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In Lava Beds National Monument (Northern California), this is the "Hopkins Chocolate Cave" trail, which is a cave and tunnel created when red hot lavas flowed underground. Once the lava drained away, this lava tube cave was left behind. There are over 500 such caves known to exist in Lava Beds National Monument (some are over a mile long), with new ones discovered each year. This "pillar" is an interesting formation. Apparently, the rock at the bottom had fallen from the ceiling while lava was still flowing (evidenced by the fact that its now embedded in the floor). Also some nice "dripstone" formations on the right side. (09/30/2004)