Modoc National Forest

The Modoc National Forest is located in the northeastern corner of California about a three-hour drive from Reno, Nevada, over Highway 395 and about the same distance from Redding, California, on Highway 299. Bordered by Oregon to the north, Nevada to the east, the Shasta-Trinity and Klamath National Forests on the west, and the Lassen National Forest on the south, the Modoc National Forest encompasses nearly 2 million acres within Modoc, Siskiyou, and Lassen counties. About 1.6 million acres are National Forest System lands, and the remaining 337,000 acres are privately owned or administered by other public agencies.

A spur of the Cascades known as the Warner Mountain Range is on the east side. The Warner Range was named in memory of Captain W.H. Warner of the US Army Engineers. Captain Warner was killed in 1849 while examining the routes from Humboldt Valley, Nevada, to the Sacramento River in California. To the west and north is a plateau region of forest meadows, Western Juniper timber, lakes, rolling hills, lava beds, and open range land. Forest elevations range from the highest point of 9,834 feet to the lowest point of 4,300 feet.

The Warner Mountain Ranger District was the scene of several Native American battles, including one at Fandango Pass in the north Warners. Fort Bidwell was established in Surprise Valley in 1866 to protect the settlers. The Fort was abandoned in 1892 and turned over to the Department of Interior to be used as a school for Native Americans. The Fort Bidwell Indian Reservation adjoins the Warner Mountain Ranger District along the northeast border. Today, the Fort Bidwell General Store houses a museum of memorabilia.

Modoc County's most significant gold rush was located in the Highgrade Mining District near the north end of the Warner Mountains. Prospectors swarmed the area from 1905 to 1912. Remnants of old buildings and mining activities are still evident. Native Americans valued the same area for the abundant obsidian which they used for projectiles and trading.

The variable climate ranges from warm dry summer, to cold, severe, moderately wet winters. Temperatures range from highs of over 100° F for a few weeks intermittently each summer to occasionally as low as minus 35° F in the winter. Yearly precipitation averages 13 inches.

The Modoc National Forest is the home of over 300 species of wildlife. The primary large wildlife seen on the Modoc are Rocky Mountain mule deer and pronghorn antelope. Beavers are often found along streams and lakes. Rabbits, squirrels, porcupines, ground hogs, chipmunks, Golden eagles, quail, hawks, and blue grouse may also be observed in the forest.

The Modoc National Forest is legally obligated to manage the wild horses within a 258,000-acre Wild Horse Territory, located in the Devil's Garden and Doublehead Ranger Districts. The ideal number of horses for this area is 300.

The Pacific Flyway for migratory waterfowl crosses directly over the Modoc National Forest. Managed wetlands attract birds to nest. Nesting birds include eared grebes, Canada geese, mallards, gadwalls, pintails, ruddy ducks, green-winged teal, and cinnamon teal.

Most lakes and reservoirs will accommodate motor boats, sail boats, row boats, canoes, etc., but MOTOR BOATS are prohibited on the South Warner Wilderness Area lakes and on Lily and Cave Lakes.

All developed areas have stoves or grills, tables, and vault toilets. Most areas have piped water for drinking. Campgrounds have both tent and trailer spaces: Some charge a fee. Because of type and conditions of roads to campgrounds, there are limits in the size of recreational vehicles.

For fishing enthusiasts, many of the reservoirs, streams, and lakes are stocked with rainbow, German Brown, and eastern brook trout throughout the summer season. Bass and catfish are found in many of the reservoirs. Little Medicine Lake in the Medicine Lake Highlands is stocked with arctic grayling.

The Modoc National Forest is a very popular hunting area. The Modoc National Forest is one of the few areas in California that offers the deer hunter the opportunity to hunt the Rocky Mountain mule deer. The mule deer, noted for its large body and antler size, is found throughout the Forest. Large herds of pronghorn antelope roam throughout northeastern California where once they were considered almost extinct.

There is swimming in most lakes and reservoirs, but the water is cold at higher elevations. Medicine Lake in Doublehead Ranger District has the only sandy beach on the forest, and the swimming area is designated. There is no lifeguard on duty.

In the Warner Mountains easy slopes for the beginning skier, moderate slopes for the more experienced skier, and rugged areas for the most skilled skier are available. The Modoc Ski Club maintains a surface ski lift in the Warner Mountains on Cedar Pass near Highway 299. The Warner Mountains and Medicine Lake Highlands present opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. A snowmobile route starting at Mammoth Crater in the Medicine Lake Highlands loops around the Lava Flow and back to Mammoth Crater.