Castle Lake Limnological Research Station

The Lava Beds National Monument is located on the north eastern flank of the Medicine Lake volcano. Like most of the other flows of the region, the lava compounds are mostly basaltic and andesitic. In addition to the cinder cones (described above), the region also boasts spatter cones and maar volcanoes. Spatter cones erupt through minor vents where the ejected materials fly through the air and solidify before hitting the ground, forming "clinkery" rocks. Maar volcanoes are eruptions that form flat bottom craters and are without a cone (Wyckoff, 1999).

According to the National Parks Service, there are over 500 lava tubes. Non-claustrophobic visitors to this national monument can explore these tunnels, some of which go for more than a mile under the earth. A light source is essential, and two backup light sources are recommended. While these tubes have their share of lava-based stalactites, most are smooth surfaced.

The semi-arid desert environment of Lava Beds receives an annual average rainfall of 15 inches. Because of the relatively high altitude, the winters are cold, and the average annual snowfall is 44 inches. The area supports are high diversity of desert plant life, including desert sage (Salvia dorrii carnosa) and desert sweet (Chamaebatiaria millefolium). Fern species are present at the entrances to some of the the caves including the spreading wood fern (Dryopteris expansa) and the western swordfern (Polystichum munitum).

Official Website: http://www.nps.gov/labe/