Lava Beds National Monument
Friday June 24, 2011 to Friday July 1, 2011
Come camp with HSC at Lava Beds National Monument, Indian Wells Campground, June 24 - July 1. Cost is $25 per person (over the age of 2), with an additional $10 per car to be paid at the park upon arrival. This fee allows access to all park areas for the entire week.
Lava Beds National Monument is a land of turmoil, both geological and historical. Over the last half-million years, volcanic eruptions on the Medicine Lake shield volcano created an incredibly rugged landscape punctuated by cinder cones, lava flows, spatter cones, lava tube caves and pit craters. These lava tube caves, of which there are more than 500 in the Monument, are a favorite underground destination for visitors to explore.
During the Modoc War of 1872-1873, the Modoc Indians used these lava flows to their advantage. Under the leadership of Captain Jack, the Modocs took refuge in "Captain Jack's Stronghold," a natural lava fortress. From this base a group of 53 fighting men and their families held off US Army forces numbering up to ten times their strength for five months.
The historic battlegrounds of the Modoc War and the surrounding volcanic landscape are the primary reasons the Lava Beds were designated as a National Monument in 1925.
The historic Indian Well campground was constructed in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It is located 1/2 mi (0.8 km) from the Visitor Center and Cave Loop. There are sites suitable for tents, pickup campers, small trailers, and motor homes up to 30 feet. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and a cooking grill.
Restrooms with water and flush toilets are available. Showers, hookups, dump stations, and amenities such as gas, propane, and firewood sales are not available in the Monument. We will be camping in a group site which accomodates only 40, so will use several individual sites (located in very close proximity to the group site) for over flow, as well as for RVs, as there is no parking at the group site.
Caving and wildlife viewing, particularly birdwatching in the spring and fall, are the most popular activities at Lava Beds. Walks, evening slide programs, and cave tours are offered daily during the summer. Lava Beds National Monument encompasses the largest known concentration of lava tube caves in the continental United States.
The weather in northeastern California is particularly unpredictable and visitors should be ready for all conditions throughout the year. Generally, however, summers are sunny and warm while winters are cold with below-freezing nights and occasional snow. Visitors should always have warm clothing, sturdy boots, gloves, and protective headgear available if they plan to visit the lava tube caves. Bumpcaps for caving are sold at the visitor center. Bike helmets also work well. Several cave tours are offered each day and many caves can be explored without a guide.
http://www.us-parks.com/lava-beds-national-monument/camping.html
Lava Beds National Monument is located approximately 100 miles northeast of Mt. Shasta near Tulelake, CA. Medicine Lake is another destination, approximately 40 miles, or an hour's drive, to the south end of the park and could be a fun day trip for some.
Priority will be given to HSC members as well as those who will be staying all week. Refunds will be given for cancellations only if we are able to fill your space and made no later than June 17. If you are bringing children not related to you please email for a medical release form which they will need to have complete and signed along with a separate liability release form.
Remember to make checks out to HSC and mail along with a completed liability release form (found by clicking here) to:
Jennifer Ropers
368 Avery St.
Ashland OR 97520
All questions can be directed to Becky at obeckybrowno@gmail.com . Hope to see you there!