Over the last half-million years, volcanic eruptions on the Medicine Lake shield volcano have created a rugged landscape dotted with diverse volcanic features. More than 700 caves, Native American rock art sites, historic battlefields and campsites, and a high desert wilderness experience await you!

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Category: Easy

Distance: 0.7 miles

Elevation Gain: 98 feet

Route Type: Out & Back

Directions: From 1-5 N, take exit 747 for US-97 toward Central Weed/Klamath Falls. Turn right onto US-97 N/U.S. 99/Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway/S Weed Blvd. After 19.3 miles, turn right onto CA-161 E, then in 8 miles, turn right onto CA-139 S. Turn right onto Co Rd 111, then turn left to continue on road. Destination will be on your right.

Highlights: Ancient petroglyphs, rugged views

Photo Credit: Petroglyph Point Trail AllTrails (Shelley Marks, Ray Bouknight)

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Huge thanks to Sisson Museum for hosting and showcasing the Sáttítla Highlands exhibit!

Thursday, Sept 25 | 7 PM

@mtshastamuseum

Speakers:

• Brandy McDaniels, Pit River Nation

• Nick Joslin, Policy & Advocacy Director, MSBEC

• Michelle Berditschevsky, MSBEC Founder & Director, Sáttítla/Medicine Lake Highlands & Aquifer Poject

This is a free event for all people.

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Sáttítla Highlands National Monument in the Medicine Lake Highlands

Join the Mount Shasta Bioregional Ecology Center (MSBEC) and the Mount Shasta Mycological Society for a mushroom exploration adventure in the new Sáttítla Highlands National Monument! We’ll learn about what mushrooms are, how they live and support the earth, and how to go about identifying them. We’ll share fun facts, bust some myths, find and observe mushrooms of many varieties, and do a nature journaling activity. No experience required! All ages are welcome at this event. Register here for up to date carpool and caravan information: https://mountshastaecology.org/upcoming-community-events-2/

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Category: Easy

Distance: 1.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 393 feet

Route Type: Out & Back

Directions: From 1-5 N, take exit 747 for US-97 toward Central Weed/Klamath Falls. Continue on US-97 N/Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. Turn right onto CA-161 E after 17.2 miles, then turn right onto Hill Rd. Turn right onto Rd 10/Hill Rd/Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. In .3 miles, turn right onto Gillems Camp Parking Loop. The trailhead will be on the right. 

Highlights: Impressive lava caves, good for all hiking levels

Photo Credit: Gillem Bluff Historic Trail AllTrails (Jason Wallace)

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So stop resisting and plan your next getaway to East Siskiyou, home of fascinating wildlife refuges, accommodating lodging sites, historical museums, and plenty of fun and thrilling activities.

There are a number of towns that comprise East Siskiyou. We’ve highlighted two below – Dorris and Tulelake – both of which offer year-round enjoyment, natural wonders, and important historic moments sure to have visitors both fascinated and contemplative.

DORRIS

The town of Dorris may be small in size, but it makes up for it in big ways. The first city you’ll enter in California when traveling south on Highway 97 from the Oregon border, Dorris was at once the holder of the title “America’s Tallest Flagpole.” In honor of all veterans and active military personnel, the Dorris Lions Club arranged to have a 30-by-60-foot American flag perched on top of a 200-foot pole in 1996, thereby giving the small town a huge record to boast about. Although a Wisconsin insurance company has since taken its place atop the list, the Dorris pole still provides a sense of pride and is a big draw on July 4 and Veterans Day, when the massive 150-pound American flag is lifted.

The Butte Valley Wildlife Area in Dorris is a birdwatcher’s dream. In addition to being an ideal spot for finding a variety of waterfowl, bald eagles and sandhill cranes, it is known for its share of raptors, specifically the Swainson’s Hawk. This particular hawk migrates 12,000 miles each year between the Butte Valley area and Argentina, one of the longest journeys for any raptor. The hawks normally begin arriving in California in February and March and leave anywhere between September and October.

The Butte Valley National Grassland is home to a wide assortment of animals, from lizards and snakes to bobcats and Roosevelt elk. Its official “National Grassland” designation four decades ago provided protection from disposal and destructive uses, and it is now being enhanced primarily for natural use.

Although Juanita Lake is available year-round for trout, catfish and bass fishing, the campground facility is open from approximately April/May to October. Motorless boats, such as canoes and rowboats, are allowed on the 55-acre lake, and a 1.5-mile paved, barrier-free trail circles the lake. Grills, water and picnic accommodations are available at no charge.

