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Snow covers the highest peaks of the Warner Mountains even during summer months.

Overlooking the Warner Mountains from the Summit Trail.

Satellite image showing the contrast between the flat Modoc Plateau to the west and the peaks of the Warner Mountains, the darker line to the east.

Overlooking the Modoc Plateau towards the Cascade Mountains.

The still, mirror-flat lakes of the Warner Mountains reflect the isolation of these mountains, said to be the most isolated range in California.

Modoc Plateau stretches for more than 12,000km² and was created by lava flows building up on top of one another.

The eastern slopes of the Warner Mountains are sharp escarpments while the western slopes are gentle reflecting the fault-block actvity that created them.

A peaceful spot in the Warner Mountains.

This map showes the full length of the Pit River, which flows for 333 kilometres between Alturas and Shasta Lake where it joins the Sacramento River.

A view over the Surprise Valley to the east of the Warner Mountains. The valley was created as a result of the same processes that created the mountains.

A secluded lake in the Warner Mountains.

The Warner Mountains are made of the same volcanic rock that forms the Modoc Plateau.

The Warner Mountains, while a comparatively small range, provide spectacular views and an imposing landscape.

A collapsed lava tube in the Lava Beds National Monument, the location of many bloody battles during the Modoc War.

1873 - A group of Modoc women with two settlers. The Modocs were moved from their home in Northern California to a reservation in Oregon.

1885 - Modoc County, named after the Modoc tribe that lived there. The Modocs were moved to reservations in Oregon and Oklahoma during the late 1800s.

The Klamath Tribe Seal, which includes the Modoc and Yahooskin tribes who shared their land after relocation.

1873 - An illustration published in Harper's Weekly near the end of the Modoc War depicts Modoc warriors scalping and torturing US soldiers.

Kintpuash, known as Captain Jack, led a band of around 50 Modoc warriors to fight hundreds of US soldiers to reclaim the Modoc homeland.

Captain Jack's cave at the Stronghold in the lava beds. Captain Jack and his band hid here for seven months holding off the attacks of the US army.

American scouts using the same lava beds to hide as they scout for Modocs.

Native American scouts from other groups, such as these Warm Spring Indians, were recruited by the US army in the Modoc War.

In June 1873, Captain Jack surrendered with the assurance that his people would be allowed back to Modoc County. He was exectued in October of that year.

1873 - Sketch of Captain Jack's stronghold. From here, the Modoc warriors were able to hold off hundreds of US soldiers for seven months thanks to the harsh terrain.

Today, 200 Modocs live on a reservation in Oklahoma, more than 2,000km from their homelands in Modoc County.

A map of the Lava Beds National Monument showing Captain Jack's Stronghold near Tule Lake, the traditional home of the Modocs.

Little Medicine Lake in the west of Modoc National Forest. Boating and fishing on the lakes are popular activities for visitors to the forest.

A map of Modoc County showing the Modoc National Forest surrounding Alturas and the lava beds to the west.

Modoc Wildlife Refuge is home to hundreds of species, including the Mule deer - some of the largest mammals in the area.

Hundreds of species of birds are protected in the Modoc Forest Wildlife Refuge, such as this young chickadee.

Alturas is county seat and largest city in Modoc County with a population of nearly 3,000 people.

Modoc Forest is popular with visitors who enjoy summer activities such as hiking and horse riding.

Remnants of the town in its wild west days are still visible on the outskirts of Alturas.

Alturas still retains its wild west heritage, reflecting the spirit of the settlers who first arrived here in the 1860s.

Alturas with the Warner Mountains in the background.

Skiing in the Warner Mountains is a very popular activity drawing many visitors to Alturas in the winter months.

The Achumawi are one of 11 Native American groups that make up the Pit River Tribe. The river was so named because of the Achumawi practice of digging pits along the river to trap game.

A sandhill crane and blackbird enjoy the long grasses of the Modoc Forest Wildlife Refuge near Alturas.

The tranquil solitude offered by the Modoc Forest is a draw for visitors who seek to experience the true wilderness.