Lava Beds National Monument
National Monument · California
NPS Photo / Nathan Charlton
National monument in California, United States
Lava Beds National Monument is located in northeastern California, in Siskiyou and Modoc counties. The monument lies on the northeastern flank of Medicine Lake Volcano, which is the largest volcano by area in the Cascade Range.
About Lava Beds National Monument
Lava Beds National Monument is a land of turmoil, both geological and historical. Over the last half-million years, volcanic eruptions on the Medicine Lake shield volcano have created a rugged landscape dotted with diverse volcanic features. More than 800 caves, Native American rock art sites, historic battlefields and campsites, and a high desert wilderness experience await you!
Park Photos
Activities
Operating Hours
Lava Beds National Monument
The park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. The visitor center is typically only closed on Christmas Day but will sometimes temporarily close in the winter due to weather or maintenance. Temporary closures are usually posted as an alert and/or on our social media. For visitor center hours please the Visitor Center section below.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Lava Beds National Monument?
Entrance - Private Vehicle: $25.00. Park Entrance is $25 per vehicle and is good for 7 days. Entrance - Motorcycle: $20.00. Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Entrance - Per Person: $15.00. Park Entrance is $15 per person and is good for 7 days.
What are the best activities at Lava Beds National Monument?
Popular activities at Lava Beds National Monument include: Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, Astronomy, Stargazing, Biking, Road Biking, Camping, Backcountry Camping.
What is the weather like at Lava Beds National Monument?
Park elevations range from 4,000 to 5,700 feet. Cold weather is possible any time of year, and snow has been recorded in all months. Winter daytime highs average 40°F; lows average 20°F. Morning fog is frequent from autumn through spring. Summer daytime highs average 75° to 80°F; lows average 50°F. Occasional thunderstorms occur in summer.
How do I get to Lava Beds National Monument?
Lava Beds is a truly remote park, in a corner of California most people never visit. Most roads into this area wind through mountains, and along rivers, and travel may take longer than expected. Services are few and far between and winter driving conditions can be encountered anytime between fall and spring.
Entrance Fees
Park Entrance is $25 per vehicle and is good for 7 days.
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Park Entrance is $15 per person and is good for 7 days.
Weather
Park elevations range from 4,000 to 5,700 feet. Cold weather is possible any time of year, and snow has been recorded in all months. Winter daytime highs average 40°F; lows average 20°F. Morning fog is frequent from autumn through spring. Summer daytime highs average 75° to 80°F; lows average 50°F. Occasional thunderstorms occur in summer.
Directions
Lava Beds is a truly remote park, in a corner of California most people never visit. Most roads into this area wind through mountains, and along rivers, and travel may take longer than expected. Services are few and far between and winter driving conditions can be encountered anytime between fall and spring.
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Official Resources
NPS Official WebsiteMore Parks in California
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