Tule Lake National Monument
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As World War II raged around the world, the United States government imprisoned Japanese Americans at internment camps around the country. The Tule Lake National Monument preserves this dark chapter in U.S. history. Here, you can see a maximum-security segregation center and an internment camp for people of Japanese descent and Italian and German prisoners of war. The best time to visit is weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day; this is when the park runs ranger-guided tours, which are the only way to see the Tulelake sites. If you're coming any other time of year, you can still visit the fairgrounds museum to get a sense of life in an internment camp.
Where to Stay
Things to Do
Things To Do Near Tule Lake National Monument
Ranger-led tours are the best way to experience Tule Lake National Monument. Space is limited, so make sure to call in advance if you want to see the Tule Lake Segregation Center or Camp Tulelake. After your visit, nearby hiking trails offer a sense of the isolation the prisoners felt during their forced internment.
Hiking Trails
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Discovery Marsh Trail
Located a few minutes' drive from the Tule Lake National Monument visitor center in the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, the Discovery Marsh Trail is a fun, kid-friendly spot. Follow the short loop trail as it travels around a marsh and keep an eye out for the birds that live in the marsh. In the spring, the route is lined with wildflowers. The trail is open all year, and pets on leashes are welcome.
Location
4009 Hill Road, Tulelake, CA, 96134
Length
0.82 miles round-trip
Intensity
Easy
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Sheepy Ridge Trail
For some of the best views in the area, check out the Sheepy Ridge Trail in the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The climb is steep but short, taking you high up the side of a ridge. Explore the rugged rock formations as you hike, and rest at the top for gorgeous views of Tule Lake and the expansive valley; you can even see the national monument sites in the distance. Kids can usually manage the trail with assistance, but the path is not stroller-accessible. Bring sturdy shoes as the surface is loose and rocky in places.
Location
4009 Hill Road, Tulelake, CA, 96134
Length
0.44 mile round-trip
Intensity
Moderate to Difficult
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Whitney Butte Trail
If you're looking for a longer hike, drive 22 miles south to Whitney Butte Trail in Lava Beds National Monument. Enter the park and head to the Merrill Cave parking area; the trailhead is located next to the path to Merrill Cave. The route traverses a relatively flat landscape, taking you around Whitney Butte. As you hike, you can see evidence of ancient volcanic activity.
Location
Merrill Cave parking area, end of Merrill Cave Road, Tulelake, CA 96134
Length
6.6 miles round-trip
Intensity
Easy
Sightseeing
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Tule Lake Segregation Center
Join a ranger-guided tour to explore the Tule Lake Segregation Center. This spot started as a War Relocation Center but was eventually converted into a high-security facility. The U.S. government used it to contain the people it determined to be "disloyal," and there was a great deal of controversy around the classification process. At one point, the barracks and farms were surrounded by tanks, barbed wire, and, eventually, a stockade. The segregation center was known for overcrowding, poor treatment, and deplorable conditions.
Location
800 Main St. Tulelake, CA 96134
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Camp Tulelake
Camp Tulelake is another site that's open to visitors on ranger-led tours. Originally a camp for Civilian Conservation Corps members, it was converted into an internment camp during World War II. Later, it housed Italian and German prisoners of war who were enlisted to help bring in the harvest with local farmers. The camp closed in 1946, and the property was released to the Fish and Wildlife Service.
Location
800 Main St. Tulelake, CA 96134
Museums
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Tulelake - Butte Valley Fairgrounds Museum
No matter when you're visiting the Tule Lake National Monument, it's worth your time to visit the Tulelake - Butte Valley Fairgrounds Museum. Usually open on weekdays, this museum offers an in-depth look at the dark history of the area. Learn how Japanese Americans were forcibly removed from their homes, and find out about the conditions in which they were kept. To get a sense of life in an internment camp, the museum offers a replica barracks and guard tower. The visitor center is located in the same building, but it's open only on select days between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Location
800 Main St. Tulelake, CA 96134
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Jock's Super Market
If you're camping near Tule Lake National Monument, Jock's Super Market is one of the most conveniently located grocery stores. Small but well-stocked, it carries everything from fresh produce to beer and wine.
Location
395 Modoc Ave., Tulelake, CA 96134
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La Michoacana
Located over the border in Oregon, La Michoacana is the perfect place to pick up imported Mexican staples. This small, friendly spot offers a varied selection that includes spices, tortillas, and piñatas.
Location
425 E. Front St., Merrill, OR 97633
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Tashi Soap Company
If you're driving down from Klamath Falls, make a stop at the Tashi Soap Company. Browse the adorable interior to find handmade natural soaps, skin care products, gifts, and more.
Location
4149 Summers Lane, Klamath Falls, OR 97603
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Mike & Wanda's Family Dining
When you're in the mood for homestyle dishes in a casual setting, head straight to Mike & Wanda's Family Dining. Located a quick drive from the monument, it features a menu packed with hot sandwiches and meat-and-potato meals.
Location
423 Modoc Ave., Tulelake, CA 96134
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Señor Tequila
Señor Tequila serves exceptional Mexican dishes in a low-key environment. Order at the counter, and come hungry to enjoy tortas, mixed plates, and tacos.
Location
337-341 Main St., Tulelake, CA 96134
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Captain Jack's Stronghold
Dig into plates of steak and seafood or a sandwich and fries at Captain Jack's Stronghold. The portions are big, the service is friendly, and the vibe is decidedly relaxed.
Location
45650 CA-139 A, Tulelake, CA 96134
How to Get There
How To Get To Tule Lake National Monument
The Tule Lake National Monument visitor center is located at the Butte Valley Fairgrounds. To get there from Klamath Falls, Oregon, take OR-139 south to Tulelake. From Redding, California, take CA-299 east. Just after the town of Bieber, turn north on West Gouger Neck Road and north on CA-139. When you get to Tulelake, drive west on Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway and south for two blocks on Main Street to get to the visitor center.
Address
800 Main St. Tulelake, CA 96134
Fee: General Entry (per person)
There is no general entry fee.
Fee: Butte Valley Fairgrounds Museum (per person) $3.0
Learn about one of the darker chapters in American history at the Tule Lake National Monument. After you explore the museum and take a ranger-led tour, the wide-open wilderness offers a chance to reflect and relax. An RV is the perfect way to embrace the isolated setting and enjoy the wild, rugged beauty of Northern California.