Lava Beds National Monument
Lava Beds National Monument is a land of turmoil, both geological and historical.
Photo: NPS Photo / Nathan Charlton / NPS
About Lava Beds National Monument
Lava Beds National Monument is a land of turmoil, both geological and historical. Over the last half-million years, volcanic eruptions on the Medicine Lake shield volcano have created a rugged landscape dotted with diverse volcanic features. More than 800 caves, Native American rock art sites, historic battlefields and campsites, and a high desert wilderness experience await you!
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Driving times from Lava Beds National Monument, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$25.00Park Entrance is $25 per vehicle and is good for 7 days.
Entrance - Motorcycle
$20.00Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entrance - Per Person
$15.00Park Entrance is $15 per person and is good for 7 days.
Hours
Lava Beds National Monument
- Mon
- All Day
- Tue
- All Day
- Wed
- All Day
- Thu
- All Day
- Fri
- All Day
- Sat
- All Day
- Sun
- All Day
Activities
Getting there
Park elevations range from 4,000 to 5,700 feet. Cold weather is possible any time of year, and snow has been recorded in all months. Winter daytime highs average 40°F; lows average 20°F. Morning fog is frequent from autumn through spring. Summer daytime highs average 75° to 80°F; lows average 50°F. Occasional thunderstorms occur in summer.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to enter Lava Beds National Monument?
- Entrance to Lava Beds National Monument starts at $15. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.
- What is there to do at Lava Beds National Monument?
- Popular activities include Astronomy, Auto and ATV, Backcountry Camping, Backcountry Hiking, Biking, Birdwatching.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Lava Beds National Monument?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Tule Lake National Monument (49 min), Crater Lake National Park (2 h 39 min), Lassen Volcanic National Park (3 h 15 min), Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve (4 h 6 min), Whiskeytown National Recreation Area (4 h 18 min), Redwood National and State Parks (5 h 2 min).