One of our proudest sites in East Siskiyou just happens to be turning 100 years old this year. Well, actually the features that make up Lava Beds National Monument are over a half-million years old, but this location was established as a national monument in November of 1925, making it 100 years that people have been exploring and enjoying the underground wonders and remote landscape in and around this nationally recognized site.
Visitor’s Center
We recommend you start your journey at the visitor’s center. The rangers there are super knowledgeable and can make suggestions as to where to go based on your abilities and the level of adventure you are seeking. You can also purchase your required permit here, and borrow flashlights, helmets, and knee pads which will come in handy. Keep in mind that if you are going to explore caves, it tends to get darker and colder the deeper you go so bring a headlamp or flashlight and an extra layer just in case. The visitor’s center also offers education about safety in the area and caving, after a brief visit, you are ready to explore!
Geology
Lava Beds National Monument is a hot spot to visit, (quite literally) and contains a wide variety of volcanic formations, including lava tube caves, cinder cones, spatter cones, pit craters, maars, lava flows, volcanic fields and more for Geology enthusiasts. The source of the volcanism and rugged landforms both above and underground is the Medicine Lake Shield Volcano which is the largest volcano by volume in the entire Cascade Range! Lava Beds has over 900 lava tubes, with 27 having marked entrances and developed trails for public access and exploration. The lava tube caves are an awe-inspiring feature that many say you need more than a day of exploring for all there is to discover and learn!
Petroglyph Point
The archaeological site, Petroglyph Point, one of the largest panels of Native American rock art in the United States. Located southeast of Siskiyou’s Tulelake, the petroglyphs found here are estimated to be between 2,000- and 6,000 years old and made up mostly of geometric patterns instead of people and animals which are the most commonly found images in ancient art. This site was once an island on the ancient Tule Lake and was historically occupied by the Modoc people. This is truly wild and inspiring to see in person!
Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway
A 500-mile route running North- South along the Cascade Range past numerous volcanoes, state parks. wildlife refuges, and national forests in Oregon and Northern California. The Scenic byway passes through Siskiyou and through and Lava Beds National Monument. This is a great way to see the landscape of the greater region and also stop off in other Siskiyou destinations along the way.
Glass Mountain
The most recent eruption of Medicine Lake Shield Volcano was about 1,000 years ago and created a steep rhyolite and dacite obsidian flow. The Glass Mountain Trail is a treeless 4.9 mile round trip that offers views of the lava flow and basaltic deposits. This landscape might look like something from another planet as it is covered in deposits of sharp, shiny black glass.
Modoc War
In the winter of 1872 and 1873, the area was the site of the Modoc War, where a small band of Modoc Indians was besieged by a US Army force outnumbering them as much as ten to one. The majority of the battlefields of this conflict, known as the Modoc War, are located within the monument and are still preserved today. An overview of the events of the war and sites to visit can be explored further on our Modoc War Sites & Audio Tour.
Art of Survival Century and Gravel Bicycle Ride
A fun way to explore East Siskiyou and the Lava Beds National Monument each Memorial Day Weekend, would be on two wheels at this fun and inspiring cycling event. The Art of Survival Century and Gravel Bicycle Ride offers a variety of routes for all skill levels and passes though scenic and historic places. Each rest stop has educational components highlighting the geology, cultural history, and geography of the area. The 2025 event will highlight the 100th Anniversary of Lava Beds National Monumnet and its significance. More info can be found about the event here!
Protecting the Monument for Future Visitors
Lava Beds has been a visitor spot for 100 years and we want to keep it that way for many more! Remember to take only photos as the items contained in the National Monument are considered America’s treasures as if they were in a gallery or museum. It is illegal to take stones, arrowheads, pick flowers or remove or other features from the park. You can read more about Lava Beds National Monument here.