One group, under the leadership of Hooker Jim, proceeded east around Tule Lake killing 14 male settlers in retaliation for the attack by the troops. Kientpoos, known to the settlers as Captain Jack, and the rest of the Modocs from Lost River headed across Tule Lake by boat and entered the Lava Beds. They were later joined by Hooker Jim's band. Kientpoos reluctantly accepted them, fearing he may be placing the other Modocs' lives in danger by allowing those who had murdered the settlers to stay. Another band of Modocs, the Creeks, eventually joined them after they had been tricked by settlers into thinking that they were all going to be hanged for being Modocs.
Winter is perhaps the best time to visit the sight of the only Indian war fought in California.
Along the shores of Tule Lake, ancient lava flows have formed a rugged, uneven terrain that became known as Captain Jack's Stronghold. The area is cut with deep lava trenches and dotted with small habitable caves, creating a natural fortification and a seemingly endless variety of places where one could move unnoticed. Over 300 troops and volunteers were organized to drive the approximately 50 Modoc men and their women and children from the Stronghold. The Modocs inflicted heavy losses from the cover of their rough terrain. Confused by the fog and exhausted by the bitter cold and terrain, the troops retreated, leaving their weapons, ammunition, and wounded.