b'800+ LAVA BEDSlava tube caves The land of LAVA BEDSburnt out res NATIONAL PARKSAbove ground, Lava Beds National Monument o"ers a landscape equally rich in natural a!ractions and geological intrigue. The parks surface tells the story of its fiery origins through hikes across rugged lava fields, visits to imposing craters, and the exploration of vast lava flows. This land, shaped by volcanic activity, invites visitors to walk through history, exploring the same trails that the Modoc people and se!lers once traversed, a connection to the past and present of this remarkable landscape.The creation of the Lava Beds landscape is a tale of volcanic fury and the relentless forces of nature. Over the last half-million years, eruptions from the Medicine Explore the underground wondersLake Volcano have sculpted this high-desert plateau into a wonderland of geological diversity. The most recent flows, some just a few thousand years old, have created a rugged terrain of basaltic rock, spa!er cones, Lava Beds National Monument is home to a remarkable underground world of over 800 lava tube caves, each o"ering a uniqueand the monuments renowned lava tubes. These natural adventure into the earths volcanic past. Visitors are invited to explore these natural wonders independently, thanks to a simplephenomena o"er a vivid classroom for understanding the cave rating system that ensures an adventure suited to every level of explorer. From the easily navigable green-rated caves to theEarths volcanic processes and the dynamic changes that more challenging blue and the adventurous black-rated caves, theres a subterranean journey waiting for everyone. These cavesshape our planet.are not just natural formations; they are gateways to understanding the dynamic forces that shape our planet.800 caves to explore Explore the monuments above-ground natural wondersHomeland of through a variety of hikes and scenic drives. Ascend Schonchin Bu!e, a cinder cone volcano o"ering panoramic Green BLUE BLACK views of the monument and beyond, revealing the vastnessthe Modoc Peopleof the volcanic landscape that defines the region. Another Start at Mushpot Cave: IlluminatedReady for a bit more challenge? TryExperience required: Catacombsmust-see is Mammoth Crater, one of the parks largest with interpretive signs, this cave isSunshine Cave where sunlight streamsCave, a complex maze suitableand most impressive craters, whose eruptions contributedThis land, marked by volcanic landscapes and ancient perfect for families and first-timethrough collapses in the cave roof,for experienced spelunkers, o"erssignificantly to the lava tube formations below. These cavers, o"ering an easy introduction toencouraging interior vegetation. Thisa rigorous exploration through itstraditions, invites exploration of its significant cultural sites, the underground world of Lava Bedsmoderate challenge rewards explorersmulti-level structure and challengingsites, along with the parks expansive lava flows and fields,where the stories of the Modoc people, their ancestors, and right next to the Visitor Center. with unique, surreal sights. passages. provide an unparalleled opportunity to witness the powerwhere one of the last Indian Wars occured.of volcanic activity and the beauty it can create.The monuments landscape is do!ed with pivotal sites from the Modoc War. Take a short hike around Captain Jacks Stronghold, the site of a natural fortress used by the Modoc during the 1872-1873 conflict between the Modoc and the United States Cavalry. Nearby, Gillems Camp tells the story of the U.S. Armys encampment, o"ering a contrasting perspective on the wars events. Dont miss a chance to view ancient art at Petroglyph Point, which displays some of the most extensive examples of rock art in North America, or seach for ancient markings in Big Painted Cave. These petroglyphs and pictographs, etched and painted into the volcanic rock, o"er a window into the spiritual lives of the ancestors of the Modoc people. Stop by the Visitor Center to learn more about the Modoc people and view artifacts and exhibits that help interpret their history.To fully immerse in the Modocs history, visitors can engage with the Modoc War audio tour, available by scanning the code here. This self-guided journey Caving in Lava Beds is an adventure that demands respect for natureDont miss highlights like the bioluminescent wonders of ValentineExplore the homeland of the Modoc people, a landscape forgedthrough the monuments key historical sites provides and preparation. Safety is paramount; visitors should come equippedCave and the historical depth of Skull Cave. But Remember, theseby volcanic fury and cultural resilience. Designated a nationala comprehensive understanding of the conflict, the with head coverings, durable clothing, and flashlights, as well as foodcaves are delicate ecosystems; preserve their beauty for futuremonument to protect cultural history and natural beauty, LavaModoc peoples resistance, and the impact of the and water (there are limited services in or nearby the monument. generations by practicing Leave No Trace principles. Beds showcases the dramatic aftermath of volcanic activity andwar on both the Modoc and the se!lers.interprets the culture and legacy of the Modoc.14 15'