Summer is only days away, and Lava Beds and Tule Lake national monuments in Northern California are open and ready for the season.

Both parks are located near the town of Tulelake and attract many visitors from the Rogue Valley.

The primary attractions at Lava Beds National Monument are its many lava tube caves that invite exploration. Most of the popular caves are open, but people are asked not to enter one without a cave permit, which are available at the entrance station and the visitor center.

There are several seasonal cave closures on Cave Loop Road to protect bat colonies. Current closures include Ovis, Paradise Alleys, Blue Grotto and Balcony caves.

Mushpot Cave is recommended as an introductory cave because it is partially lighted and has interpretative signs. It reopened earlier this year after closing for repairs.

For first-time visitors or people not used to caving, less challenging caves include Valentine, Skull, Merrill, Symbol Bridge and Big Painted Cave. Among caves listed as moderately challenging are Golden Dome, Sunshine and Indian Well, while more challenging are Labyrinth, Lava Brook, Hercules Leg, Catacombs and Hopkins Chocolate.

Always check at park headquarters to learn the status of the caves.

Lights can be borrowed at park headquarters, but visitors are strongly urged to bring their own light sources — these do not include cell phones, however. Be prepared to dress warmly and wear hardhats. Stooping and crawling are often necessary.

The Indian Well Campground is open, with sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $10 per night, per site. The group campsite is available by reservation only and can accommodate 15 to 40 people. The park has no concession food service, so overnighters must come prepared.

The entrance fee for Lava Beds is $25 per car unless visitors have a national parks pass. The fee can be paid either at the fee station or the visitor center.

Rangers will be available daily at the visitor center 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to answer questions and provide information about the park. Staff will offer various programs on weekends, including cave tours and evening programs at the campground. Programs will begin in time for the Fourth of July weekend.

For more information about Lava Beds, visit the park’s website at nps.gov/labe.

The Tule Lake National Monument, located about 8 miles south of Tulelake at 44340 Highway 139, is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays through Labor Day.

The Segregation Center Jail and Camp Tulelake are available by tour only, five days a week, and last about 90 minutes. For reservations, call 530-664-4015. Tours leave from the Newell visitor center.

For more information about Tule Lake, visit the park’s website at nps.gov/tule.