FORESTS, PARKS & PUBLIC LANDS
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he public’s access to state and national parks, national forests, and other public lands in America’s west is unprecedented. In UpStateCA, vast areas of public lands are easily enjoyed and offer some of California’s greatest treasures. The region is known for its wild and scenic rivers, three major lakes offering the best houseboating in the world, and thousands of miles of open space, providing great opportunities for hiking, rafting, kayaking, fishing, camping, or just getting away from the crowd. UpStateCA also boasts scenic drives through various landscapes, with access to some of the region’s most significant attractions. From the unique volcanic features of Lassen Volcanic National Park to McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, and on to magnificent Mt. Shasta, these drives showcase the public lands’ grandeur and are often just a few hours away. These are your public lands — some of the country’s finest — and they are waiting to provide you, your family, and friends with a memorable experience.
NATIONAL FORESTS
The National Forests in UpStateCA offer a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. For maps of the individual forests, campground locations or other information, contact the Headquarters Office or the District Offices listed below.
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tributaries – over 300 miles of whitewater river offering rafting, kayaking, and waterbased recreation Goosenest Ranger District – unique volcanic landscape features to enjoy, with forests, high deserts, lakes, meadows, aspen groves and wetlands rich with birdlife
Ranger Districts: 530-842-6131
Happy Camp/Oak Knoll RD
530-493-2243
Scott/Salmon River RD, Fort Jones 530-468-5351 530-627-3291
The Lassen National Forest, at the heart of one of the most fascinating areas of California, called the Crossroads, covers a wild, mountainous area of volcanic origin. Some of the most outstanding attractions include: • •
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Eagle Lake – the second largest natural lake in California, offering fishing, boating, waterskiing, sailing, hiking trails and camping Hat Creek Area – in the shadows of Lassen Peak are campgrounds and picnic areas along ten miles of Hat Creek providing opportunities for exploring natural history and lava tubes Lake Almanor – located in a scenic mountain setting near Chester, the lake is ideal for outdoor recreation and water sports Subway Cave – an underground cave formed by flowing lava, the lava tube is 1/3 mile long. Bring a lantern or flashlight, sturdy shoes and warm jacket
Eagle Lake RD, Susanville
530-257-4188
Hat Creek RD, Fall River Mills
530-336-5521
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Marble Mountain Wilderness – composed primarily of rock formations containing cambrian marine invertebrates, this wilderness features an unparalleled diversity of plant life found nowhere else in California Klamath, Salmon or Scott Rivers and their
Grindstone RD, Willows
530-934-3316
Upper Lake RD, Upper Lake
707-275-2361
225 West 8th St., Alturas, CA 96101 530-233-5811 www.fs.usda.gov/modoc
USDA Forest Service Campgrounds
The Klamath National Forest is one of America’s most biologically diverse regions. This beautiful forest is an uncrowded haven for campers, hikers, wildlife viewers, hunters, fishermen, mountain bikers, rafters, kayakers and naturalists alike. Some of the most outstanding attractions include:
530-879-6628
Modoc National Forest
530-258-2141
1711 S. Main St., Yreka, CA 96097 530-863-3092 www.fs.usda.gov/klamath
707-983-6118
Genetic Resource Center, Chico
2550 Riverside Dr., Susanville, CA 96130 530-257-2151 www.fs.usda.gov/lassen
Almanor RD, Chester
Klamath National Forest
Covelo RD, Covelo
Lassen National Forest
The Pacific Crest Trail traverses several of the forests of the region, providing access to some of California’s most remote natural landscapes. Fire lookouts on mountain tops around the region can now become a weekend escape. Contact the various Forest Service offices or recreation.gov for information about reserving this unique getaway. 1323 Club Dr., Vallejo, CA 94592 877-444-NRRS www.recreation.gov
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Snow Mountain Wilderness – deep canyons skirt the mountain, hiking affords magnificent views of the Sacramento Valley Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness Area – headwaters of the Middle Fork Eel River, this remote and rugged land provides a wealth of wildlife
Ranger Districts:
Goosenest RD, Macdoel
Ishi-Pishi RD, Orleans
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Ranger Districts::
825 N. Humboldt Ave., Willows, CA 95988 530-934-3316 www.fs.fed.usda.gov/mendocino
The Mendocino National Forest is America’s only National Forest not crossed by a paved road or highway, which is especially attractive to people seeking an outdoor experience of tranquility and solitude. Some of the most outstanding attractions include:
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Mendocino National Forest
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Modoc National Forest is a land of contrasts and unspoiled settings for a vacation getaway. Unique vistas of rugged mountains, lava caves, craters, pristine and serene lakes and streams await visitors to this beautiful forest. Some of the most outstanding attractions include:
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Burnt Lava Flow, Medicine Lake Glass Flow and Glass Mountain Glass Flow – are located within the Medicine Lake Highlands and designated as special interest areas because of their unique geological features Medicine Lake Highlands – considered a “land of rocks and mountains,” this land was believed to resemble the moon and was used in preparation for the first moon landing Medicine Lake – the beautiful, tree-lined shores of Medicine Lake make it hard to realize this area was once the center of a volcano Modoc Volcanic Scenic Byway – view volcanic features, wildlife & Native American History South Warner Wilderness – a variety of vegetation adorns the area – from high desert sagebrush and juniper, to high alpine terrain with mountain peaks, and glacial lakes
Ranger Districts: Big Valley RD, Adin
530-299-3215
Devil’s Garden RD, Alturas
530-233-5811
Doublehead RD, Tulelake
530-667-2246
Warner Mtn. RD, Cedarville
530-279-6116
Red Bluff Recreation Area – 4.2-mile paved trail, boat launching facility and campground located along the beautiful Sacramento River Lake Pillsbury – boat launch, great picnic areas, and great sunfish, trout and bass fishing
UpStateCA Visitor Guide
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