off-season. Water and flush toilets are available in the summer, dry camping and pit toilets the rest of the year. One group site is available by reservation, the other sites are available on a first-come first-served basis. Fire wood collecting is not permitted at the campground but is allowed 1/4 mile from the developed area and at least 100 feet from any road or trail. No lodging is available within the monument.

 

Food/supplies:

None in park. Nearest stores are at Tionesta (14 miles south) and Tulelake (30 miles north).

 

Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:

A bookstore operated by the Lava Beds Natural History Association is located at the visitor center.

Accessibility:

The visitor center, restrooms, and one campsite are accessible.

 

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:

Explore the geology of a shield volcano, including visiting several lava tube caves; visit Captain Jacks's Stronghold and other historic sites to learn the story of the Modoc War; visit pictograph and petroglyph sites to glimpse the prehistory of the area.

 

RESERVATION/PERMITS

Reservations for school groups or other educational groups should be made at least three weeks prior to the visit. Group site reservations are available for Indian Well Campground. Film and special use permits should be arranged in advance and are handled on a case-by-case basis. Call for additional information .

 

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Spend at least a day for a taste of both geologic and historic sites.

SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS;

Modoc Gathering each July which includes dancing, drumming, sweats, elders' panels, storytelling, and feasting. Call for dates.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:

Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges and Modoc National Forest which included Medicine Lake and Glass Mountain.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Write or call monument headquarters.