Modoc

MODOC COUNTY

NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY, LAKES, HANG GLIDING AND LAVA FLOWS

Modoc County proves living on the edge can be the most rewarding. This far northeast corner of California combines a fabulous four-season climate with abundant natural resources and a colorful “Wild West” history. With less than 10,000 residents spread over 4,200 miles, it’s a profoundly peaceful setting for a family vacation or a private retreat.

Recreation opportunities abound, especially in the warm dry summers, encourages camping, hiking, fishing, water sports, and many other activities. Truly a land of varied terrain, Modoc County includes one of California’s most beautiful mountain ranges, the Warner Mountains, with their clear alpine streams and, in contrast, portions of high desert dotted with serene lakes. You can visit turn-of-the-century towns, ranches and farmlands in Modoc, frequently compared to the beautiful expanses of Montana, and often called the “place where the west still lives.” Abundant marshes, forests, plains, and lakes provide an ideal habitat for a variety of wildlife; Modoc County and the Modoc Wildlife Refuge are home to bald eagles, peregrine falcons, goshawks, golden eagles, and many other endangered species. Rocky Mountain mule deer and elk, wild horses, burros and pronghorn antelope are just a few of Modoc County’s happy inhabitants. They may even outnumber the people! Take the Modoc Volcanic Scenic Byway to the northwest corner of the county (bordering Siskiyou County) and you’ll discover Lava Beds National Monument, perched upon Medicine Lake Volcano. Over 700 lava tube caves – remnants of the arteries that transported lava from its source – are hidden within these flows. The monument includes Crystal Ice Cave, which contains some of the most spectacular ice formations among these many caves. Due to the sensitive nature of this cave’s formations and its cold environment, Crystal Ice Cave is open to park visitors only on small ranger-guided tours during the winter months. Humans have lived in this region for about 10,500 years; evidence of the Modoc Tribe and their ancestors are in the thousands of carvings at nearby Petroglyph Point or the pictographs at Symbol Bridge and Big Painted Cave, dating between 4,000 and 6,000 years ago. As settlers began to colonize the area, conflicts arose, leading to the Modoc War of 1872-1873, and you can explore sites like Captain Jack’s Stronghold, where 60 Modoc warriors held off nearly 1,000 U.S. troops for five months. Take the Emigrant Trails Scenic Byway for the best views of Goose Lake and access to the Warner Mountains, where you’ll find obsidian, petrified wood, assorted gemstones, and unique rocks. There are four areas designated to collect obsidian, requiring a permit from the ranger district. In the broad valley of the Pit River, near the center of Modoc County, you’ll find the town of Alturas, at the junction of Highways 395 and 299. This cordial city serves as the commercial center for northeastern California, with a variety of lodging including bed & breakfast inns, motels, a historic hotel, modern and historic shops, and restaurants. Sugar Hill, about 25 miles north of Alturas, is a favorite site for hang gliders and paragliders; the ideal thermals for soaring the skies attract enthusiasts from all over the world. The friendly locals and landowners who welcome the gliders, coupled with the breathtaking scenery of the Warner Mountains while silently soaring with the birds, make Modoc an amazing place to fly. Cedarville, centrally located in the cattle ranching hub of Surprise Valley, is home to an unusual exhibit of historically significant buildings: the mythical town of “Louisville.” This visit-worthy fictitious town consists of log cabins, a slaughterhouse, schoolhouse, water tower and the old Fort Bidwell and Eagleville jails from the 1800s. The Modoc National Forest and Bureau of Land Management offers some of California’s best campgrounds. For quiet secluded camping try Mill Creek Falls Campground, Reservoir F Campground, Payne Springs Campground, or Ash Creek Campground. For more action, head to the campgrounds at Medicine Lake. For further information contact ShastaCascade Wonderland Association at 530-365-7500 or www.UpStateCA.com.

ATTRACTIONS

Tule Lake Segregation CenterWWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument

The largest of 10 War Relocation Centers, it held 18,789 of the 110,000 men, women and children of Japanese ancestry forcibly moved from their homes in 1942.

CA Hwy 139, Newell, CA 96134 530-260-0537; www.nps.gov/tule/index.htm

MUSEUMS

Modoc County Historical Museum

Some items on display date back 150 years and include Indian artifacts, an antique gun collection and domestic items used by the early day pioneer families of Modoc County.

600 S. Main Street, Alturas, CA 96101; 530-233-2944

HIDDEN TREASURES

Cedar Pass Snow Park

Charming winter sport destination surrounded by stunning panoramas.

530-233-3323

Medicine Lake

Crystal clear recreational lake formed by shield volcano.

530-667-2246

Fandango Pass, Modoc National Forest

A State Historical Landmark on Applegate – Lassen Emigrant Trail.

