The varied topography and the equally varied climate, with temperatures ranging from over 100 degrees in high summer to 35 below zero in winter, accounts for the diversity of animal life in the forest—around 300 different animal species, including a large population of wild horses, call it home. The Pacific Flyway for migratory waterfowl crosses the forest, as well, providing birders rare observational opportunities several weeks per year.
Hiking, fishing, paddling, camping and biking are among the many outdoor activities possible in Modoc National Forest. Just remember to take your time going home—the forests' endless vistas and penetrating solitude have a way of making readjustment difficult!
Walk on Lava
Medicine Lake, one of the principal lakes within Modoc National Forest, has for thousands of years been the center of a great deal of volcano activity of the "shield" variety. Over time, the eruptions have created a fascinating landscape of caves, cinder cones, lava flows, spatter cones, lava tubes and pit craters. Ever a point of renowned beauty, wonder and scientific interest, Lava Beds National Monument is also of historical significance. Discovered by the Modoc Indians to be a perfect natural fortress during the Modoc War of 1872-1873, the tribe was able to hold off U.S. troops for over 5 months. Walks, evening slide programs and cave tours are offered daily during the summer, and campsites are available at nearby Indian Wells Campground.
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Fish the Pit
Over millennia, the Pit River has turned many of the area's volcanic basalt flows and mountain valleys into stunning canyons. Fishing in this unique landscape can yield rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, bass and catfish—as well as chance sightings of bald eagles and peregrine falcons as they fish for their own dinners nearby. For those who prefer lake fishing, Clear Lake, Medicine Lake, and Big Sage Reservoir are all within Modoc's boundaries. Beautiful streams abound within the forest, as well. Check with the rangers to learn the best spots.
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Paddle Medicine Lake
Located on the western side of the Modoc National Forest, the Medicine Lake Highlands are an area of profound geological interest, just 14 miles south of the Lava Beds National Monument. But if shield and rim volcanoes aren't your thing, pack a fishing rod because Medicine Lake is a cold, clear, natural lake, stocked with catchable rainbow trout. Surrounded by lush evergreen stands of sugar pine, red fir, white fir and (at higher elevations) lodgepole pine, the area is often closed from mid-November thru mid-June due to snow cover. Camping is available. In summer, take advantage of the lovely picnic area and swimming beach.
Camp Blue Lake
Blue Lake is small—only 160 acres—but it is one of the deepest and loveliest lakes in Modoc National Forest. Blue Lake is suitable for canoeing, fishing, and swimming, and its shores make for some stunning high-altitude day hikes. The backdrop to any activity at Blue Lake is the picturesque Warner Mountains. Camp close to the shoreline, or rent a site farther back. The Blue Lake National Recreation Trail traverses the area around the lake, and the South Warner Wilderness Area is only 6 miles to the north, affording you plenty of opportunities for high-quality day hikes and solitude. Both the Mill Creek Falls and Patterson Trailheads provide access to the southern areas of Warner Wilderness.
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Backpack the South Warner Wilderness
There are many short- to medium-length trails in the South Warner Wilderness, but the truest wilderness experience can be had hiking the loop from Pepperdine to Patterson. Using the east side trail system through the Warner Wilderness on the way in and the west side trail system on the return trip, this 50-mile route takes seven days (at least), and virtually no area is covered twice. The route takes you past Squaw Peak and Eagle Peak, then follows the 8,000-foot summit of the Warner Mountains for more than 15 miles. The views—like the solitude—are unsurpassed, filled with glacial lakes and high, grassy meadows. Be prepared for snow at all times, and keep your eyes out for the occasional mountain lion!
Visit an Avian Rest Stop
Lying at the foot of the Warner Mountains on the western edge of the Great Basin, the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge is a stopover for birds on the Pacific Flyway. The flyway—which runs from Alaska to Mexico—steers thousands of birds to Modoc twice yearly. They're attracted by the refuge's 7,000 acres of carefully controlled ponds, dikes, and marshland, which have created a true high desert oasis. Nearly 240 bird species frequent the refuge, including snowy egrets, great blue herons, Canadian geese, and an assortment of colorful ducks: mallards, green-winged teals, redheads and northern pintails. Bald eagles and peregrine falcons can also be spotted. No overnight camping or parking is available at the refuge, but you won't be far from campgrounds within the forest or the inns of Alturas, California.
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