Surprise Valley is a long valley running north to south of about 70 miles.
It sits in the eastern portion of Modoc County between the Warner Mountain Range (California side) and the Hayes Range (in Nevada).
Surprise Valley is graced with exquisite natural beauty, fertile agricultural land, pristine air, diverse wildlife.
Four historic farm towns lie in Surprise Valley - Cedarville, Fort Bidwell, Eaglesville and Lake City.
These small towns retain that authentic “Old West” flavor introduced by the hardy and hopeful pioneers who settled this area in the mid-nineteenth century.
Cedarville is Home to the Modoc County Fair in August.
Cattle ranching and alfalfa hay production fuel our local economy. Cattle drives still take place across open terrain and along valley byways –
so be sure and have your camera handy at all times when you come to visit.
Surprise Valley Barrel Springs
BLM Back Country Byway
BLM Website;
From prehistoric stories to revisiting the Old West, this Back Country Byway Loop reveals some of the secrets of the Great Basin Desert.
93-mile driving tour takes the traveler through a wide variety of natural settings and points of interest. The Byway forms a loop that begins and ends in Cedarville, California.
Local Attractions:
Surprise Valley Hot Springs Resort
- Accommodations include deluxe and standard villas, and all have private outdoor hot tubs fed by a cascading waterfall of warm artesian mineral water.
Surprise Valley Bunkhouse
- Rustic Accommodations
Fandango Guest Ranch - Cedarville
- ranch backs to BLM land on the north and east ward into Nevada.
Surprise Valley California COC
- Chamber of Commerce
Louisville
A mythical western town with a collection of historically significant buildings brought in
from elsewhere including log cabins, slaughterhouse, schoolhouse, water tower and jails
from the 1800's.
Cedar Pass Snow Park
530-233-3323; Park Website;
Open Winters: Sat/Sun/Holidays 10AM-4PM;
Location: On SR-299 midway between Alturas and Cedarville.
For people of all ages who enjoy skiing and snowboarding, Cedar Pass is a community
sponsored project that offers a warm, small-town atmosphere reminiscent of the early days of skiing.
Nordic Skiiers will find trailheads here to backcountry ski trails.
Modoc National Forest
Much of California's remote northeastern corner is included in the Modoc National Forest.
There are many mountains, lakes, meadows and significant wetlands here. The area
is also rich in wildlife and geological formations.
Popular activies include hiking, equestrian trails, fishing and cross-country skiing.
Modoc County Historical Museum
600 So Main Street, Alturas, CA 96101; 530-233-2944;
Museum Website;
Many exhibits related to local history that includes an interest specimens from
the Native Americans and historic pieces of firearms dating from the 15th century to World War II.
Historic steam railroad engine stands outside.
Modoc National Wildlife Refuge
P.O. Box 1610, Alturas, CA 96101; 530-233-3572;
FWS Website;
Location: Immediately southeast of Alturas at the confluence of the north and south forks of the Pit River;
Fed by snowmelt from the Warner Mountains, the Pit River creates an oasis for wildlife in the high desert of northeastern California.
The 7,000 acre refuge was established in 1961 to manage and protect migratory waterfowl.
Funds available from the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act helped purchase this refuge.
One in a chain of National wildlife refuges along the Pacific Flyway extending from Alaska to Mexico,
this spot is an important resting and feeding area for migratory birds.
Several habitat types are represented: freshwater lakes and ponds, farmland and irrigated meadows, sagebrush upland and riparian corridors.
In addition to the migratory bird populations, these diverse habitats support a wide range of other wildlife.
Local Attractions:
Check out the local adventure opportunities:
.4 mile(s) from The Niles Theatre, one show at 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Sunday * .5 mile(s)
from Alturas City Park and Museum * .5 mile(s) from Modoc County Museum * 1 mile(s)
from Lassen University * 1.5 mile(s) from Arrowhead Golf Course * 2 mile(s) from
Rachael Doris Park * 3 mile(s) from Devils Garden * 5 mile(s) from Modoc Wildlife Reserve
* 16 mile(s) from Infernal Caverns * 20 mile(s) from Cedar Pass Snow-Park
* 50 mile(s) from Captain Jack Stronghold
Surprise Valley CA Restaurants
Local Dining Adventures:
Many restaurants nearby: Brass Rail Basque 1 mi., Nipa's Thai Cuisine 4 Blks.
Alturas California Trailside Inn Resort
Best Western Resort Hotel
343 North Main Street, Alturas, CA 96101;
Location: Corner of US-395 and 4th Street;
Explorer the history of the American West with a stay at the Best Western Trailside Inn in Alturas.
Nearby you will find preserved famous pioneer structures, tailings of old gold and silver mines,
and the western outdoor recreation adventures.
Alturas California Super 8 Motel
511 North Main Street, Alturas, CA 96101;
Location: Corner of US-395 and 5th Street;
This AAA approved Alturas Travel Hotel features great amenities such as their
Superstart Breakfast, high speed wireless and wired internet access, microwaves, refrigerators,
hairdryers, cable TV w/HBO, ESPN, suites available.
Lakeview Lodge Resort - Lakeview OR
301 North G Street, Lakeview, OR 97630;
Location: Corner of US-395 and SR-140;
Located in south central Oregon at the juncture of Hwy 395 and SR 140, an easy days drive from the casinos in Reno,
or recreational opportunities of the Klamath Falls/Geerhart Wilderness area. The Lakeview Lodge Motel,
a Magnuson Hotels affiliate, is conveniently located near other area attractions that include the Warner Ski Area,
Lakeridge Golf Course, Lakeview County Museum, and Show House Theatre.
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