Caving is safer, more fun, and more educational with the help of ranger led programs!

Rangers are often available for interpretive activities if they are scheduled far enough in advance. Requests for programs should be made at least 6 weeks in advance of the field trip. Three curriculum based programs are currently offered, with others in development.

Please call Education Coordinator Angela Buckley at (530) 667-8119 for more information, to make program reservations, or to give your feedback and suggestions on our ranger led education programs.

Mushpot Cave Geology Program

This 30-minute introductory slide show is presented in the underground amphitheater inside Mushpot Cave. The amphitheater is able to accommodate groups of up to 60 people. The program is designed to engage elementary and middle school students in learning about the Medicine Lake shield volcano, how the lava tube caves formed, how people can go through the caves safely, and how and why to protect the caves as they explore. This program meets geology curriculum goals for 4th grade, while a discussion of plate tectonics is included in programs for 6th grade and above.

Valentine Cave Tour

A ranger leads the class through one of the monument’s most popular lava tube caves, explaining the process of formation, pointing out the spectacular features, and answering any questions which may arise. This program also meets geology curriculum goals for 4th grade and above. The tour lasts roughly one hour, and a group larger that 30 is not recommended.

Captain Jacks Stronghold Walk

Another popular program takes students through Captain Jacks Stronghold, a natural lava fortress. This is one of the most important sites of the Modoc Indian War of 1872-1873. The hour-long program immerses students in a consideration of the events leading up to the war, the two very different cultures involved in the conflict, victories and defeats on both sides, and the eventual outcome of this tragic war. This program is designed to meet history curriculum goals for 5th graders. Due to the narrow, enclosed nature of the Stronghold and its trails, groups of more than 30 are not recommended. Larger groups may split and request back-to-back tours.

In Development: Fire Ecology Program

Lava Beds is considering making changes to a fire ecology program that takes students to places in the monument that have experienced prescribed fire. Changes would focus on making the program more curriculum-based to meet science goals for middle school students. Your suggestions are welcome!