NPS, Alison Bender Getting Around Travel through the park is by private vehicle, or commercial tour, there is no public transportation in the park. All roads in the park, even the unpaved Medicine Lake Road, accommodate standard passenger vehicles, with pull outs suitable for large recreation vehicles. Snow can temporarily close roads, but the main paved park road and the park is kept open all year. The Medicine Lake Road to Hwy 89 and Forest Service Road 10, south-east of the park to Forest Service Road 97, can all become closed due to snow, and are not plowed. Be Prepared
Visitor Center & Information 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. Goods & Services The Lava Beds Natural History Association bookstore in the Visitor Center provides snack food, ice, flashlights both for loan and purchase, helmets, batteries, books, and an assortment of souvenirs. No gas, restaurants, or showers are available in the park, but can be found in the nearby communities of Tionesta, CA; Tulelake, CA; and Merrill, OR (20-30 minutes from the Visitor Center area). Staying Lava Beds has one campground with 40+ sites, that are filled on a first-come-first-served basis. One group site is available to groups of 15-40 people. Guided Programs and Activities Ranger guided programs are offered daily during the summer months. Check back to see a list of program offered weekly during the summer season. |
Last updated: August 17, 2022