Lava Beds National Monument

Things To Do Near Lava Beds National Monument

The Lava Beds National Monument is a fascinating park and a huge area to explore. Imagine what it was like thousands of years ago when lava was pouring down the mountain. Now you can see what was left behind, exploring caves and lava tubes. Hiking trails provide spectacular views of the area. Enjoy the rugged high desert while you are learning the history of this secluded park.

Hiking Trails

• Schonchin Butte Lookout Trail

  Schonchin Butte Lookout Trail is a bit of a climb, but the view from the top is stunning. This is a busy hiking trail that features a gorgeous array of wildflowers. There is dirt parking at the trailhead but no facilities, so your RV will come in handy. There is nice signage on the trail and a chance to check out the lookout tower. Be sure to bring a water bottle and a camera. 

  Location

  Across from the parking area at the base of Schonchin Butte near Tulelake, CA

  Length

  1.5 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Whitney Butte Trail

  Whitney Butte Trail is a lightly trafficked area and the perfect place to spot beautiful wildlife. You will be hiking through brush and juniper trees surrounded by a volcanic rock to explore. This is a wonderful area to explore the geology and high desert landscape. 

  Location

  Merrill Cave Road, Tulelake, CA 96134

  Length

  7.4 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Sunshine Caves

  Sunshine Caves is a fascinating walk with a great chance to see wildlife. Once you get to the cave, you will have to do a little ducking, but sunshine comes through in multiple spots. You will need to stop by and get a free permit to go into the caves. You also need to make use of the decontamination stations to protect the wild bats inside. 

  Location

  Cave Loop Road, Tulelake, CA 96134

  Length

  1.4 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Mushpot Cave

  Mushpot Cave is a heavily trafficked area that is partially paved. This is an easy cave and walk, good for older visitors or kids. It is such a great way to get little ones excited early about caving. This one is the easiest of all the caves in the area and is the perfect place to start for beginners. It is the perfect introduction to the lava tunnels. The cave is also full of informative signs telling you how the lava tubes were formed and the wildlife that lives there now. 

  Location

  Visitor Center Trail, Tulelake, CA 96134

  Length

  0.3 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge

  The Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge is located just north of the Lava Beds and was established by President Calvin Coolidge to be a preserve and breeding ground for wild birds and animals. The refuge covers over 39,000 acres of lake and cropland. It is a staging area for migrations of Canadian geese. You will also see eagles and raptors as well as a variety of mammals like mule deer, beaver, coyote, raccoons, and many more. 

  Location

  4009 Hill Road, Tulelake, CA 96134

• Captain Jack’s Stronghold

  Captain Jack’s Stronghold is a great place to hike while learning about the history of the Modoc people. There is a restaurant here where you can take a break to enjoy a good meal. Keep an eye out for mule deer or other animals while you are exploring. The trail is well-marked, easy to navigate, and full of fascinating information. 

  Location

  North Monument Road, Tulelake, CA 96134

• Medicine Lake

  Medicine Lake is in the Modoc National Forest, about 16 miles from the park. It is not always passable in the winter. The beautiful lake is set against a heavily forested area and has some sandy beaches. There are also picnic tables, bathrooms, and campgrounds available. 

  Location

  USFS 44 N 15

• Glass Mountain

  Glass Mountain is the youngest eruption to come from the Medicine Lake volcano, about 30 miles away from the Lava Beds. This area has an enormous concentration of obsidian and pumice that makes it sparkle and glow like glass. The trail to the mountain can cover some rough terrain and be hard to follow sometimes.

  Location

  Modoc National Forest, Tulelake, CA 96134

Museums

• Tule Lake Museum

  The Tule Lake Museum is a small facility that captures a big piece of local history. There are Native American petroglyphs and internment camp items. There is information about the Modoc War and the largest Japanese internment camp. Rangers on duty can answer your questions, so it is a chance to learn a lot about the area. 

  Location

  800 Main Street, Tulelake, CA 96134

• Tulelake Unit of WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument

  This monument honors local veterans with a little gem of a park. There are homemade, life-sized cutouts of soldiers, plaques, flagpoles, and small memorials to help the residents remember their local war heroes. It is a little area to honor heroes and enjoy a picnic lunch. 

  Location

  800 Main Street, Tulelake, CA 96134

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Don’s Deli and Market

  This is the perfect little shop for grabbing a few things before heading out to the more rural areas. They offer snacks, coffee, and a variety of groceries. Grab a deli sandwich for the road.

  Location

  45690 CA-139, Tulelake, CA 96134

• Vallarta Grocery

  Vallarta Grocery offers ethnic food and groceries. They also offer other items like tents, tools, and blankets. They offer fair, competitive prices as well as friendly customer service. 

  Location

  348 Main Street, Tulelake, CA 96134

• Mike and Wanda’s Family Dining

  Mike and Wanda’s is a ranch-style restaurant with good home cooking. You will go in for the good prices, stay because of the excellent customer service, and leave with your belly full. Be sure to try one of their tasty milkshakes. The atmosphere and décor make this a pleasant place to enjoy dinner.

  Location

  423 Modoc Avenue, Tulelake, CA 96134

• Señor Tequila

  Señor Tequila offers excellent Mexican food and is also vegetarian-friendly. They serve lunch, brunch, and dinner. They have large portions of delicious food with every order. The food is very authentic, and the staff is nice. You can enjoy meals that are not too spicy if you prefer. 

  Location

  337 Main Street, Tulelake, CA 96134

How To Get To Lava Beds National Monument

The closest bigger city to Lava Beds is Klamath Falls, Oregon. From Klamath Falls, merge onto US-97 South. At Exit 277, use the right lane to take OR-66. Turn left onto OR-140 E/OR-66 E. Follow OR-140 East over Klamath River and east to OR-39 South. Before you reach Merrill, turn right onto Merrill Road and head for the California border. Turn left onto CA-161 East. At Ainsworth Corner, turn right onto Hill Road. Travel south past the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Turn right onto Road 10/Hill Road/Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. 

Address

1 Indian Well Heights, Tulelake, CA 96134

Fee: Entry fee (per vehicle) $25.0

Fee: Entry fee (per motorcycle) $20.0

Fee: Entry fee (per pedestrian, bicyclist, or horseback rider) $15.0

Lava Beds National Monument is a wonderful treasure in northeastern California. This is your chance to get up close and learn about volcanoes as you explore the caves, hike in nature’s beauty, and enjoy the small-town culture. This is the perfect spot to travel by RV since the area is remote and covers a lot of lands. You will be able to take your time and enjoy truly experiencing rock formations and caves created so long ago.