National Monument · California
Lava Beds National Monument
The most lava-tube caves in North America
TypeNational Monument
StateCalifornia
Best seasonLate spring through fall
Don’t missLava-tube caves
A volcanic tableland in far Northern California riddled with hundreds of lava-tube caves you can explore by headlamp, plus Modoc War history and superb dark skies. Bring a light and go underground.
What to see
- Mushpot & Valentine caves
- Skull Cave ice
- Schonchin Butte lookout
- Petroglyph Point
- Captain Jack’s Stronghold
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