Exploring the lava tube caves is undeniably a rewarding adventure. The caves align precisely with... read more
Exploring the lava tube caves is undeniably a rewarding adventure. The caves align precisely with... read more
Lava Tubes and caves and lava field and the Modoc wars!!! We went in every cave that was open... read more
Fantastic visit where I learnt about and explored Lava tubes. These are such unique geological features, and so impressive. Suggest to start with a visit to the visitor center. The rangers can guide you with the best activities for your interests and available time.
I visited MushPot and Skull Cave, both very impressive Lava Tubes. I would love to visit again and spend more time in this unique National Monument.
If you're into exploring caves or underground passages, make a stop here. Well off the main road, so expect quite a drive (entrance from the southern end is via dirt road at times, entrance via northern end is very long - watch for radar traps). Bring flashlights or back up batteries - tubes are pitch black once you enter. Visitor centre displays explain how the tubes were formed and have flashlights you can borrow (leave your driver's license, get it back when light returned). One short, cave is light with rope lighting on the paved pathway - also has explanations on what you are seeing. Park map lists caves as easy/moderate/difficult, the length of the cave and whether or not it is a loop with different entrance or one you have to retrace your route to get out. Except for lit cave, all tubes are rock scramble type (path is not paved, uneven in places and in some you have to climb over obstructions - depending on level of difficulty). Depending on how much you want to explore, you can spend as little as a few hours here or several days. Definitely worth the time for a visit when in the area.
We visited Lava Beds when there were a lot of forest fires happening At times, it looked like the lava was still smoking. There were some interesting sites to see. if you are into caves, there are many that you can visit. However, you need to visit the Visitor's information Center first. We didn't visit any, but still enjoyed our visit.
The visitors center is a great place to ask questions and get hardhats with lights and detailed maps of the caves (no additional charge). You can go at your leisure through any cave. The map will tell you difficulty of the caves and the caves route. You can see several caves in a day, but it is better to plan several days if you want to see all the caves. There is no guided tour, so you can take your time and visit caves in whatever order and when you want. There are two caves that are protected and require a guide. They are difficult to book a tour, as they fill up really fast. There is a gift shop in the visitors center and it is a good idea to see what lecture activities are planned during your visit, as you may want to attend. The Park Rangers are very nice and helpful. Bring food and beverages. Wear sturdy shoes and clothing for the caves the more difficult caves. Caves are cooler so also bring a light jacket.
We are geologists, naturally like volcanoes and such, but this place is far more than just educational. Never expected the high level of organization, the care, the accessibility for visitors of all levels. Absolutely loved the rough non lighted caves, yet safe enough for non-cavers. That was an experience. The whole area is amazing. Didn't know about it being a giant volcano. Wish we had a few days there.
This Monument is well off the beaten path. It is tucked up in the Northeastern corner of California, and it is not easy to get to. We had to wend our way around the forest fires to get here, but it was worth it. It took longer than we expected, so we didn' t have more than a few hours in the park. You could easily spend a couple of days exploring the lava tubes. There is camping available. We did several of the easier caves. We were able to purchase inexpensive LED flashlights at the visitor center. They have free flashlights to borrow, but we wouldn't have been able to return them before closing, so we bought ours. We started with a cave right near the visitor center. It has lighting, but the lighting wasn't working very well. So we were glad to have our own lights. Easily accessible does NOT mean smooth. The path was still rocky and uneven, and you had to be able to duck down in a few spots. We did another set of tubes on the loop that were connected. That one took some time, and while you did not have to duck or crawl, you had to pick your way across very uneven ground and rocks. It would be difficult for someone with mobility problems. My teenagers did another couple of caves. They said the petroglyphs were dificult to see. The ice cave floor wasn't accessible while we were there. If you are someone that likes adventure or spelunking, it would be worth your time to plan a couple of days for a camping trip here. You are allowed in the caves 24/7.