Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park is located 1 1/2 Hours East of Redding California.  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 Horr Pond and Ja She Creek. Of the park's 6000 acres, over two thirds of the area is covered by lava flows including vast areas of jagged black basalt. It is a place of natural wonder only minimally marked by man. "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 freshwater springs in the world. 

The Park covers part of the Ahjumawi people's ancestral homeland and remains an integral part of their culture. Features include bedrock mortars, village and ceremonial sites, and prehistoric fish traps which are still used today. Preserved within the Park are recent lava flows broken by great faults and deep cracks, Lava tubes and craters. Visitors may be inspired by magnificent vistas of Mt. Shasta, Mt. Lassen, and other nearby peaks. Freshwater springs flowing from the lava are prominent along the shoreline. Oak, pine, and juniper forests, 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, osprey, and great blue heron nest or travel through the park. Herds of mule deer forage through much of the park. Many small mammals such as Coyotes, marmots, and porcupines are prevalent all year. 

How to Get There: I-5 to Redding, Hwy 299 East to McArthur. Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park 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 knows as "Rat Farm". It is reached from McArthur by turning north off Highway 299 on to Main Street, continuing past the Intermountain Fairgrounds, crossing over a canal and proceeding 3 miles north on a graded dirt road.   

Rules & Regulations: All the rules and regulation of the State Park System apply. Here are a few park rules but we highly suggest you visit the park website for a full list of regulations that as a visitor you are responsible to follow. Camping is permitted only in the designated areas and there is a fee. Hunting and shooting are prohibited in the park. Dogs are prohibited, except on leash on park trails and roads. All plants, animals, rocks, and human artifacts are protected; they must not be disturbed or collected. Fishing is permitted in season, according to Dept. of Fish and Game regulations. Fishing Fee(s) are charged. Overnight fees apply. Currently there is no day use fee charged.  Primitive camping is available at nine Environmental Campsites. There are three each located near Ja She Creek, at Crystal Springs and on the north shore of Horr Pond. Pit toilets are located nearby and water is available from the many springs, but must be purified. Domestic pets can have a difficult time adjusting to the wild nature of the park. Please consider carefully before bringing your pet to the park. (See Park Rules)