530-279-6116 or 530-233-5811

Crystal Ice Cave

Lava Beds National Monument adventurous explorers may reserve winter tours to see unique and timeless ice formations beneath a volcanic landscape.

www.nps.gov/labe/planyourvisit/crystalicecavetours.htm

SHOPPING

Chimney Rock Travel Center

Clean and friendly store, easy RV and trailer access, free overnight parking, fuel and propane, hot food, lowest fuel prices in the area.

27002 Hwy 395, Alturas, CA 96101 530-233-2470

RV PARKS/ CAMPGROUNDS

Likely Place Golf & RV Resort

Spacious park with hookups, pull-thru sites, tent campsites, immaculate restrooms/showers/ laundry, and two gazebos for group events & BBQs. Onsite 18 hole golf course, restaurant and catering services. Dog friendly.

1215 Likely Place, Likely Place, CA 96116 530-233-4466 www.likelyplace.com

Sunrise RV Park & Campground

Enjoy the sunrise at our AAA approved motel, 3 bedroom Victorian Guesthouse. RV Park has pull throughs with lawn, trees & full hookups.

62271 Hwy 299 West, Cedarville, CA 96014 530-279-2161 e-mail: sunrisemotel@frontier.com

DINING

California Pines Steakhouse

Hand Cut Steaks, Lobster, Prime Rib on Saturday, Pizza and Hamburgers. Enjoy quaint dining with lake views, and cocktails at your table.

750 Shasta View Drive, Alturas, CA 96101 530-233-5842 www.californiapineslodge.org

HOTELS/MOTELS/ RESORTS

California Pines Lodge

25 Rooms with pet rooms available, playground, pool, fishing, horseshoes, volleyball, picnic tables, Bar/Lounge Steakhouse, dance floor, banquet room, wedding and party planning, small airport.

750 Shasta View Drive, Alturas, CA 96101 530-233-5842 www.californiapineslodge.org

Niles Hotel

Historic hotel with recently renovated rooms, each with their own theme. Starbucks coffee, breakfast, lunch, fine dining and saloon. Event room for weddings and special occasions.

304 South Main St. Alturas, CA 96101 530-233-3773 www.nileshotel.com e-mail: nileshotelevents@gmail.com

Rim Rock Motel

Your base camp for all your outdoor activities in a beautiful country setting. Horse pens, picnic area, BBQs, park area. Beautiful views of the Warner Mountains.

22760 Hwy 395, Alturas, CA 96101 530-233-5455 www.rimrockmotel.com e-mail: rimrockmotel@frontiernet.net

Sunrise Motel & Guesthouse

Rooms have coffee, refrigerators, TV, Wi-Fi, & air conditioning. On-site barbecue, laundry & kitchen facility. Older Victorian house is a 2-story, 3 bedroom. AAA approved.

62271 Hwy 299 West, Cedarville, CA 96104 530-279-2161 e-mail: sunrisemotel@frontier.com

Surprise Valley Hotsprings

Surprise Valley Hotsprings is Adult Only Lodging. Come get away and soak in your own private hot tub fed by a natural Artesian Hot Spring. Relax & Rejuvenate!

67254 Hwy 299 East, Cedarville, CA 96104 530-279-2040 www.surprisevalleyhotsprings.com e-mail: gothotsprings@yahoo.com

ADVENTURE LIKE A LOCAL IN MODOC COUNTY!

Vacation opportunities in Modoc County are rich and varied - you’ll find everything from stunning wildlife to more caves than you can shake a stick at! Here we’ve put together some of our favorite sites for a day in Modoc. Start your day exploring the varied landscape of Lava Beds National Monument. Over the last half-million years, volcanic eruptions have created a rugged landscape dotted with diverse volcanic features. More than 700 caves provide exploring opportunities for the first-time cave visitor to experienced spelunkers. Native American rock art sites, historic battlefields, and a high desert wilderness experience await you. Your next stop is the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is home to bald eagles, peregrine falcons, goshawks, golden eagles, and many other endangered species. On the land, Rocky Mountain Elk and Mule Deer, wild horses, burros, and pronghorn antelope are just a few of Modoc County’s happy inhabitants. After you’ve explored the refuge, enjoy a meal at one of the locally owned eateries followed by check-in for the evening at one of the family-owned lodging properties in historic Alturas or Cedarville where you can experience life on a cattle ranch, country style living and hospitality. Just because you’ve checked in for the night, don’t think the fun is over! Modoc County has some of the most stunning dark night skies in the state. With little to no light pollution you’ll have a perfect view of the spectacular star filled sky, a great way to end your day in Modoc. For additional itinerary ideas visit www.ShastaCascade.com/intineraries

Shasta Cascade Visitors Guide22 PLUMAS