Bartell's Backroads in Modoc
ABC10's award-winning series explores our county
Nothing beats visiting Modoc County, but if you can't visit quite yet, ABC10 Sacramento's John Bartell has visited Modoc County multiple times for his popular travel series "Bartell's Backroads." These episodes showcase the unique character, history, and natural beauty of California's northeastern frontier. You can see from his videos why Modoc is a special place.
Watch all nine episodes featuring Modoc County below!
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How California Got Its Shape
Visit the tri-state monument where California, Oregon, and Nevada meet. Learn the story of a 19th-century surveyor who mapped California's boundaries by hand, revealing how one person's work shaped the state's geographic borders.
View on ABC10New Pine Creek: A Border Town with a Dual Identity
Explore New Pine Creek, a unique town straddling the California-Oregon border. Discover how a fire initially brought two communities together, but a border dispute later created an identity crisis for the settlement.
View on ABC10Fort Bidwell: Loneliest Place in California to Get a Good Steak!
John Bartell explores Fort Bidwell, the northeastern-most town in California. This remote community showcases the dining options available in one of the state's most isolated locations, particularly highlighting the local steakhouse.
View on ABC10The Surprise in Surprise Valley is in the Water
Explore the geothermal attractions of Cedarville in Surprise Valley. This episode highlights the region's natural hot mineral water springs, describing Cedarville as "one of the hottest places in Modoc County" - a unique thermal water destination in Northern California's remote landscape.
View on ABC10Squirrel Wars! The Brutal History Behind These Hated Rodents
Discover why Modoc County relies on hunters for pest control management. This episode examines the contentious relationship between farmers and ground squirrels, highlighting the "brutal history" of conflict between agricultural interests and these crop-damaging rodents.
View on ABC10Cedarville, California: A Bartell's Backroads Pit Stop
Cedarville is almost as far north as you can go in California. This segment showcases the tiny town in the middle of Surprise Valley, highlighting the attractions and points of interest in this remote, geographically isolated destination.
View on ABC10Niles Hotel in Alturas: A Throwback to the Wild West
Explore the historic Niles Hotel in Alturas, featuring bullet holes in the ceiling, ghosts in the hallway, and horses in the saloon. This piece highlights how this unique establishment preserves Wild West heritage with its quirky, immersive frontier atmosphere.
View on ABC10A Love Letter to Northern California's Cattle Country
This segment celebrates ranching culture in Modoc County, exploring how "Ranching is not just a job in Modoc County -- it's a way of life." The video highlights the deep-rooted traditions and lifestyle of cattle ranching in Northern California's rural communities.
View on ABC10What's Not to Like About Likely, California?
This segment explores the small town of Likely, California, highlighting how "Small Town America" is still thriving in this community. The piece examines what makes this rural California town noteworthy and charming, focusing on its character and appeal as a traditional American small town.
View on ABC10About Bartell's Backroads
Bartell's Backroads is ABC10 Sacramento's award-winning travel series hosted by reporter John Bartell. The show explores interesting destinations, unique stories, and hidden gems throughout California and the Pacific Northwest.