Riddled with lava caves, this volcanic landscape in Northern California was the setting for one of the West’s most famous battles, where a defiant band of 52 Modoc men held off up to a thousand US Army troops for five months in 1872-73. Today hiking trails tour the Lava Beds National Monument’s geologic and historic sites. If you’re short on time, hike the 0.7-mile loop to Captain Jack’s Stronghold and explore the visitor center’s Mushpot Cave. Otherwise spend the night at the campground and hike three slightly longer trails. Pets are banned on trails.

To drive here from Klamath Falls . . .

For the final recommended hike, return . . .

This chapter is an excerpt from 100 Hikes: Eastern Oregon