Near Newell in Modoc County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Applegate Trail - Pothole Spring

Photographed By Douglass Halvorsen, August 17, 2016

1. Applegate Trail - Pothole Spring Marker

Inscription. "Camped at a magnificent spring of fresh cold water,
which we called Goff's Spring, in honor of the
newly elected lieutenant of the company."
-Levi Scott, South Road Exploring Party, 1846

Erected 2009 by Trails West Inc. (Marker Number A-40.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Exploration. In addition, it is included in the Applegate Trail, the California Trail, and the Trails West Inc. series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1846.

Location. 41° 49.498′ N, 120° 54.99′ W. Marker is near Newell, California, in Modoc County. Marker is on 46N19. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tulelake CA 96134, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. South Road - Blazed Pine Tree (approx. 5 miles away); South Road - Applegate Trail (approx. 7.9 miles away); Applegate Trail (approx. 7.9 miles away).

More about this marker. This natural spring is accessible via a dirt road (Forest Road 46N19) that splits off from Clear Lake Reservoir Road from the north. Follow this dirt road SE until you get to an open, grassy clearing. The dirt road literally disappears

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in front of you. If you have sharp eyes, you'll see the T marker standing out among the grass. do not drive too close to the marker or you will into the spring. The spring is just a few feet from the metal T marker. Look at my posted picture looking at my car from the marker. That's a safe place to park. Although the property where this T marker and spring reside is on private land, the landowner has given permission for visitors who are following the Applegate Trail route through this area. Be safe and courteous of the land!

Regarding Applegate Trail - Pothole Spring. It should be noted that there is apparently a pioneer child's grave just to the south of this historical marker. It appears on a topography map. I walked to the exact coordinates of the grave site but could only find a couple of small, round rocks sunken into the muddy earth. Any other sign of a grave has been lost.

Photographed By Douglass Halvorsen, August 17, 2016

2. Applegate Trail - Pothole Spring Marker

Photographed By Douglass Halvorsen, August 17, 2016

3. Applegate Trail - Pothole Spring Marker

Photographed By Douglass Halvorsen, August 17, 2016

4. Applegate Trail - Pothole Spring Marker

Pothole Spring image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Douglass Halvorsen, August 17, 2016

5. Pothole Spring

Pioneer child's grave image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Douglass Halvorsen, August 17, 2016

6. Pioneer child's grave

The area circled in green is where a pioneer child's grave is supposed to be. I've seen pictures of an old rock with the name and date etched in stone. It's possibly been taken by relic hunters.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 26, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 19, 2018. This page has been viewed 388 times since then and 46 times this year. Last updated on June 25, 2020, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 19, 2018, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.