10 Things to Do When Visiting Medicine Lake Volcano

With a name like Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, it’s no surprise that there’s no shortage of volcanic highlights along the way. Mount Shasta, Lava Beds National Monument, and Lassen Volcanic National Park come up frequently, but Medicine Lake Volcano is also worth a stop. It’s the largest volcano by volume in the Cascade Range, and its scenery rivals that of its better-known counterparts. That, coupled with fewer crowds and plenty of outdoor activities, is why we recommend visiting Medicine Lake Volcano during your stay at Volcanic Legacy RV Resort.

Our Top Recommendations for Visiting Medicine Lake Volcano

Medicine Lake Volcano is not your typical volcano. Instead of steep volcanic peaks, it’s a shield volcano with broad slopes, forests, lava fields, caves, cinder cones, and the beautiful Medicine Lake itself that sits near the summit.

In our experience, visitors often arrive expecting to make a quick stop and end up spending an entire day exploring. It’s an area that’s ripe with wildlife, unique geological formations, and outdoor formations – all without the crowds you find at most national parks.

1. Hike to Little Glass Mountain

Little Glass Mountain is one of the most fascinating hikes in the region. The 5-mile out-and-back trail climbs through forests before reaching fields of black volcanic obsidian that were created during relatively recent eruptions. Along the trail, you’ll see panoramic views of the surrounding lava flows, forests, and other volcanic features.

Be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes since the loose volcanic rock can make the trail uneven. We also recommend a camera to capture the volcanic glass glittering in the sunlight.

2. Explore Glass Mountain

Glass Mountain is one of Medicine Lake Volcano’s most recognizable landmarks. The mountainside is covered in massive obsidian flows, giving visitors an up-close look at volcanic activity from less than 1,000 years ago.

For photographers, we recommend visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon to catch the sunlight as it reflects off the obsidian.

3. Paddle Across Medicine Lake

If you’re a kayaker, canoeist, or paddleboarder visiting Medicine Lake Volcano, you should be sure to make time to explore Medicine Lake. It sits inside the volcano’s enormous caldera and rarely feels crowded.

We recommend launching early in the morning when the winds are light and wildlife activity is at its peak.

4. Go Fishing at Medicine Lake

Medicine Lake attracts anglers all summer long with healthy populations of rainbow trout and brook trout, and numerous fishing locations to catch them. Just be sure to obtain a valid California fishing license and review the seasonal fishing regulations.

5. Discover Lava Beds and Volcanic Features

Visitors interested in geology find visiting Medicine Lake Volcano every bit as fascinating as nearby national parks. This area has countless lava flows, cinder cones, pressure ridges, and volcanic formations that illustrate thousands of years of geological activity.

While some of these landscapes require a hike to reach, several others are easily accessible via roads and pullouts along the way.

6. Watch for Wildlife

Medicine Lake has abundant wildlife year-round. Keep your eyes open for:

• Mule deer
• Bald eagles
• Ospreys
• Black bears
• Wild turkeys
• Foxes
• Numerous songbirds

In our experience, early morning and evening are the best times to spot wildlife.

7. Drive the Medicine Lake Scenic Byway

Prefer sightseeing from your RV or tow vehicle? The Medicine Lake Scenic Byway is one of Northern California’s most underrated scenic drives. The route takes you through dense forests, volcanic lava fields, mountain meadows, and overlooks, giving you a true appreciation of just how large Medicine Lake Volcano is.

8. Explore Nearby Lava Tube Caves

The volcanic activity that formed Medicine Lake Volcano also formed countless lava tubes throughout the region. Some of these caves are open to the public, allowing visitors to experience the underground side of a volcano.

If you plan to explore the lava tubes at Medicine Lake Volcano, bring a reliable flashlight, sturdy footwear, and warm clothing (temperatures underground are cool, even in summer). Also, be sure to check availability since some caves close seasonally to protect wildlife.

9. Capture Incredible Landscape Photography

From shimmering obsidian flows and quiet alpine lakes to towering pine forests and dramatic volcanic formations, Medicine Lake Volcano is a photographer’s paradise.

Sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic lighting across the lava fields, and clear evenings always make for stunning night photography. We’ve found that when photographers venture past the most popular viewpoints, they typically discover quiet locations with unforgettable compositions.

10. Experience Some of California’s Best Stargazing

Medicine Lake Volcano sees very little light pollution, which gives thousands of stars, the Milky Way, meteor showers, and even distant galaxies their time in the spotlight. Bring a blanket and a telescope if you have one, and enjoy a peaceful ending to an adventurous day.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Medicine Lake Volcano?

We recommend visiting Medicine Lake Volcano between late spring and early fall. Spring brings wildflowers and flowing streams, while summer provides full access to hiking trails, boat launches, and scenic roads. In the fall, visitors can take advantage of colorful foliage and fewer crowds.

If you’re planning to visit in the winter, always check the current conditions before you head out to make sure snow isn’t limiting your road access.

Stay Close to Medicine Lake Volcano at Volcanic Legacy RV Resort

After a full day at one of California’s most fascinating volcanic landscapes, return to your spacious site at Volcanic Legacy RV Resort. With panoramic mountain views, wide green spaces, and all the amenities to make you feel at home, there’s no better place to relax.

Our resort puts you close to Southern Oregon and Northern California’s gems like Medicine Lake Volcano, Lava Beds National Monument, and Crater Lake National Park. We’re also just minutes from the shops, restaurants, and museums in downtown Klamath Falls, and The Growler Guys is just steps away.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended road trip, we’re here to help you experience the best of the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Medicine Lake Volcano from Volcanic Legacy RV Resort?

Medicine Lake Volcano is approximately a 90-minute drive from Volcanic Legacy RV Resort, making it an ideal day-trip destination.

Can you swim in Medicine Lake?

Swimming is allowed, but with the lake’s high elevation, the water stays cold for most of the year.

Is Medicine Lake Volcano suitable for families?

Yes. Families can enjoy easy scenic drives, picnicking, wildlife viewing, fishing, paddling, and several beginner-friendly hiking opportunities.

Do I need a high-clearance vehicle?

Many areas remain accessible with standard passenger vehicles during the summer, but some forest roads may require additional clearance. Always check current road conditions before visiting.

Plan Your Medicine Lake Volcano Adventure

With incredible geology, outdoor recreation, abundant wildlife, and unforgettable scenery, visiting Medicine Lake Volcano is an absolute must when you’re traveling the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. Whether you spend your time hiking, fishing, paddling, photographing volcanic landscapes, or simply enjoying the quiet setting, you’ll quickly understand the allure of this hidden gem.

Reserve your spot at Volcanic Legacy RV Resort and see why so many visitors return year after year to explore Medicine Lake Volcano and the surrounding volcanic wonders.