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SKull Cave & Symbol Bridge Trail
Skull cave is one of the largest caves in the
park, and has the most easily accessible cave ice. The trail through the
cave is a well preserved example of CCC construction projects from the
1930's. Wear a sweater and gloves, it gets cold in there!
Another trail of special interest is the one to Symbol Bridge. It is an
easy trail with practically no change in elevation. In early June the
wildflowers on display may be the blue of gentians or pale yellow of the
death camas. Fleabanes, chaenactis, and mariposa lilies come later. By
late summer, asters and rabbitbrush still bring color to the trail.
Occasionally the mosquito-eating purple martin may be seen darting
through the sky doing its job. A side trail leads to Big Painted Cave.
At the entrance smooth blocks of basaltic lava next to the trail have
been painted with Modoc symbols. Weathering has made them very faint so
close inspection is required. If you find the pictographs, never touch
them. The oils from your skin will cause further deterioration.
It is just a short walk further to the special place called Symbol
Bridge. Stop a minute and gather your thoughts. Approach the bridge with
a spirit of reverence and enter the area as you would a cathedral. Walk
down under the bridge. Again you will see pictographs of earlier people.
There are also signs of historical significance. Please do not touch
them or deface them in any way. We do not know the meanings of these
symbols, but we do know they are of spiritual significance to the
indigenous people of this region.
Do the symbols speak to you? What do you think they mean? When you leave
the bridge and return along the trail, do you feel a little better for
having visited this place? Only you will know.
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