Did you know there are close to 300 state parks and beaches here in California? Odds are, you probably haven’t explored all of them yet. In fact, there’s bound to be a few that you’ve never even heard of. For many, that would be Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park. Despite boasting an otherworldly landscape of crystal-clear springs and volcanic rock, it’s one of the least-visited parks in Northern California. Read on to learn all about this little-known park and how you can lay eyes on it yourself!
Hiding just northeast of Burney is Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park, a vastly underrated park in Northern California that features an otherworldly landscape. It’s an awesome place to visit if you’ve got a love of adventure and natural beauty!
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Ahjumawi Lava Springs is one of the least-visited state parks in California, but that’s not because it’s not worth seeing. In fact, the reason it doesn’t get many visitors is because the park is only accessible via canoe or kayak.
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It’s actually not that hard to visit Ahjumawi Lava Springs if you don’t happen to own a canoe or kayak. There are several outfitters in the area that offer gear and equipment rentals for visitors to take advantage of. They are also a great source of information regarding details like where to park and what to bring.
Garrett Costello/Google
The park itself is quite small, at only 4-miles-long and 1-mile-wide. However, it definitely packs in a TON of beauty into its relatively small area. Visitors of the park will find themselves entranced by the sight of spectacular freshwater springs and rugged lava flows.
Garrett Costello/Google
The landscape is simply unlike anything else you’ve seen before. It’s estimated that two-thirds of the park is covered in jagged black basalt that formed in a lava flow from the last two to five thousand years—relatively young in terms of lava flows!
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The park is comprised of several waterways, including the Fall River and several creeks and lakes. Paddling around them while taking in the park’s otherworldly scenery is a breathtaking experience that’s bound to leave an impression.
Marcia Wright/Wikipedia
Sitting atop one of the nation’s largest systems of underwater springs, we think it’s safe to classify Ahjumawi Lava Springs as one of the most unique landscapes in Northern California. Give this park the love it deserves and plan a visit to see it for yourself.
Karl Newman/Google
Have you been to this little-known park in Northern California? It’s hard to believe some people don’t even know about this beautiful destination. Tell us about your favorite state parks to visit in the comments below, and consider filling out a nomination form for them as well!
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Address: Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park, McArthur, CA 96056, USA
