Lava Beds National Monument
add photosLava Beds National Monument features the largest concentration of lava tubes in North America (more than 700 caves). Families also enjoy discovering the Native American rock art sites, historic battlefields and campsites, and high desert wilderness. Junior ranger program available.
Index of things to do brochures from the National Park Service http://www.nps.gov/labe/planyourvisit/brochures.htm
Visitor's center open 8:30am-5:00 pm daily.
3 Reviews for Lava Beds National Monument
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11 family found this helpful
"WOW!!!! Who Knew?!"
Out in the middle of no where...but SOOO worth the drive!
We drove out there and were impressed by the nice Vistor's Center. Well worth it to leave them your license in exchange for the heavy duty flashlights they will loan you. Purchase the hard hats there...well worth NOT nicking your head on the many rock overhangs while walking in caves. Easily done on your own with the self-guided map. We also signed up for the guided tour to the Chocolate Cave...even though we had never caved before...and with 2 8 year olds...we did great!
We went in summer, and did not need jackets inside the caves, but DO BRING water bottles. You can fill them up at the Visitor Center. Great bathrooms at the Visitor Center too. Little snack stand and many great park items too.
Great story of Indians holding off 'white men' and you actually get to walk the same path...gave me goosebumps!
We all loved it!
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0 families found this helpful
"Not for small kids"
I disagree that this is for all ages. It's rough terrain with lots of rocks and brush and there can be snakes. I would say this would be best for around 10 years and older. Definately not stroller friendly. Some caves require climbing ladders. There is one lighted cave at the visitor center that's relatively easy.
0 families found this helpful
"Fun with the Family"
Get started on exploring the spectacular, unusual geologic and historic sites at Lava Beds by spending time at the new visitor center, where exhibits and videos explain what you will see.
You can borrow lanterns and helmets here for self-guided and ranger-led tours of the lava tubes— there are more than 400 of them (I recommend only guided tours, for safety’s sake). A popular lighted cave, Mushpot has a mile of fascinating catacombs, and Skull Cave is a 750-foot-tall chamber with ice floors.
Although most of the sights are underground, you can also see a lot on walking trails. The Schonchin Butte 0.75-mile trail leads to a panoramic view from the fire lookout, which is staffed from June to September; ask the rangers about the Junior Fire Lookout badge. There are Modoc Indian War battlefields, spatter cones, craters, lava flows, petroglyphs, and more wild and crazy landscape.
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