Lava Beds National Monument

Lava Beds National Monument encompasses a total area of about 46,500 acres of land that is located in northern California, near the border between California and Oregon. The Lava Beds National Monument spreads across the land in two different counties in California, Siskiyou, and Modoc counties. 

One of the major cities that is located close to the park is Tulelake in California. The park was established on November 21, 1925, under the Forest Service before being transferred to the National Park Service on August 10, 1933. On October 13, 1972, Lava Beds National Monument was designated a wilderness.

To access the park, visitors can use several different routes including using Highway 139 from Oregon where visitors will see signs from about four miles south of Tulelake directing them into Lava Beds National Monument. For visitors traveling north on Highway 139 from Alturas, the should look for a sign about 27 miles north of Canby directing them into the park.

Several features make the Lava Beds National Monument an exciting place to visit. First, the park has diverse flora and fauna including one of the most significant concentrations of raptor birds, like the bald eagle, in any place outside Alaska, that prefer to stay here during the cold winter months. 

Secondly, the park has attractive geological features including volcanic activity that has spewed molten rock and lava in the area to form rugged terrain. This rough terrain was used by Native Americans during the Modoc Indian War that lasted between 1872 and 1873 and hence the place also has some historical significance as well. 

Besides these attractions, the park is also a favorite place for visitors to enjoy horseback riding, cave tours, camping, cross-country skiing, wildlife viewing, hiking, and ranger-guided programs. If you have a doggie, you can bring them into Lava Beds National Monument, but you will have to ensure that you keep them well-behaved and under your immediate control at all times.