Experience America's Best Idea: National Park Getaways this week features Lava Beds National Monument

Every week the National Park Service features one of the properties under their jurisdiction, and this week's park, Lava Beds National Monument is "Tucked in the shadow of the Cascade volcanic range . . . is a land of tranquility and solitude built on a history of turmoil and destruction." writes Patrick Taylor, lead interpreter for the park.

The largest volcano in the Cascade range, Medicine Lake, erupted hundreds of times over thousands of years pouring lava from more than 200 vents and flowing through hundreds of lava tubes, the cataclysmic events forming the volcanic playground that makes up the park today.

Today you can explore these now cooled lava tubes, caves, and the now frozen-in-time red-hot lava eruptions that spread out across the park. At Captain Jack's stronghold you can visit where the Modoc Chief - though outnumbered by 10 to 1 - held off the US Army in the middle of winter for five months during the Indian Wars of 1872-1873.

"Despite the apparent isolation of Lava Beds National Monument, people have dwelt here for millennia." Taylor continues. "For more than 10,000 years, humans have lived in the area, from ancient peoples, to the Modoc, to settlers and homesteaders. Evidence of these peoples can be found throughout the monument, such as ancient carvings at Petroglyph Point, paintings at Symbol Bridge, and the writings and litter of early explorers like J.D. Howard."

World famous birding hotspot, Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge is also nearby, and an easy day trip from the park's campground, where you can see thousands of migrating ducks, geese, and other birds.

To learn more visit the Lava Beds website.