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 square miles, it’s a profoundly peaceful setting for a family vacation or a private retreat.

Recreation opportunities abound. The warm dry summers encourage 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 National 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 amenities including bed & breakfasts, 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 on the entire UpStateCA region call 530-365-7500 or visit 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 Native American 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 www.nps.gov/labe/planyourvisit/crystalicecavetours.htm

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

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

HOTELS/MOTELS/ RESORTS

Niles Hotel

Historic hotel with recently renovated rooms, each with their own theme. Starbucks coffee, breakfast, lunch, Roadhouse menu 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

Trailside Inn

The Trailside Inn is located in the heart of Northern California’s beautiful, mountainous countryside. Our guests enjoy first-rate amenities at our attractive, clean, 100% smoke free facility. Book your next visit at the Trailside Inn in Alturas, CA.

343 North Main Street, Alturas, CA 96101 530-233-4111 www.trailsideinnca.com e-mail: trailsidealturas@frontier.com