Captain Jack's Stronghold

Brendan Kiely

2023-10

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Tiffany Beckman

2023-05

Really cool hike, but its long and hot as heck so bring sunscreen and water! Very informative, and there's even pamphlets near the parking are that help you understand the history. If you are trying to find Big Painted Cave, it's quite a hike, and the pictographs are very difficult to see and find, but don't give up! They are there! Keep your eyes peeled for them on the right hand entrance to the cave!

Nicholas Armstrong

2023-09

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Witch Kitchen

2023-11

Highly recommend the s place! Wow the chicken enchiladas were amazing. Fresh beans! So much care put into it. What a gem! A rare find! Thank you!

Nelson Phillips

2017-05

A visit and hike through this well documented site greatly expanded our knowledge of the Modoc conflict. The trail is well marked, easy to navigate and loaded with information. The rock formations, blended with the historical markers, made the time spent on the walk pass quickly. Great views and some stunning panoramas.

Jessica Loper

2019-05

I've been coming here since I was a child but it had been many years, the wonder and history of this place is not lost on me, however the number posts could use some repair. Its a short easy hike that is definitely worth the visit. We also saw about 6 deer right at the end as the sun had started going down making it that much more special.

Adias god

2024-04

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Sarah Tanis

2022-05

Nice, pretty easy trail to hike on, with some very neat rock structures and terrain changes. We went when it was very smokey due to wildfires, but even then it was neat. Saw some deer hiding in the rocks as well which was fun!

Bud Infield

2022-05

This is an amazing site. The location of the last American lndian battles. 60 men and their families held up here for months while being attacked by two garrisons of soldiers. They were resisting being shipped like cattle to another tribes reservation. During a parlay General Canby told the Indian council to surrender or he would slaughter them all, men, women and children. Captain Jack, a Modoc Chief pulled his pistol and shot Canby in the face, while telling him " you wont"

Philip Manson

2022-05

Took the shorter hike and there were still plenty of interesting relics of habation, the lake was at this elevation 150 years ago.

Ryan Payne

2020-05

Gorgeous and wonderful.Has two routes you can take, one 0.5 miles and one 1.5 miles. I did the shorter one, took about half an hour.

Patrick Austin

2022-05

The coolest fort ever! A natural lava fortress that protected the rebel natives for the winter in the 1800s until the army cut their water supply. If it weren't for that they could still be there fighting. 🤔

Alexandra Mathiasen

2023-05

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Andy Smith

2022-05

If you are doing Lava Beds NM or Tule Lake, this is the place to stop for lunch or dinner. Food is really good and lovely atmosphere.

BPM

2023-09

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Roy Simpson

2022-05

Our tour company made special arrangements with the owner to open on their day off for thirty people. THIS PLACE is INCREDIBLE! The front of the house were friendly and entertaining. They could open a comedy club. They make their own bread, fries, chips, desserts and who knows what else. The food was incredible from the horse radish burger to the veggie burger. Can't say enough about this place.

S Guest

2019-05

This is part of the Lava Beds National Monument where the last of the Native Americans held out against the Calvary. It was an interesting hike, not very difficult, but hard to follow the trail. It only took us about 45 minutes to hike the trail. Bring some water and maybe some snacks. Closed toe shoes would be helpful too as most of the trail is through and on lava.

Dave Phillips

2023-08

Good, but interesting.

Anita S.

2020-05

One of our nation's treasures--a fascinating piece of history! You walk through lava formations where 60 Modoc warriors held off 600 soldiers for 5 months during the Modoc Wars. Unfortunately, the trail is very rugged and should only be attempted by young, nimble people who are part mountain goat. There should be a warning sign at the beginning of the trail, which says the path picks its way through lava rock and down boulders. When we were younger, we walked the trail without too much difficulty. Now, we are in our seventies, with limited mobility, and only made it through the short (half mile) trail without breaking a bone by sheer grit and luck--it took us an hour. This trail is in a lonely location, so you should have a hiking partner in case you do fall and hurt yourself. Be sure to pick up a trail guide, which has a narrative, although most of the corresponding numbered posts on the trail are in disrepair and lack, well, NUMBERS. What a shame that in keeping the trail "natural" the park service is excluding many people with limited mobility who could enjoy this area! I realize wheelchairs would be impossible, but a few discreet, natural rock stair steps and hand holds would make it so much safer and accessible. Signage along the trail would also make it a more enjoyable experience.

Dan C

2020-05

This is a historical site. The guide books provided at the trail head enhance the 3 mile hike. You can imagine the Modoc Indians fighting for their survival, only to be overwhelmed by the US Army. The lava beds have unique geographic terrain that is beautiful in it's own way.

LynnDel Whitted

2019-05

A lonely spot in the wilderness, a sad piece of history. The path was a bit hard to follow, and we could not find all the numbers that went with the self-guided tour brochure. It was well worth the visit and the hike, however. When they recommend sturdy shoes, they mean it. Trekking pokes helpful in getting over the rocks. The shorter loop has all the points of interest. They could improve the signs at the beginning and at all forks so that you could be sure which way to go.

Jason Tomczak

2020-05

A very impressive landmark. This area is a field of lava formations that served as a fortress during the Modoc War in 1872. It's easy to see how the Modoc warriors could hold off the American army for so long, as the ground is very rough, the rocks are sharp, and there are a ton of natural barriers all over the place.Walking around the stronghold can be a bit difficult. The trail starts off easy enough, but quickly narrows and goes over sharp rocks, around boulders, and through rocky crevasses that can be fairly difficult to get around. It's not terribly challenging if you're in shape, but it's not a casual stroll on a paved path by any means.

David Clark

2023-05

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Evan Austin

2020-05

Great place to hike and learn the history of the Modoc people. Make sure you also stop at ice caves and most importantly the petroglyph rock. Amazing!!! If I had a time machine I would go back and give Modocs a few gatling guns and some artillery to level the playing field. We need to teach true history in schools. Let the future generations know what the government did to otherwise peaceful people minding their own business.

Jeffry Martinez

2021-05

we stopped in for dinner on our way back from the lava beds that day and boy im so glad we did . Huge Shout Out to JEFF for everything! we will return and would love anyone whos passing by this is a must stop. if anything just take the beautiful drive out anyway for a a great meal meal service and vibes.. Thank you Jeff

George Hayduke III

2019-05

A great educational experience about a part of our history that has been deliberately forgotten. Beautiful stark, natural environment. Worth spending a few hours minimum.

Alex Leon

2023-06

Lots of history. We only did the 1/2 mile hike.

Hunter Davidson

2022-05

Great food and great hospitality. Hidden gem for sure. The people are lovely and I’ll be back next time im in the area.

Ramona Roberts

2023-05

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Mary Ann Milller

2019-05

Absolutely amazing and beautiful the day was gorgeous out and the walk was beautiful. I will be back for another beautiful day trip