Did you know that one of Northern California's most fascinating, beautiful natural sites can be found less than an hour's drive from Klamath Falls homes for sale? The amazing Lava Beds National Monument is located on the northeastern side of Medicine Lake Volcano, offering so much to explore both above and below ground. Our real estate agents have some key information to help you enjoy your time at Lava Beds National Monument.

• The History of Lava Beds National Monument and the Civilian Conservation Corps
  Before the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) arrived in the 1930s, Lava Beds National Monument was home to an abandoned military camp dating to the Modoc War and not much more. The CCC was created during the Great Depression to provide paying work for thousands of young men while developing national parks and working on nature conservation projects.
  
  The CCC played a critical role in developing Lava Beds National Monument, constructing roads, laying power lines, clearing caves, creating trails, constructing buildings, and turning the area into the popular attraction it is today. Incredibly, the crews did all of this without heavy construction equipment. Today, you can still camp at campsites developed by the CCC and dine at picnic tables that they built nearly a century ago.
  
  
• Start Your Journey at the Visitor Center
  Whether you plan to explore the caves or stay above ground to visit historic sites, start your journey at the Lava Beds Visitor Center. This is where you can pick up the permit required to go caving, learn more about Lava Beds, schedule a tour, and scout out which historical sites you'd like to visit. Some trails and caves at Lava Beds are also closed during certain seasons, so the Visitor's Center is also a good place to catch up on where you're permitted to explore.
  
  
• Trails, Tours, and Historic Sites Above Ground
  Above ground at Lava Beds, you'll find a variety of Native American historical sites, including sites that played important roles in the Modoc War, which took place in the 1870s. The northern part of the park is the primary location for historical sites from the Modoc War. You can tour these sites on your own, or enjoy a ranger-guided tour. If you plan on visiting soon, note that the Lyons Trail and Whitney Butte are currently closed, but many other trails remain open.
  
  
• Exploring the Caves at Lava Beds National Monument
  Traversing the vast network of caves beneath Lava Beds National Monument is a popular pastime for many visitors, with more than 20 caves to be explored. Caves range in difficulty from beginner to expert, so make sure you're prepared by checking the caving page before setting out on your adventure. Some caves are closed seasonally to protect bat colonies and other reasons. Current closures include the Juniper-Hercules, Labyrinth-Lava Brook, Thunderbolt, Sentinel, Sunshine, Merrill, and Heppe caves.
  
  
• Discover Rock Art Thousands of Years Old
  History buffs and art enthusiasts will appreciate the rock art created at Lava Beds National Monument by Native Americans thousands of years ago. Though the exact date of their creation is unknown, these rock carvings and paintings provide a glimpse into what life was like here in the distant past. What will be your interpretation of the intricate carvings and designs at Lava Beds?

Ready to buy or sell your next home close to unforgettable natural attractions like Lava Beds National Monument? Our team is here to help. Contact us to buy and sell homes in the Klamath Falls, OR, area.