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Ahjumawi is a place of exceptional, even primeval, beauty. Brilliant aqua bays and tree-studded islets only a few yards long dot the shoreline of Ja-She Creek, Crystal Springs, and Horr Pond. Over two-thirds of the area is covered by recent (three-to-five thousand years) lava flows including vast areas of jagged black basalt.
The park has nine primitive boat-in only campsites.
Getting There
Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park is located in remote northeastern Shasta County and can only be reached by boat. There are no public roads to it and private motor vehicles are prohibited within.
Visitors can launch into Big Lake at a PG&E public boat launch known as "Rat Farm".
It is reached from McArthur by turning north off Highway 299 on to Main St., continuing past the Intermountain Fairgrounds, crossing over a canal and proceeding 3 miles north on a graded dirt road.
Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park is located in remote northeastern Shasta County and can only be reached by boat. There are no public roads to it and private motor vehicles are prohibited within.
Visitors can launch into Big Lake at a PG&E public boat launch known as "Rat Farm".
It is reached from McArthur by turning north off Highway 299 on to Main St., continuing past the Intermountain Fairgrounds, crossing over a canal and proceeding 3 miles north on a graded dirt road.
Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
Summer and spring are warm; fall and winter can be cool. Layered clothing is advised.
Summer and spring are warm; fall and winter can be cool. Layered clothing is advised.
Operating Hours & Contact
The park is open from sunrise to sunset.
Telephone: 530-335-2777
The park is open from sunrise to sunset.
Telephone: 530-335-2777
Tips
The park is a wilderness area and most of it is extremely rugged lava rock. Visitors should prepare adequately for their visit. While there are over twenty miles of park trails by which to explore this beautiful geographical wonder, please be advised that travel off the trails requires proper preparation and equipment. Be sure someone knows where you are going and when you expect to return.
The park is a wilderness area and most of it is extremely rugged lava rock. Visitors should prepare adequately for their visit. While there are over twenty miles of park trails by which to explore this beautiful geographical wonder, please be advised that travel off the trails requires proper preparation and equipment. Be sure someone knows where you are going and when you expect to return.
Landscape
"Where the waters come together...." is a translation of the word Ahjumawi, which is also the self describing word used by the band of Pit River Native Americans who inhabit the area. The waters, which come together, are Big Lake, Tule River, Ja-She Creek, Lava Creek, and Fall River. Together they form one of the largest systems of fresh water springs in the country.
Preserved within the park are lava flows broken by great faults and deep cracks, lava tubes, and craters. Freshwater spring flowing from the lava are prominent along the shoreline.
Oak, pine, and juniper forests and slopes of rabbit brush and sagebrush are part of the great variety of vegetation in the area. Abundant wildlife populations are evident all seasons. A great variety of birds, including bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons nest or travel throughout the park. Herds of mule deer forage through much of the park.
Visitors may be inspired by magnificent vistas of Mt. Shasta, Mt. Lassen, and other nearby peaks.
"Where the waters come together...." is a translation of the word Ahjumawi, which is also the self describing word used by the band of Pit River Native Americans who inhabit the area. The waters, which come together, are Big Lake, Tule River, Ja-She Creek, Lava Creek, and Fall River. Together they form one of the largest systems of fresh water springs in the country.
Preserved within the park are lava flows broken by great faults and deep cracks, lava tubes, and craters. Freshwater spring flowing from the lava are prominent along the shoreline.
Oak, pine, and juniper forests and slopes of rabbit brush and sagebrush are part of the great variety of vegetation in the area. Abundant wildlife populations are evident all seasons. A great variety of birds, including bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons nest or travel throughout the park. Herds of mule deer forage through much of the park.
Visitors may be inspired by magnificent vistas of Mt. Shasta, Mt. Lassen, and other nearby peaks.
Accessible Features
Disclaimer
We are working to improve accessibility throughout our parks but we regret that there are currently no (wheelchair) accessible activities at this park. This may be an undeveloped park, or there may be terrain, historic or resource protection issues or other limiting factors. However, there may be some wheelchair accessible features, such as parking areas, restrooms, and routes of travel, that meet some of the current accessibility guidelines. Call the park or email us at access@parks.ca.gov for details.
Be the first to add a trip in this destination!Disclaimer
We are working to improve accessibility throughout our parks but we regret that there are currently no (wheelchair) accessible activities at this park. This may be an undeveloped park, or there may be terrain, historic or resource protection issues or other limiting factors. However, there may be some wheelchair accessible features, such as parking areas, restrooms, and routes of travel, that meet some of the current accessibility guidelines. Call the park or email us at access@parks.ca.gov for details.