Dorris is home to some memorable restaurants serving up small-town hospitality and plenty of local flavors. Among them is El Ranchito, a family-owned Mexican food restaurant located right off of Highway 97. With everything made from scratch, you’ll want to try dishes like the made-to-order burritos or a delicious enchilada plate. You really can’t go wrong, no matter what you choose.

When you’re ready to rest your tired feet or enjoy a good night’s sleep, you’ll find a variety of locations sure to fit any budget. Try the Butte Valley RV Park or the Butte Valley Bed and Breakfast, or book a stay at the Golden Eagle Motel, a three-star motel that’s convenient to the flagpole, city hall and parks. Comfortable rooms, free breakfast and Wi-Fi, microwaves and more make this an ideal resting spot at an affordable price.

TULELAKE

Just four miles from the Oregon border is Tulelake, a small Siskiyou County literally built by veterans, as a land lottery was held after World War II. Veterans won 80- and 160-acre plots to prepare for farm land to grow potatoes, onions, grain and other important foods. The area attracted a number of businesses and farm services, as well as families, and Tulelake grew into the successful agricultural community it’s become today.

Nature and history play a large part in drawing visitors to Tulelake. The Lava Beds National Monument combines both attractions in one. Lava tube caves were created by flows of smooth lava between 10,500 and 65,000 years ago, and eruptions on the Medicine Lake shield volcano created rugged landscapes. Developed caves, available for hikers, vary in the level of difficulty, from least to most challenging, so there’s amazing sights ideal for the whole family.

Years ago, the Klamath Basin featured thousands of acres of shallow lakes and freshwater marshes, attracting millions of waterfowl and other water birds. In 1905, the government chose to convert many of these wetlands into agricultural lands. Several years later, President Theodore Roosevelt established the first in a series of national wildlife refuges to conserve the wetlands which remained, resulting in the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge, the first such area in the U.S.

A new visitor center recently opened at the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge. It features self-guided tours, trails that provide beautiful views of the refuge, and a look at the variety of wildlife that makes these places so special.

Any adventurer worth his or her salt would tell you that hiking is the best way to see the countryside and all of its beauty. Fortunately East Siskiyou has an excellent share of adventurous trails to see the land closeup.

The Glass Mountain Trail is one such pathway. Beginning and ending near Tulelake, the moderately challenging 4.9-mile route is excellent for birding, hiking and walking. The views of the sparkling selenite crystals on slopes and mesas are unique, and panoramic views of the Sierra and White mountains are jaw-dropping.

A short but rugged pathway, Captain Jack’s Stronghold Trail is split into two self-guided interpretive routes that tell the history of the Modoc War of 1872-73. Captain Jack (Kintpuash) and his small, yet savvy band of Modoc Indians, held off U.S. Army forces for five months, despite being woefully outnumbered. See rock art and archeological sites that make for a truly unique adventure.

For some travelers, finding the ideal golf course is as much of an adventure as hiking along the area’s trails. Indian Point Golf Course in Tulelake combines the fun and strategy of the game of golf with spectacular views of the Klamath Basin and other landmarks. The 1,500-plus-yard golf course offers nine holes, with both beginning and challenging pathways to accommodate any golfer’s game.

Nearly 120 years ago, Spanish philosopher George Santayana spoke one of history’s most famous and consequential phrases: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

The expression has been repeated millions of times, and is appropriate when visiting the Tule Lake National Monument and its place in history. Included at the monument is the Tule Lake Segregation Center, a large facility where Japanese Americans were incarcerated during World War II in the early 1940s. Also featured is Camp Tulelake, originally a Civilian Conservation Corps camp that was converted to an additional detention facility for Japanese Americans, and finally a camp that housed German prisoners of war in the mid 1940s. The Visitor Center is typically open from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend, and ranger-guided tours may be available, although reserving a tour is recommended.

GOOD NIGHTS

With all that Tulelake has to offer, you’ll want a place to settle in for the night, and the Winema Historic Lodge is an excellent choice. Popular with birders, duck hunters, large family groups and scout troops, the lodge offers motel and large lodge rooms with multiple beds and excellent accommodations.

Experience the magic of East Siskiyou, where adventure awaits at every turn. Start planning your Northern California getaway today and discover the beauty of this enchanting region along the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. Don’t forget to sign up for the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway Pass to earn points along your trek and be entered for a chance to win a two-night stay in every participating county! With this pass and the open road ahead of you, the possibilities are endless.

