Captain Jacks Stronghold, Tulelake, Ca

As you walk the .5 mile and/or 1.5 miles (2.4 km) trails through the trenches of the Stronghold, think of the courage it took for a small band of Modoc people to endure the winter of 1872-1873 here. Try as well to imagine the fear Army soldiers must have felt launching an assault on this virtual fortress of lava. It took the Army five months to drive the Modoc from the Stronghold, and soon after from their entire homeland. Still, a modern culture of Modoc descendants survives, especially in Oregon and Oklahoma. You may see prayer ribbons and sage offerings hanging on the medicine pole near the junction of the two trails, signifying the continuing importance of this special place.

If hiking is a part of your itinerary, you should bring water, a snack, sunscreen and sturdy close-toed shoes. Weather at Lava Beds can be highly variable, and should be checked in the days before your visit. Hats are recommended for warmer days, while jackets are recommended for cooler days. High winds can be common.

Rattlesnakes are a natural part of the Lava Beds landscape, although the chance of seeing one is slim. Please be aware that rattlesnakes are a possibility during warmer weather. The best way to avoid a snake encounter is to: 1) never put hands or feet in a place you cannot see. Most rattlesnake bites are the result of inappropriate human behavior (attempting to pick up a rattlesnake, for instance). The Lava Beds NM rattlesnake-human record is, however, quite good, as we have never had a documented rattlesnake bite at the monument.