| Lava Beds |
Lava Beds National Monument, established in 1925, is home to an incredible variety of
volcanic and geologic formations. Within the park's boundaries are hundreds of lava
tubes, deep caves, jagged lava flows, and dozens of cinder and spatter cones, as well
as a diverse and thriving population of flora and fauna. Few people venture out to see
the park, which is located in remote northeastern California, and where seasonal
temperatures are often unpredictable. But those who see Lava Beds are rewarded with
dozens of opportunities for hiking, cave exploring, nature walks, and a chance to see
mother nature's volcanic playground at its very best.
volcanic and geologic formations. Within the park's boundaries are hundreds of lava
tubes, deep caves, jagged lava flows, and dozens of cinder and spatter cones, as well
as a diverse and thriving population of flora and fauna. Few people venture out to see
the park, which is located in remote northeastern California, and where seasonal
temperatures are often unpredictable. But those who see Lava Beds are rewarded with
dozens of opportunities for hiking, cave exploring, nature walks, and a chance to see
mother nature's volcanic playground at its very best.
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| Photos from Summer 2007 |
Top Row, Left to Right: Tule Lake from main park road (note that the lake's level used to be at the rock
in the foreground, but drainage to make room for farmland lowered the lake's levels in the early 20th
century). Path along Captain Jack's Stronghold trail. Looking into a dried lava vent. A'a lava closeup.
Looking out from Black Crater. Second Row, Left to Right: Looking into summit of Black Crater.
Flowers along Black Crater trail. Entrance to Mushpot Cave, popular among tourists for its interpretive
signage and lit paths. Interior of Mushpot Cave, without flashlights. Valentine Cave floor (note: sturdy
shoes are required for most caves in the park!). Bottom Row, Left to Right: Valentine Cave interior.
Mouth of Valentine Cave.
in the foreground, but drainage to make room for farmland lowered the lake's levels in the early 20th
century). Path along Captain Jack's Stronghold trail. Looking into a dried lava vent. A'a lava closeup.
Looking out from Black Crater. Second Row, Left to Right: Looking into summit of Black Crater.
Flowers along Black Crater trail. Entrance to Mushpot Cave, popular among tourists for its interpretive
signage and lit paths. Interior of Mushpot Cave, without flashlights. Valentine Cave floor (note: sturdy
shoes are required for most caves in the park!). Bottom Row, Left to Right: Valentine Cave interior.
Mouth of Valentine Cave.
| Directions and Best Times to Visit |
Lava Beds National Monument is best accessed from California Hwy 139. From Klamath Falls, take
US Hwy 97 south, to Oregon Hwy 39 south, which becomes California Hwy 139 at the border. A
well-marked road leads west into the park. From Interstate 5 (San Francisco/Redding), take California
Hwy 299 east to California Hwy 139 north. Note that despite the desert setting, snow is common in the
winter and summers can get extremely hot. Check weather forecasts before planning any trip.
All photos, unless otherwise noted, taken by the author. Questions or comments? Email the author at
apezeshkpour@gmail.com.
US Hwy 97 south, to Oregon Hwy 39 south, which becomes California Hwy 139 at the border. A
well-marked road leads west into the park. From Interstate 5 (San Francisco/Redding), take California
Hwy 299 east to California Hwy 139 north. Note that despite the desert setting, snow is common in the
winter and summers can get extremely hot. Check weather forecasts before planning any trip.
All photos, unless otherwise noted, taken by the author. Questions or comments? Email the author at
apezeshkpour@gmail.com.