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Lava Beds Cave Loop

Modoc National Forest, California · 3 min read

Distance
3.5 mi
Elevation Gain
200 ft
Difficulty
easy
Route Type
Loop
Best Season
May through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
1 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
No Lot
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
None
Camping
None
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Volcanic surface terrain: basalt lava flows, spatter cones, and cinder fields
  • Access to the boundary area of the Lava Beds lava tube cave system
  • Views toward Mount Shasta and the Cascade Range
  • Pronghorn antelope visible on the adjacent sagebrush plateau
  • Combined national forest and national monument volcanic landscape

Overview

The Lava Beds Cave Loop explores the volcanic surface terrain on the Modoc National Forest boundary adjacent to Lava Beds National Monument, providing a free alternative approach to the Medicine Lake volcanic highland that complements a monument cave visit. The 3.5-mile loop traverses basalt lava flows, spatter cones, and open volcanic terrain with views toward Mount Shasta and the adjacent sagebrush plateau.

This trail is on national forest land and is free. For the lava tube cave experience, the adjacent national monument requires an entry fee.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1.5: Lava flow surface. The trail begins on a basalt lava flow surface, the rocky, uneven terrain characteristic of recent volcanism. The trail surface is well-marked with cairns and paint. The lava here is 'a'a type: rough, angular, and irregular. Views of Mount Shasta are excellent from the higher sections of the flow.

Miles 1.5 to 2.5: Spatter cone area. The trail passes several spatter cones, small volcanic features formed by molten lava ejected around a vent. The surface geology changes character every few hundred feet, providing an engaging geological walk.

Miles 2.5 to 3.5: Return traverse. The loop returns through slightly less rocky terrain, with views of the monument boundary and the high desert plateau.

When to Hike

May through October after road opening. The volcanic rock absorbs heat; early morning is comfortable even in summer when midday temperatures can be high.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 1.5 liters of water. No water sources on the volcanic plateau. Sturdy footwear is important on the rough lava surface. A helmet and flashlight are needed if you cross into the monument for cave exploration.

Trailhead Access

Forest Road 49 from State Route 89 or from the Lava Beds National Monument entrance.

Practical Details

No permit is required for day hiking on this trail. Dogs are welcome on leash. No restroom facilities are at the trailhead; plan accordingly. No water source is available at the trailhead; carry all water from home. No cell service is available in this area; download offline maps before leaving the main road.

The recommended season for this trail is May through October. Conditions outside this window may include challenging weather, trail closures, or reduced accessibility. Always verify current conditions with the Modoc National Forest ranger district before visiting, particularly at the beginning and end of the recommended season when conditions are most variable.

Before any visit, review the Leave No Trace seven principles and our checking conditions guide for current fire restrictions, trail closures, and ranger district advisories. The America the Beautiful pass covers day use fees at developed recreation areas where applicable. Veterans and active military have additional access options covered in our veteran benefits guide.

Nearby

The Medicine Lake Rim Trail provides the caldera experience in the same volcanic highland. For context on the broader forest, see the Modoc National Forest guide. See our national forest vs. national park guide for the distinction between this forest and the adjacent monument. Follow Leave No Trace principles.

Trailhead Parking

Forest boundary trailhead on Forest Road 49, adjacent to Lava Beds National Monument. Gravel parking pull-off. No fee on national forest land; Lava Beds NM charges entry fee for monument access.

← Back to Modoc National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this trail inside Lava Beds National Monument?
This loop trail is on Modoc National Forest land adjacent to Lava Beds National Monument. The national monument boundary is nearby, and the lava tube cave access requires entering the monument, which charges an entrance fee (as of 2026). The forest trail on the national forest side provides volcanic surface exploration without the entrance fee; the full cave system requires entering the monument. Check the NPS website for current Lava Beds entry fees.
What are lava tube caves?
Lava tubes form when the outer crust of a flowing lava stream cools and hardens while molten lava continues flowing through the interior. When the eruption stops and the lava drains out, it leaves behind a hollow tube. Lava Beds National Monument has more than 700 lava tube caves, one of the highest concentrations in North America. Many are accessible with a helmet and flashlight from the monument's cave loop roads.
For the full lava tube experience, should I enter Lava Beds National Monument?
Yes. The lava tube cave system is primarily within Lava Beds National Monument and the full experience requires paying the monument entrance fee (as of 2026). The forest trail on the Modoc side provides surface volcanic terrain exploration; the monument provides the underground cave experience. If you are visiting the area, doing both is worth the full day.