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Medicine Lake Highlands foliage is comprised of sugar pine, red and white fir and at higher elevations lodgepole pine with an understory of bitterbrush, manzanita and snowbrush. You will not be able to access Medicine Lake from mid-November through mid-June because the weather will not allow. About 10 feet of snow is dropped and only snow vehicles and cross country skiers are allowed in. There is a snowmobile park called The Doorknob Snowmobile Park that is located 1.5 miles south of Lava Beds National Monument. The Snow Park has a parking lot, warming hut and bathrooms. There is a total of 200 miles of trails in all three neighboring National Forests. Please download a trail map.  

One of North America’s most unique geological areas is Medicine Lake Highlands which covers over 200 square miles. The most interesting volcanic formations in the Medicine Lake Highlands is the Glass Mountain Obsidian Flow. Medicine Lake has no known outlets and water is still clean and clear. Medicine Lake lies in the volcanic caldera in the largest shield volcano in North America. 

In January of 2025, the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument in northern California was designated. The monument encompasses 224,676 acres of varied habitat of Siskiyou County on the Modoc, Shasta-Trinity, and Klamath national forests and provides protection to tribal ancestral homelands, historic and scientific treasures, rare flora and fauna, and the headwaters of vital sources of water.

This area is also home to the massive Medicine Lake Volcano. This volcano, one of the two largest volcanos in the Cascades Volcanic Arc, covers an expanse roughly 10 times that of Mount St. Helens, Washington. These stunning and unusual lands have been known as “Sáttítla” in the Ajumawi language, which translates to “obsidian place.” Sáttítla’s obsidian deposits formed by the volcano have long been important to Indigenous peoples, as shown by obsidian tools and sites they left here from their lives and travels.

In addition to the amazing geology, the night skies of Sáttítla are renowned for being among the darkest in the United States where distant galaxies and stars are visible. The area also provides exceptional outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, snowmobiling, camping, hunting, scenic driving and canoeing.

images: Sáttítla Highlands National Monument – Wikipedia; Active NorCal;  Protect Medicine Lake Highlands

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**Be sure to check hours before visiting, as some museums operate seasonally. **

EAST

Butte Valley Museum

The Butte Valley Museum and Historical Society goals are to recognize, preserve, display and interpret the history of
Butte Valley in East Siskiyou. Located in Dorris, this museum offers the history of the Tulelake Basin and Butte Valley homesteads, military veterans, the Modoc Indian War and the Tule Lake Internment Camps.

WW II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, Tule Lake Unit

The East Siskiyou town of Tulelake played a role in the WWII era as it was home to Japanese American Tule Lake Segregation Center and Camp Tulelake, a Civilian Conservation Corps camp that housed Japanese American internees. Later this location housed Italian and German Prisoners of War in the 1940s. Explore the grounds and learn about this history that is often left out of textbooks.

photo: Tule Lake National Monument (U.S. National Park Service)

Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center

Established by President Roosevelt in 1908 as the nation’s first waterfowl refuge. The visitor center has a variety of exhibits, displays, brochures and wildlife-oriented programs. Refuge staff and volunteers are available to answer questions and help plan activities. Refuge wildlife is colorfully described by exhibits at the Visitor Center. Information regarding viewing opportunities, sightings, road conditions, and regulations is available.

Lava Beds National Monument

A uniquely natural and cultural site. Explore human history through Native American rock art and Modoc War sites, and the heritage of homesteaders, ranchers, cave explorers, “CCC boys,” and the modern Modoc and Klamath tribes. The monument is also known for scores of lava-tube caves and well-preserved young volcanic features. It lies on the flank of the Medicine Lake Volcano, which is the largest volcano by area in the Cascade Range.

NORTH

Siskiyou County Museum

Located in the county seat of Yreka, this museum educates on the history from pre-historic time to the earliest pioneer settlements. The Museum is an interpretive center for the history of the region and includes indoor and outdoor exhibits, programs, and a research library. There is machinery, early transportation vehicles, and both historic and recreated buildings on display.

photo: Siskiyou County Museum | Siskiyou County California

Montague Railroad Depot Museum

The 1887 redwood building that was built in just five weeks as the town came to be, features many railroad and other artifacts from Montague and the Shasta Valley, including the station agent’s fully-furnished living quarters upstairs. The building served at the rail depot until the lines shut down in 1977 and was moved away from the tracks to its current location.

WEST

The People’s Center

The Cultural Center and Museum of the Karuk Tribe exhibits items representative of Karuk culture and history. Opened in Happy Camp in 2002, the Karuk People’s Center is a 5,000 square foot facility that includes an exhibition gallery, a gift shop, a Basketweaving classroom, a library, a collection’s storage area and the Karuk Language Program Office.

