Map of Lava Beds National Monument in California

Lava Beds National Monument is on the north face of the Medicine  Lake shield volcano, the largest in the Cascade Range. Numerous cinder  cones, spatter cones, and lava flows cover the landscape, as well as  more than 450 lava-tube caves. The monument also contains sites  associated with the Modoc War of 1872-73, including Captain Jack's  Stronghold, a natural fortress used by Modoc Indians for four months to  withstand a siege by the U.S. Army. A separate site—Petroglyph  Point—contains an outstanding collection of Native American rock art.  The site was proclaimed in 1925 and transferred from the Forest Service  in 1933.    

WHAT TO SEE & DO    

Bird-watching, cave exploration, picnicking, walking.  Facilities: Visitor center (Indian Well), Mushpot Cave interpretive  trail. Book sale area, picnic tables. Programs & Events: Fern Cave  tour (year-round on Sat.; June-Sept, on Tues.; reservations required).  Guided walks, cave tours, evening programs, living-history programs  (mid-May-mid-Sept.); Crystal Cave tours (Dec-Mar, Sat. only;  reservations required). Modoc Reunion-Gathering (annually). Tips &  Hints: Watch for low ceilings, steep trails and stairways, and uneven  footing in lava-tube caves. Carry more than one light source (free at  visitor center). Wear hard-sole shoes and protective headgear (nominal  charge at visitor center). Notify ranger if exploring caves not listed  in park brochure or if using own lighting equipment. Watch for  rattlesnakes. Busiest July and Aug., least crowded Jan. and Feb.    

FOOD, LODGING & SUPPLIES    

Camping: In the park: Indian Wells (40 sites; $10; flush  toilets). Backcountry camping allowed.  Hotels: None in park. In  Tulelake: Fey s Bed & Breakfast (660 Main St., tel. 530/667-5145; 7  rooms; $50-$60). X Restaurants: None in park. In Tulelake: Mike &  Wandas (423 Modock Ave., tel. 530/667-3226; $8-$17).  Groceries &  Gear: None  in park. In Tulelake: Jock's Supermarket (395 Modock Ave.,  tel. 530/ 667-2612).    

FEES, HOURS & REGULATIONS    

Entrance fee: $3 for pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles; $5 per  vehicle. No hunting, gathering of specimens, or collecting souvenirs. No  pets in caves or on trails. No trail bikes, motorized vehicles on  trails. No back-country fires. Park grounds open year-round. Visitor  center open Memorial Day-Labor Day, daily 8-6; Labor Day-Memorial Day,  daily 8-5.    

HOW TO GET THERE    

24 mi from Tulelake and 58 mi from Klamath Falls, OR, off Rte. 139. Closest airport: Klamath Falls.    

CONTACT    

Lava Beds National Monument (Box 867, Tulelake, CA 96134, tel. 530/ 667-2282, fax 530/667-2737,).    

Lava Beds National Monument. How to get by car to the Lava Beds  National Monument. How to book a room and its price in the Lava Beds  National Monument