Tulelake, city in Siskiyou County, California, United States
Tulelake is a small city in Siskiyou County, California, situated on drained lakebed in volcanic terrain. It spreads along Highway 139 and is surrounded by farmland and pastures that extend to the horizon.
The city emerged in the 1930s after the original Tule Lake was drained to make land available for settlement and farming. Growth was rapid, and it was officially incorporated in 1937, with the population reaching roughly 2,500 by the 1950s.
The town's name reflects the drained lake that once defined the landscape, and this heritage remains part of local identity. Community life centers around neighborhood gathering spots and school events that continue to bring residents together.
The city sits at elevation where temperatures cool from September through March, while summer months are dry and mild. Visitors should prepare for longer drives, as nearby major towns are distant and public transportation is limited.
Water beneath the town once contained methane that would ignite on its own, making well construction an unusual challenge. Early residents still recall needing to drill deep to reach safe drinking water.
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