Fort Jones Museum

Fort Jones is the home of the self-proclaimed “biggest little museum” featuring a Shasta rain rock and an exterior of fossils, obsidian, and Native American stone tools. Be sure to take time to peruse the thousands of unique artifacts, photographs and geologic samples from the nearby area.

photo: https://www.fortjonesmuseum.com/

Etna Museum

The Museum of the Native Daughters of the Golden West, Eschscholtzia Parlor No. 112, is located in the first Town Hall of Etna, which also housed the fire department, library and jail, and was built to resemble Independence Hall in Philadelphia. This building was threatened by a fire when the Mason’s hall went ablaze next door in December 2023, but the Museum was saved along with all of the treasures inside.

SOUTH

Weed Historic Lumber Town Museum

The Weed Lumber Town Museum is a collection of artifacts and photographs of the people who founded and lived in Weed. Artifacts from the old lumber company store and from the company hospital are on display. Some rooms are decorated with original pieces to resemble a typical home from the early 1900s as well as a room dedicated to law enforcement with jail cell and booking area. Exhibits in the old courthouse feature the timber industry and life in early Weed and the life of Charlie Byrd, the first elected African American county sheriff in California.

Sisson Museum 

The Museum is located on ancestral lands of the Shasta and Wintu Tribes and stands today in a 1906 building on the grounds of the Mt Shasta Fish Hatchery. Established by Justin Sisson, one of the founding fathers of Mount Shasta. Permanent and changing exhibits display the history, culture, and geology of the Mount Shasta area.

photo: https://www.mtshastamuseum.com/

Dunsmuir Railroad Depot Museum

Located in the former S.P.R.R. train and crew dispatchers’ office, the museum features much more than just railroad photographs and artifacts. Learn the story of Alexander Dunsmuir, a bit of town history, and check out the impressive Native American basket collection.

Heritage Junction Museum of McCloud

The Museum displays the logging and sawmill heritage of the town of McCloud and the surrounding area through artifacts, photographs and written materials.an impressive collection of artifacts from McCloud’s history, including the giant Corliss steam engine that powered the McCloud sawmill from 1903 until 1979. The museum also has a huge photographic collection covering the entire history of the town and its surrounding country.

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Speakers include, Brandy McDaniels, Sáttítla Highlands National Monument Lead from the Pit River Nation; Michelle Berditschevsky Director of the Sáttítla/Medicine Lake Highlands and Aquifer Protection Project and Founder, Mount Shasta Bioregional Ecology Center; Nick Joslin Policy and Advocacy Director, Mount Shasta Bioregional Ecology Center who is also a geologist.

Sponsors: Pit River Tribe, Mount Shasta Bioregional Ecology Center, Sierra Club Mother Lode Shasta Group, Returning to Nature. 

Shasta College, Biological Science BLDG Room 1632

More info: 530-926-5655

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Medicine Lake Shore

Category: Difficult

Distance: 13.3 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,148 feet

Route Type: Out & Back

Directions: From 1-5 N, take exit 736 to merge onto CA-89 S/Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway toward McCloud. Merge onto CA-89 S/Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. After 5.3 miles, turn left onto Pilgrim Creek Road. Continue on for 15.8 miles to Forest Rte 13. Take a slight left to stay on Forest Rte 13. After 15.7 miles, turn left onto Harris Spring Road/Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. Continue onto Usfs 44 N 79 and then Usfs 45 N 05. After 3.8 miles, turn right onto Usfs 44 N 01. Continue on for 3 miles onto Tennant Lava Beds Road/Usfs 44 N 05. Trailhead will be on the left.

Highlights: Views of ancient volcano near Medicine Lake, gorgeous lake views

Medicine Lake kayaks

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Category: Medium

Distance: 4.9 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,082 feet

Route Type: Out & Back

Directions: From 1-5 N, take exit 736 to merge onto CA-89 S/Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway toward McCloud. Turn left onto Harris Spring Road/Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. After 4.4 miles, turn right onto Medicine Lake Road. Stay on this road for 25 miles, then take a right onto U.S. Forest Service Road 97. Continue on for 5.4 miles, until this road turns into Usfs 43 N 53. Turn left onto Tionesta Road. Trailhead will be on your left.

Highlights: Scenic views of Tulelake, excellent bird watching in summer

Photo Credit: Summit Post – Glass Mountain (mrchad9)

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