Hike Through Lava Beds National Monument In Northern California

For more than half a million years, volcanic eruptions on the Medicine Lake shield volcano have shaped the surrounding landscape in unique and fascinating ways. The result is Lava Beds National Monument, a national park boasting incredible geological features.

Explore more than 800 caves, historic battle sites, ancient Native American rock art pieces, campsites, and stretches of desert wilderness in this park.

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These caves were formed between 10,000 and 65,000 years ago as lava that had flowed from the nearby volcano cooled and left emptied tubes and caves behind. Walking through the park is like traveling back in time. Who needs Jurassic Park when you can stroll through Lava Beds National Monument and experience a prehistoric landscape?

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Mushpot Cave is just one example of the complex and diverse cave systems in the park. This is the only lighted cave and it contains a few exhibits about the geology of the area. This is a great place to start your exploration. It provides foundational knowledge about the area and allows you to safely acclimate to the lighting and footing of the caves.

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There are a number of caves that have been developed to have trails and stairs to ease exploration. Most of these adventures are along Cave Loop, a two-mile road close by to the visitor center. These caves are especially recommended when exploring with children.

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Developed caves vary in hiking difficulty from least difficult to moderate and then most challenging. Be sure to check the cave difficulty before heading out.

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Many cave creatures such as crickets, rubber boas, millipedes, and bats live in these caverns. Watch your head during your hike!

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If you’re a bold adventurer, pack up your hiking boots and head to Lava Beds National Monument to explore the caves created tens of thousands of years ago by volcanic eruptions.