Lava Beds National Monument

There are 12 hiking trails at Lava Beds National Monument. Trails range from about a half-mile in length to nearly ten miles, so there is a trail for just about everyone. Trails pass through points of historical events and features and also geologically interesting places. Pets and bicycles are not allowed on the trails. Make sure to take water with you and be ready for changeable weather conditions.

Plants and Animal – If you visit Lava Beds be prepared to see a wide variety of plants and animals. One of the most interesting animals at the park is the bats. There are 14 bat species at the park and there is a strong monitoring and protection effort for this species at the park. The caves are the perfect spot for the bats to roost, raise their young and hibernate.

Other mammals range in size from small kangaroo rats to large mountain lions. Birders are drawn to the area for the world-class bird watching. Both migratory and year-round resident birds are in the area. Be sure to take binoculars for close-up bird watching.

Plant species in the Lava Beds areas can be just as stunning as the animals Wildflower blooms occur spring through fall, with different plants blooming at different times.

Modoc War - The area of Lava Beds National Monument was been occupied for thousands of years, as evidenced by the Native America rock art and archaeological sites are in the area. The Modoc War was fought in this area and was the only major war with Native Americans that was fought in California. The conflict centered on a proposed forced relocation of the Modoc to the Klamath Reservation.

The Modoc and the Klamath were historical enemies. The war ran for approximately eight months (November 1872 to June 1873), though tensions dated back 50 years before the war began. It was a war that pitted 60 Modoc fighters against 600 members of the US Army. In the end, casualties included 53 US soldiers, 17 civilians and 15 Modoc warriors.