Northern California is home to some pretty spectacular landscapes, from the waterfalls and granite cliffs of Yosemite to the rugged cliffs and redwood forests of the North Coast. Featured here is one landscape that every outdoor enthusiast should spend time exploring: Lava Beds National Monument. This vast swath of land is a geologic wonder shaped from volcanic eruptions. Home to numerous lava tubes, you could easily spend an entire day hiking through dozens of caves and still not see ’em all! Here’s why you need to plan a trip to Lava Beds pronto.
Editor’s Note: Please proceed with caution. Exploring certain pockets of nature can be dangerous and should be treated accordingly.
One of the most surreal landscapes in Northern California can be found at Lava Beds National Monument in Siskiyou and Modoc Counties. Featuring 46,000 acres of lava tubes, shrubland desert, and ancient volcanic flows, there's always an adventure to be had here.
The Lava Beds landscape is beyond unique, shaped by volcanic eruptions that have taken place over the last half-million years. The area is estimated to have more than 800 caves in addition to endless volcanic features, historic battlefields, Native American rock art sites, and pure high desert wilderness.
If you enjoy caving, a visit to Lava Beds is probably already on your bucket list. The caves here are otherworldly and easily explored via developed trails. There are over two dozen caves with marked entrances that are open for public access and exploration.
Lava Beds sits on the north face of the Medicine Lake Shield Volcano. These lava tube caves were created by lava flows 10,500 to 65,000 years ago! Lava tubes are formed when lava begins to cool and solidify on the top and sides, so the lava inside empties and drains to leave a tube behind.
Exploring the caves can feel like exploring another planet. It's simply unlike anything you'd see aboveground. The temperature in the caves averages about 55 degrees no matter the time of year, so long pants, long sleeves, close-toed shoes (or boots, ideally) are a must.
The area was established as a national monument in 1925, but the history and cultural legacy of the lava beds stretches back thousands of years. Rock art and archaeological sites show that it's one of the longest continually occupied areas in North America. Lava Beds continues to be the home to the modern Modoc and Klamath tribes.
Lava Beds National Monument is always open to visitors. The caves and trails are open year-round, although certain areas of the park are closed due to wildfire damage. Visit the park's website to learn more and plan your visit to this geologic wonder in Northern California.
Have you explored this volcanic landscape in Northern California? There’s always an adventure to be had hiking through these ancient lava tubes. Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below!
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