Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park

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Parks

California

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park is a unique and remote park located in northeastern California.

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Summary

The park is only accessible by boat, which adds to its secluded and peaceful atmosphere.

The park is known for its pristine waters and diverse wildlife, including ospreys, bald eagles, and black bears. Visitors can go kayaking, fishing, and hiking along the park's many trails. The park is also home to several natural springs and lava tube caves, which are interesting geological features to explore.

One of the park's highlights is the Ja-She Campground, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The campground is only accessible by boat and requires reservations, but it is well worth the effort for those seeking a unique camping experience.

Interesting facts about the park include its history as a sacred site for the Native American Pit River Tribe, who still have strong cultural ties to the area. The park is also home to one of the largest freshwater springs in the country, which produces over 2 million gallons of water a day.

The best time of year to visit Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the water is perfect for swimming and kayaking. However, visitors should be aware that the park can be quite crowded during peak season, so it is best to make reservations in advance.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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