Gillems Camp, Tulelake, Ca

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Parking - Auto, Restroom

From April through June 1873, Army soldiers were stationed here during the Modoc War. From this command post, the U.S. Army directed part of a frustrating campaign against a small group of Modoc Indians. Determined to defend their homeland, the Modocs consistently outmaneuvered the Army, who at times outnumbered them ten to one. Just over six months of battles and surprise attacks, interspersed with long periods of waiting, resulted in the Modoc’s defeat. Significant Modoc War sites are located and interpreted throughout the park

For seven weeks in the spring of 1873, Gillem’s Camp served as temporary quarters for up to 600 troops. Many enlisted men were new recruits with little training. Isolation, poor food and medical supplies, and the constant threat of attack in an unfamiliar landscape made life here difficult.

Walk the easy guided trail around this area and discover why ancient Modoc, the Army, the Civilian Conservation Corps, and National Park Service rangers alike cherished its location on the shores of old Tule Lake. You can also hike to the top of Gillem Bluff (known as Sheepy Ridge to the Modoc and settlers) along the route the Army used to bring supplies to Gillems Camp. The view from the top provides a great perspective of Lava Beds’ volcanic landscape. Generations of Modoc once netted waterfowl here as they flew low over the ridge, and a fence still stands from the attempted reintroduction of bighorn sheep in the 1980’s. You can also look down on Canby Cross, the site where a Modoc War peace meeting ended in tragedy. Visit the cross at the next stop heading east.