Welcome to Modoc Forest

Modoc National Forest
800 West 12th Street, Alturas, CA 96101; 530-233-5811; NFS Forest Website;
Forest ranger headquarters.

Much of California's remote northeastern corner is included in the Modoc National Forest. There are many mountains, lakes, meadows and significant wetlands here. This forestry area is also rich in wildlife and geological formations. Popular activies include hiking, equestrian trails, fishing and cross-country skiing.

Modoc Forest Snow Warning:
Much of the forest area is covered in deep snow during the winter/spring months and is not plowed. If you drive a forest road and encounter deep snow - stop and turn around. Also advise friends or the forest ranger if you plan to drive on remote roads during winter months.

Modoc Forest Wildlife:
Over 300 species of wildlife call this forest home - mule deer, pronghorn antelopes, bald eagles and wild horses. The Pacific Flyway for migratory birds passes directly over the forest.

Modoc Forest Geological Features:
The 1.6 million plus acres of forest were covered millions of years ago by immense lava flows. Volcanism has left some most dramatic geological samples:

• Glass Mountain - huge flow of obsidian
• Burnt Lava Flow - jumble of black lava interspersed with islands of timber
• Medicine Lake - old volcanic crater that is now famous for boating and swimming

South Warner Wilderness Area
70,385-acre preserve along the forest's eastern boundary covering the Warner Mountains which mostly exceeded 5000 ft elevation. Eagle Peak, the highest mountain in Modoc Forest, reaches 9,892. foot elevation.

Tour Pacific Crest Trail PCT
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is the jewel in the crown of America’s scenic trails, spanning 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada. Hikers cross the beauty of the desert, glaciated expanses of the Sierra Nevada, and provides commanding vistas of volcanic peaks and glaciers in the Cascade Range. The trail also passes through historic mining sites and evidence of human’s endless quest for natural resources.