Things to Do in Modoc County

Outdoor adventures and unique experiences in Northeast California

Pick a trail, a trout stream, or a herd of wild horses — whatever you find, you'll probably have it to yourself.

Fishing & Water Sports

World-class fishing in pristine waters

Modoc County is an angler's paradise with over 1 million acres of public lands and countless lakes, reservoirs, and streams. Our waters are home to rainbow trout, brown trout, and trophy-sized fish.

Popular Fishing Spots:

  • Clear Lake Reservoir - Excellent trout fishing and boating
  • Big Sage Reservoir - Remote fishing experience
  • Pit River - Wild trout in scenic canyon settings
  • Eagle Lake - Known for Eagle Lake trout
Regional News: The 2024 removal of four Klamath River dams reopened hundreds of miles of salmon habitat. Thousands of Chinook have since returned past the former dam sites, and in 2025 a small number reached Upper Klamath Lake for the first time in over a century. Returns will vary year to year as the river recovers. While the Klamath River lies west of Modoc County, this ecological revival is revitalizing the broader region's waterways and fisheries.

Get a Fishing License

A tranquil mountain lake below steep volcanic cliffs in the South Warner Wilderness. A horse stands at the water's edge drinking, with patches of lingering summer snow scattered across the rocky slopes behind it. Bright turquoise water, rugged ridgelines, and sparse trees create a remote, high-elevation alpine scene.

Hiking & Backpacking

1.6 million acres of wilderness to explore

The Modoc National Forest offers endless opportunities for hiking, from easy nature walks to multi-day backpacking adventures. Discover volcanic landscapes, alpine meadows, and stunning mountain vistas.

Featured Trails:

  • South Warner Wilderness - 70,000 acres of pristine wilderness
  • Medicine Lake Highlands - Volcanic landscapes and lava tubes
  • Warner Mountains - High peaks and alpine lakes
  • Ash Creek Wildlife Area - Easy trails with wildlife viewing
  • Modoc Line Rail Trail - A former railroad grade running 85 miles from Likely south into Lassen County, across open cattle range on gravel and old rail ballast. Three segments, including Sage Hen, are open to hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders, shared with high-clearance vehicles. There are no services along the way. Current conditions are on the Lassen Land and Trails Trust rail trail page.
Trail Development: The Modoc National Forest has received approximately $1 million through the Great American Outdoors Act for trail improvements. New multi-use trails are being developed at Medicine Lake, Cedar Pass, Crowder Flat, and Ash/Rush Creek for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Visit Forest Service Site

Medicine Lake recreation area Hemlock Camp Ground

Wildlife Viewing

Observe nature in its purest form

Modoc County is home to incredible wildlife diversity. See wild horses roaming free, pronghorn antelope racing across sagebrush plains, and bald eagles soaring overhead.

What You Might See:

  • Wild Horses - Devil's Garden herd, one of the largest in the US
  • Pronghorn Antelope - North America's fastest land animal
  • Bald Eagles - Winter concentrations at reservoirs
  • Mule Deer - Abundant throughout the county
  • Gray Wolves - Now established in northern and western Modoc County, a rare and exciting sighting opportunity
  • Sage Grouse - Spring mating displays (leks)
  • Waterfowl - Thousands of migratory birds

Seeing the Devil's Garden horses: The Devil's Garden Plateau Wild Horse Territory covers about 500 square miles of rugged country just outside Alturas — the largest wild horse territory the Forest Service manages. The herd ranges across the whole plateau, so a roadside sighting isn't guaranteed; give any horses you find plenty of room. For a closer look, the Forest Service's Double Devil Wild Horse Corrals hold horses available for adoption; call the corrals at 530-233-8738 to ask about visiting. More on the Forest Service Devil's Garden wild horse page.

CA Wildlife Resources

View of Surprise Valley from the Warner Mountains, Modoc National Forest

More Activities

Hunting

Premier big game hunting including deer, antelope, and upland birds.

Learn More About Hunting

Winter Sports

Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing across vast winter landscapes.

Camping

Developed campgrounds and dispersed camping throughout the national forest.

Note: Through April 2027, Modoc NF limits stays to 14 days per campground per year.

Reserve Sites

Rockhounding

Hunt for obsidian, agate, and other volcanic minerals in this geologically rich area.

Expand Your Tour: Nearby Attractions

Extend your Modoc County adventure with these nearby destinations, perfect for multi-day tours of the region.

Lava Beds National Monument

Partially located in Modoc County, explore over 700 lava tube caves - the largest concentration in North America. Features Native American petroglyphs at Petroglyph Point and the historic Modoc War battleground. More about Lava Beds National Monument

Note: Visitor center hours are 9:30am-4:00pm daily. Camping is $20/night per site. Check the Lava Beds hours page before your visit for any seasonal changes.

Visit NPS Site

Tule Lake Area Attractions

Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge - One of the premier birding destinations in North America with millions of migratory waterfowl. Perfect for wildlife photography and seasonal bird watching. After a devastating 2024 botulism outbreak, the refuge made a remarkable recovery in 2025, welcoming back over 250,000 spring migrants thanks to improved water management.

Current conditions: In 2026 the refuge has been managing another botulism outbreak (first detected in late June), which poses low risk to people but is a good reason to keep pets away from the water. Refuge testing has also found harmful algae at levels that call for staying out of affected water, and the refuge advises hunters to take precautions against H5N1 avian influenza when handling birds. Check the refuge's botulism and water-quality updates before your visit.

Tule Lake National Monument - Powerful WWII history site preserving the largest Japanese American incarceration camp. Educational tours available seasonally (advance planning recommended). Visit the Tule Lake Monument page

Wildlife Refuge National Monument