Places to Visit in Modoc County
Tour charming towns and discover natural wonders
Plan your Modoc County, California tour by exploring our authentic small towns, natural attractions, and historic sites. From the county seat of Alturas to the remote beauty of Surprise Valley, each destination offers unique insights into rural California life and outdoor recreation.
Alturas
The County Seat and Gateway to Adventure
Alturas (population ~2,800) is the largest community in Modoc County and serves as the commercial and governmental center. This charming small town offers a glimpse into rural California life while providing modern amenities for visitors.
What to See & Do:
- Modoc County Historical Museum - Learn about the region's Native American heritage, pioneer history, and natural history
- Historic Courthouse - Beautiful 1914 Classical Revival architecture
- Downtown Shopping - Local shops, antique stores, and Western wear
- Niles Hotel & Saloon - Historic landmark dating back to 1908
Events:
- Modoc County Fair - August (rodeo, exhibits, carnival)
- Main Street Farmers Market - Summer weekends
Complete Alturas Guide Lodging, dining, shopping & more
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Cedarville
Heart of Surprise Valley
Nestled in the scenic Surprise Valley along the California-Nevada border, Cedarville (population ~500) offers a peaceful retreat with stunning mountain views and natural hot springs.
What to See & Do:
- Surprise Valley Hot Springs - Natural geothermal springs for soaking
- Warner Mountains - Towering peaks as a dramatic backdrop
- Historic Downtown - Preserved Old West buildings
- Cedarville Museum - Local history and artifacts
Nearby:
- Fort Bidwell - Historic military fort and Native American community
- Lake City - Tiny community at north end of Surprise Valley
Complete Cedarville Guide Hot springs, lodging, dining & more
Lava Beds National Monument
Volcanic Wonderland and Historic Battleground
Located partially in Modoc County, Lava Beds National Monument features the largest concentration of lava tube caves in North America. Established in 1925, this 46,000-acre monument sits on the northeastern flank of Medicine Lake Volcano.
What to See & Do:
- Lava Tube Caves - Explore over 700 caves, including Mushpot Cave (self-guided), Skull Cave, and Valentine Cave
- Modoc War Site - Historic battleground where Captain Jack and his warriors held off US Army forces for five months in 1872-1873
- Petroglyph Point - Ancient rock art site with over 5,000 Native American carvings dating back 11,700 years
- Volcanic Geology - Fumaroles, cinder cones, spatter cones, pit craters, and lava flows
- Wildlife Viewing - Mule deer, pronghorn antelope, golden eagles, and over 200 bird species
Visitor Information:
- Location - Primarily in Siskiyou County with portions in Modoc County
- Access - Stock up on supplies in Alturas or Canby before visiting
- Season - Open year-round; best visiting May-September
- Caving Equipment - Bring flashlights/headlamps, sturdy shoes, and warm clothing
Tule Lake National Monument
Preserving WWII Japanese American Incarceration History
Located in Tulelake, Tule Lake National Monument preserves the site of the largest and most controversial of the camps where Japanese Americans were incarcerated during World War II. This powerful historical site offers profound insights into a dark chapter of American history and the resilience of those who endured it.
What to See & Do:
- Tule Lake Segregation Center - The largest of 10 War Relocation Authority camps, converted to a high-security facility in 1943
- Camp Tulelake - Originally a Civilian Conservation Corps site, later housed Japanese Americans (1943) and German POWs (1944-1946)
- Guided Tours - Ranger-led tours available intermittently (schedule varies seasonally)
- Visitor Center - Educational exhibits and historical information
- Educational Programs - Field trips and student group programs available
Visitor Information:
- Location - Tulelake, CA 96134
- Contact - (530) 664-4015
- Tours - Guided tours scheduled intermittently; check NPS website for current schedule due to seasonal availability
- Planning - Advance planning recommended due to limited tour schedules
Other Communities
Adin
Small ranching community in the southwestern part of the county. Gateway to Ash Creek Wildlife Area and excellent deer hunting territory.
Likely
Tiny community near the Jess Valley and South Fork Pit River. Known for cattle ranching and proximity to wilderness areas.
Canby
Small town on Highway 299 with historic buildings. Stop for supplies on your way to Lava Beds National Monument.
Eagleville
Remote community in Surprise Valley known for ranching and proximity to Nevada border. Stunning mountain and valley views.
New Pine Creek
Unique border town straddling the California-Oregon state line. Home to a fascinating 1980s border dispute that created an identity crisis for the settlement. Discover the border dispute on Bartell's Backroads.
Fort Bidwell
California's northeastern-most town, featuring a historic military fort and Native American community. Known as one of the most remote places in the state. Explore the loneliest town on Bartell's Backroads.
Surprise Valley
Scenic valley along the California-Nevada border, home to Cedarville, Fort Bidwell, and other small communities. Famous for natural hot springs and stunning Warner Mountain views. Discover the valley on Bartell's Backroads.
Natural & Historic Sites
Modoc National Forest
Covering 1.6 million acres, this vast forest offers unlimited outdoor recreation. Highlights include:
- Medicine Lake Highlands - volcanic landscape
- South Warner Wilderness - pristine backcountry
- Glass Mountain - obsidian flows
- Big Sage Reservoir - remote fishing
Modoc National Wildlife Refuge
7,000+ acres providing critical habitat for migratory birds and wildlife:
- Waterfowl viewing in spring and fall
- Pronghorn antelope year-round
- Self-guided auto tour route
- Photography opportunities
Petroglyph Point
Ancient rock art carved by Native Americans thousands of years ago. Located near Lava Beds National Monument.
Captain Jack's Stronghold
Historic site of the Modoc War (1872-73). Self-guided trail through lava formations where Modoc people made their stand.
Devil's Garden
Wild horse viewing area. Home to one of the largest herds of wild horses in the United States.