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Lava Beds Caves

Lava Beds National Monument near Tulelake. Explore lava tube caves on your own, lights off.

Get a free caving permit at the visitor center, then explore lava tubes, tunnels left behind by flowing lava, on your own. Start in Mushpot Cave, the only one with lights, then try Valentine Cave or huge, boulder-filled Skull Cave. Deep inside, turn off your lights for one full minute and sit in total darkness together. The photo to get: you in the cave mouth, looking back out at daylight.

  • Date or adventure
  • Half day
  • Moderate
  • Under $20
  • Indoors
  • Daytime

Good with just you, friends, family, and kids

Check before you go: opening hours, and weather and trail conditions

Bring headlamps

Lava Beds National Monument Visitor Center, Near Tulelake, Siskiyou County
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Kids' version

Cave hunt! Find each thing.

  1. A cave with lights
  2. A really dark tunnel
  3. A lumpy lava wall
  4. Your flashlight
  5. A selfie in a cave!

Checked October 2026

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About this place

The monument has more than 800 lava tube caves, the most of anywhere in the lower 48. The permit includes a quick check for white-nose syndrome, a disease that kills bats, which is why some caves close in certain seasons.

It's also an important historic place. In 1872 and 1873, during the Modoc War, a small band of Modoc people led by Captain Jack held off the U.S. Army for months from a natural fortress in the lava. You can walk the trail at Captain Jack's Stronghold.

Bring at least two real lights each (not your phone); the visitor center often lends flashlights. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a jacket.

Also in: Rainy Day Date Ideas · Kid-Friendly Adventures

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