Skull Cave, Shasta Cascade Travel Guide

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Discover the icy depths of Skull Cave in Lava Beds National Monument, a fascinating and accessible lava tube with a chilling history.

Explore Skull Cave in Lava Beds National Monument, a 580-foot lava tube named for the animal bones and human skeletons found within. Descend into this easily accessible cave to experience its year-round ice floor and learn about the monument's volcanic past.

A brief summary to Skull Cave

Skull Cave Rd, Tulelake, California, 96134, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Skull Cave.

Wear warm clothing, as the cave maintains a chilly temperature of around 55°F (13°C) year-round.
Bring a flashlight with extra batteries, or borrow one from the visitor center.
Obtain a free caving permit from the visitor center before entering any caves.
Check with a ranger for current cave closures, especially during bat breeding or hibernation seasons.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Lake Shasta Caverns National Natural Landmark

Mt. Shasta Sisson Museum

Shasta Dam Visitors Center

Potem Creek Falls

Headwaters Spring

Explore Skull Cave on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Skull Cave, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From the Lava Beds National Monument Visitor Center, drive north on the main park road for approximately 2.4 miles. Skull Cave Road will be on your right, with clear signage. Follow Skull Cave Road to the parking area near the cave entrance. Park entrance fee of $25 per vehicle is required to enter Lava Beds National Monument. This fee is good for 7 days.

Discover more about Skull Cave

Skull Cave, located in Lava Beds National Monument, is a captivating and easily accessible lava tube that offers a glimpse into the region's volcanic history and unique geological features. The cave, named for the numerous animal bones and two human skeletons discovered within, is a popular destination for visitors of all ages and abilities.Formed between 10,500 and 65,000 years ago by flows of smooth lava, Skull Cave is a remnant of three large lava tubes stacked on top of each other. This unique structure traps cold winter air, creating a year-round ice floor in the lower level. A metal stairway leads down to a platform where visitors can marvel at the icy spectacle. The cave's wide-open spaces and relatively smooth path make it an excellent choice for those who are new to caving or prefer less confined environments.Skull Cave is located a short 2.4-mile drive north of the visitor center. The cave's history is as intriguing as its geology. First explored by modern explorers in 1898, the cave quickly gained notoriety for its unusual contents: the bones of pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and even human remains. The tragic tale of two Native Americans attempting to lower a log into the cave, only to fall to their deaths, adds a layer of somber history to the site.Today, Skull Cave offers a unique opportunity to explore the subterranean world of Lava Beds National Monument. Visitors can walk upright through much of the cave, making it accessible to a wide range of ages and abilities. The cave's cool temperatures provide a welcome respite from the summer heat, while its icy formations offer a stunning visual display.