Alturas

The Historic Niles Hotel Currently Closed - For Sale

Alturas was originally occupied by a branch of the Pit River or Achomawe Tribe of Native Americans before white men arrived. The village was known as Kosealekte. The valley is a prehistoric lake bed which formed from alternating erosion and rebuilding of the volcanic flows of the Modoc Plateau which surrounds all but the northeast side of it. The northeast edge of the valley is at the foot of the Warner Mountains, which is the most western range of the Nevada Basin, about ten miles east of town.

The city’s limit is bordered on the south by the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge, where natural wetlands have been preserved. A new vista point has been built along the highway a quarter mile from town to allow viewing of deer, antelope, Sandhill Cranes, Canada Geese, and other inhabitants. Animals don’t understand much about man’s arbitrary boundaries and occasionally wander up Main Street.
Until 1874, Alturas was known as Dorris Bridge (named for James Dorris, the town's first white settler). He built a simple wooden bridge across the creek at the east end of town. He later erected a house that became a stopover for travelers and the beginning of Modoc County. The city is a marketing center for local ranchers who raise livestock, potatoes and alfalfa.
The incorporation date of Alturas: 16 September 1901

Welcome to Alturas California, located in Northern California in Modoc County. Considered the last frontier in Northern California, Modoc County is a region of unspoiled, unpolluted and uncrowded beauty. The elevation of the County ranges from 4,000 ft. to almost 10,000 ft. at the peak of the Warner Mountains.

Approximately 90% of Modoc County consists of National Forest, Wilderness Preserve, Wildlife Refuges, State and B.L.M. Lands. With just under one million acres, Modoc National Forest is one of the Nations largest National Forest holdings. If you enjoy any outdoor recreation, Modoc County offers it all.

Located central within the county, Alturas California has all of the ancillary services and conveniences: i.e. a hospital, doctors, dentists, opticians, chiropractors, banks, a live/movie theater, shopping, restaurants, groceries, dry goods, hardware, lumber, electronics & etc. We don't have: malls, traffic lights, gridlock, freeways or gangs.
Northern California has four distinct seasons; Summers are mild, 90 degrees is considered a heat wave. Fall brings vibrant color changes to the native foliage and the duck, goose & crane migrations are spectacular sights. Winters are cold but dry, with many sunny days, making it pleasant to be outdoors. It will freeze, and we may (if we're lucky) get some snow. Spring in Alturas California is always a favorite of our family. The wildflowers start blooming in March and with all the varieties, you will see wildflowers through August.

304 South Main Street, Alturas, Calif. 96101
530-233-3261