The Lava Beds National Monument is located in Northern California, just over two hours from the Crystalwood Lodge.  The drive is easy and pleasurable; the landscape transforming from tall forest to open desert, dotted with small towns and large farms. 

Visitors are welcomed to the monument by a vast expanse of land covered with dark black igneous rock, piled and scattered like the crumbles of an enormous chocolate cookie.  Along the main road to the visitors’ center, there are several turn-offs for exploration of trails and old lava tubes.  These tubes were created by volcanic activity from the Medicine Lake shield volcano – the most recent eruptions occurring as recently as 1000 years ago!

One of the most intriguing of these old lava tubes is the Skull Cave, which is quite impressive in size and has a uniquely colored residue on the rocks overhead.  The cave derives its name from the variety of bones that early settlers discovered within it, a testimony to the location’s cultural significance for the Modoc Indians who once settled the land.  After a relatively steep descent, visitors will find themselves in the chilly bottom of the tube.  Using a flashlight, one can see that the rock is actually covered in a layer of ice – which seems completely unbelievable given the temperatures outside!  In the early 1900’s, these underground ice patches were once used as resorts where guests could go skating and have dinner

About ½ an hour from the entrance, visitors will find the “cave loop” which can be explored with or without a tour guide.  Don’t be fooled by the “more challenging/less challenging” ratings on the park brochure: some of the “more challenging” caves only require a bit of bending and ducking!     

The Lava Beds National Monument is a good day trip that nicely compliments a trip to Crater Lake, and one of the many recreation activities to be found in the vicinity of the Crystalwood Lodge.  The volcanic history of this area is not only fascinating for geology buffs, but an inexpensive and interesting adventure for visitors young and old.  During the summer, the monument is open 8 am – 6pm daily and costs $10 per vehicle to enter.  The monument lends out flashlights without charge, but well-prepared visitors should come equipped with good walking shoes, sunscreen, a sweater and plenty of water.

Additional information can be found at http://www.nps.gov/labe

Summer visitors can enjoy a variety of activities at the Lava Beds including cave tours, campfire programs and special events.  For information on upcoming events, Angela Sutton can be contacted at 530.667.8113

Entering into Skull Cave at Lava Beds National Monument