California 139

California 139 begins in Susanville at its junction with California 36 and travels north past Eagle Lake into Modoc County. After the junction with California 161 near Tulelake, California 139 crosses the Oregon state line and transitions directly onto Oregon 39. Oregon 39 in turn continues north to Klamath Falls, Oregon, where it meets U.S. 97.

California 139 south
Oregon 39 transitions directly onto California 139 when the road crosses from Klamath County in Oregon to Siskiyou County in California. Almost immediately after crossing into California, southbound California 139 approaches California 161, an east-west state route that parallels the state line and connects to U.S. 97 northeast of Dorris. Photo taken 04/01/05.
Southbound California 139 meets California 161 at this intersection. Turn right to follow California 161/State Line Road west to the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge and U.S. 97 near Dorris. Turn left here to follow State Line Road, a county-maintained highway, east to Malin, Oregon. California 139, meanwhile, continues southeast toward Tulelake and Newell in Siskiyou County. Photos taken 04/01/05.
The first California 139 south reassurance shield is posted after the California 161 intersection. Photos taken 04/01/05.
Southbound California 139 approaches Tschirky Road east and Kandra Road west. Both county roads provide local farm and ranch access. The railroad parallels California 139 south through Tulelake to Canby, then turns east to Alturas and the U.S. 395 corridor. Photo taken 04/01/05.
Entering the small city of Tulelake (population 1,020 as of the 2000 Census), California 139 approaches Havlina Road and Main Street. Most of the city sits south and west of the state route. Turn right on Main Street into downtown Tulelake. This right turn also connects to the north end of the Modoc Volcanic Scenic Byway, which enters Lava Beds National Monument via Hill Road in Siskiyou County. The national monument features ancient lava flows, lava tubes (caves formed by historic lava flows), and craters are among the many features to this unique landscape. Services are limited along the byway, so be sure to have sufficient gasoline and supplies. Motorists can reconnect with California 139 in Modoc County south of Newell via Modoc County 10, making this a loop tour. Photo taken 04/01/05.
Another California 139 south reassurance shield is posted after the Main Street intersection. A white regulatory sign advises that the agricultural inspection station in Modoc County will require specific inspection permits. Photo taken 04/01/05.

Southbound California 139 approaches East-West Road west to Sheepy Peak along the north shore of Tule Lake and Osborne Road east into Modoc County. Photo taken 04/01/05.
This mileage sign on California 139 south provides the distance to Canby (51 miles), Alturas (68 miles), and Susanville (140 miles). Photo taken 04/01/05.
Close to the Siskiyou-Modoc County Line, southbound California 139 approaches Modoc County 103A, which parallels the county line. Photo taken 04/01/05.
Upon reaching the intersection with Modoc County 103A, California 139 leaves Siskiyou County and enters Modoc County. Photo taken 04/01/05.
California 139 north
At the intersection with Modoc County 103A, California 139 leaves Modoc County and enters Siskiyou County. Photo taken 04/01/05.
Northbound California 139 approaches East-West Road west to Sheepy Peak along the north shore of Tule Lake and Osborne Road east into Modoc County. Photo taken 04/01/05.
Entering the small city of Tulelake (population 1,020 as of the 2000 Census, elevation 4,035 feet), California 139 north approaches Havlina Road and Main Street. Most of the city sits south and west of the state route. Turn lefton Main Street into downtown Tulelake. This right turn also connects to the north end of the Modoc Volcanic Scenic Byway, which enters Lava Beds National Monument via Hill Road in Siskiyou County. Photo taken 04/01/05.
Northbound California 139 approaches Yost Road and Akins Road. Photo taken 04/01/05.
Nearing the California-Oregon state line, California 139 north approaches California 161 west to U.S. 97 and Dorris. California 161 follows State Line Road and parallels the California-Oregon border through the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge. Photo taken 04/01/05.
A mileage sign is posted at the California 139 north and California 161 west intersection. Dorris is 23 miles west of here, and Klamath Falls, Oregon, is 24 miles north of here. Turn right to follow county-maintained State Line Road east to Malin, Oregon (seven miles). After this intersection, California 139 will end and Oregon 39 will begin. Photo taken 04/01/05.
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Page Updated February 9, 2008.

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