Lava Beds National Monument in northern California is home plate to more than 700 underground caves , but some are more undivided than others . The memorial ’s magnificentCrystal IceCaveis adorned with stalagmites and stalactite of glassy ice that extend up from the level or hang like thick curtains from the ceiling . Because of the sensitive nature of these formations , tours are set to just a few dozen visitors each year .
Michael McCollough viaFlickrvia //CC BY 2.0
Michael McCollough viaFlickrvia //CC BY 2.0
Every Saturday from January to March , the cave becomes approachable to one lucky go mathematical group of six potholer . Tours can be booked three workweek in advance by calling the visitor center the sunup reservations become useable . Even then , the chances of snag a slate are slim . nominee must beable - bodiedenough wring through tight hole , ascend a 50 - understructure side , and voyage across arctic ground . They also involve that spelunkers bestow all their own caving paraphernalia — provided it has n’t been used east of the Rockies , because then it could be carry afungusthat’sdeadly to bat .
If that sound like more problem than it ’s worth , Lava Beds is also home to the unique Fern Cave . Tours are just as restrict and only given from June through September , but this cave is much more accessible and hospitable to sprightliness . The lush , green biome is made possible by an 8 - by-10 - foot hole in the roof which allows fresh air and sunlight to flux in . It was also home to members of the native Modoc tribe from 1872 to ’ 73 during their war with the U.S. Army . They used the lava cave as their stronghold , and mortar , pestles , and wanted sway graphics can still be found in the Fern Cave from their time there . These artifacts , along with the cave ’s delicate ecosystem , make it one of the most exclusive tag out there for cave - bed adventurer .
NPS
[ h / t : Indefinitely Wild ]
