Rate Lava Beds National Monument
Learn and Explore
Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 275 million visitors every year. But our work doesn’t stop there.
We are proud that tribes, local governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individual citizens ask for our help in revitalizing their communities, preserving local history, celebrating local heritage, and creating close to home opportunities for kids and families to get outside, be active, and have fun.
Taking care of the national parks and helping Americans take care of their communities is a job we love, and we need—and welcome—your help and support.
Our Mission
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain a park entrance pass?
Only 118 of your 417 park sites charge entrance fees. You can obtain park entrance passes by visiting a park site that charges an entrance fee. Entrance fee sites have passes available; we recommend calling a park prior to your visit. (See the park search to locate a specific park.) There are a number of entrance passes available, including park-specific passes as well as passes that offer entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites in addition to the national parks (Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade, Access, and Volunteer passes). Learn more about the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
About this location:
National Monument
Operating Hours & Seasons
Lava Beds Visitor Center Hours
While you can visit the park 24 hours a day, the visitor center in December, January and February is only open from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. March, April, May and September, October, and November, the visitor center is open from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm. June, July, and August the visitor center is open 9:00 am – 5:30 pm.
Standard Hours
- Sunday:10:00 AM-4:00 PM
- Monday:10:00 AM-4:00 PM
- Tuesday:10:00 AM-4:00 PM
- Wednesday:10:00 AM-4:00 PM
- Thursday:10:00 AM-4:00 PM
- Friday:10:00 AM-4:00 PM
- Saturday:10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Additional Information View More
- Memorial Day – Labor Day
- Sunday:9:00 AM-5:30 PM
- Monday:9:00 AM-5:30 PM
- Tuesday:9:00 AM-5:30 PM
- Wednesday:9:00 AM-5:30 PM
- Thursday:9:00 AM-5:30 PM
- Friday:9:00 AM-5:30 PM
- Saturday:9:00 AM-5:30 PM
Fees & Passes
Entrance Fees:
- $15.00 – Lava Beds Entrance Fee
The entrance fee is good for 7 days and can be paid for with cash, check, or credit card. Entrance fee is per vehicle.
Entrance Passes:
- $30.00 – Lava Beds & Crater Lake Annual Pass
The annual pass is good for one year at both Lava Beds and Crater Lake.
About
The entrance fee is good for 7 days and can be paid for with cash, check, or credit card. Entrance fee is per vehicle.
The annual pass is good for one year at both Lava Beds and Crater Lake.
Welcome to Lava Beds!
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 700 caves, Native American rock art sites, historic battlefields and campsites, and a high desert wilderness experience await you!
Directions
Lava Beds is a truly remote park, in a corner of California most people never visit. Most roads into this area wind through mountains, and along rivers, and travel may take longer than expected. Services are few and far between and winter driving conditions can be encountered anytime between fall and spring.
Visitor Centers
Lava Beds Visitor Center
Lava Beds is home to one visitor center located at the south end of the park, near cave loop road. An entrance station is located at the north end of the park, but is only open in the summer. As you drive through the park you can find information kiosks with park maps at Petroglyph Point, and Gillem’s Camp.
Weather
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.
Own or work here?
Nearby Businesses
