Visit Lava Beds National Monument in Northern California
Lava Beds National Monument, located in far northeastern California near the Oregon border, is a striking landscape of volcanic features, rugged terrain, and underground adventure. Carved over thousands of years by eruptions from the Medicine Lake Volcano, the area is home to more than 800 lava tube caves, one of the largest concentrations in North America. Visitors can explore a range of caves from easy walk-through tunnels to complex, challenging systems, all while taking in the stark beauty of high desert terrain dotted with sagebrush, juniper, and volcanic rock. The monument also preserves rich cultural history, including Native American rock art and Modoc War sites.
One of the highlights along the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway is Lava Beds National Monument, a rugged volcanic landscape in northeastern California. This 500-mile All-American Road stretches from Lassen Volcanic National Park in California to Crater Lake in Oregon, connecting some of the most dramatic geologic features in the Cascade Range. Along the way, travelers pass through lava fields, alpine lakes, wildlife refuges, and massive volcanic formations that tell the dramatic story of the region’s fiery past. Lava Beds offers a raw, immersive glimpse into this volcanic legacy with its lava tubes, cinder cones, spatter cones, and collapsed craters.
For those planning a road trip along the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, St. Bernard Lodge is a convenient and welcoming base near Lassen Volcanic National Park, roughly three hours southwest of Lava Beds. This rustic lodge offers comfortable rooms, hearty meals, and easy access to Lassen’s geothermal wonders like Bumpass Hell and boiling springs. It’s a great stop before or after your visit to Lava Beds National Monument, allowing you to explore both ends of the scenic byway while enjoying warm hospitality and beautiful mountain surroundings. Book your stay today!
Plan Ahead for the Best Visit to Lava Beds National Monument
Lava Beds National Monument, located in the remote northeast corner of California, is a rugged landscape shaped by thousands of years of volcanic activity. Set on the northeast flank of the Medicine Lake Volcano, the largest volcano in the Cascade Range by volume, the monument is home to more than 800 lava tube caves, the highest concentration in the continental U.S.
Visitors can explore underground tunnels formed by cooling lava flows, as well as walk the surface among cinder cones, spatter cones, and hardened lava fields. Above ground, the monument also protects Modoc rock art sites and historic battlefields from the Modoc War of 1872–73, offering a powerful glimpse into the region’s deep cultural and geological history.
Things to Know Before Visiting Lava Beds National Monument:
- When you arrive at Lava Beds National Monument, your first stop should be the Visitor Center. Here, you can pick up maps, get personalized cave recommendations based on your experience level, and dive into the area’s rich volcanic and cultural history. Interactive displays explain how the lava beds were formed, offering helpful context before you explore.
- The Visitor Center is also the place to find out about ranger-led programs, including guided cave tours, nature walks, and historic site walks, great options if you want to explore with an expert.
- Bring multiple light sources as most caves are unlit and pitch black inside. Bring at least two reliable flashlights or headlamps per person, plus extra batteries. If you forget to bring flashlights, the Visitor Center has flashlights available to borrow or purchase.
- The lava tube floors are uneven and rocky. Closed-toe shoes or hiking boots are essential for safety and comfort. Much of the landscape is exposed with minimal tree cover, plan for minimal shade. Bring sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen to stay safe while exploring above ground.
- Surface temperatures can be hot in summer, but the caves stay cool year-round (around 55°F). Dress in layers for comfort. Long sleeves and pants are also recommended for cave exploration.
- Cave Permits are required for anyone entering the caves, to help prevent the spread of White-Nose Syndrome among bats. They’re free and available at the visitor center.
- Some caves may be closed seasonally for bat protection or due to hazards. Stop at the visitor center or check the park website for current conditions.
- The monument is remote with no food, gas, or lodging on-site. Plan ahead and bring all essentials, including water, snacks, and a full tank of gas.
- Don’t rely on your phone for navigation or communication, there is minimal cell service at the Lava Beds National Monument. Download maps and directions ahead of time. The Visitor Center has Wi-Fi.
- Respect important cultural and historical sites. Petroglyph Point and other areas contain sacred Modoc sites and ancient rock art. Look, learn, but do not touch or disturb.
The Best Lassen National Park Lodging for Your Volcanic Scenic Byway Roadtrip
Our Lassen National Park Lodging is ideally located along the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, making it a convenient stop for travelers exploring both Lava Beds National Monument and Lassen Volcanic National Park. Positioned between these two geologic landmarks, the lodge offers easy access to the rugged lava tube caves of Lava Beds and the steaming fumaroles, alpine lakes, and hydrothermal features of Lassen. Whether you’re on a multi-day road trip or a weekend getaway, our Lodge is a strategic base for discovering the dramatic volcanic landscapes of northern California.
Our rustic Lodge in Northern California offers a variety of amenities that enhance your stay beyond just a place to sleep. Guests can enjoy hearty breakfasts and home-cooked dinners in the on-site dining room, as well as relax with a drink in the cozy bar and lounge. Outside, there’s space to stretch out after a day of hiking or caving, with open grounds, a pond, and access to nearby trails for walking or horseback riding. Wi-Fi is available for guests needing to stay connected, and our staff is happy to provide local tips and maps to help plan your visit to Lava Beds or Lassen Volcanic Park.
While you can always camp at Lassen National Park, our lodging offers a clean and welcoming environment, providing a comfortable place to rest after a day of adventure. Each room is individually decorated with rustic charm, and the peaceful mountain setting makes it easy to recharge for the next day’s exploration. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, our lodge provides a warm, down-to-earth atmosphere that fits well with the outdoor spirit of the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. For travelers seeking lodging near Lava Beds National Monument or Lassen National Park, St. Bernard Lodge provides a convenient and friendly home base. Reserve your room today!
