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| A Fall Hike in Alturas, Photo by Laura Van Acker, Alturas, Calif. |
High Grade National Recreational Trail
5.5 miles. Modoc National Forest
The Highgrade National Recreation Trail is approximately 5.5 miles long. The elevation varies from 7,100
to 7,800 feet. The trail runs over a saddle on the west side of 8,250 foot high Mt. Vida, which is the second highest peak
in the North Warner Mountains. The trail passes through stands of white fir, ponderosa, pine, lodgepole and western white
pine and areas of open sagebrush. The Highgrade trail offers outstanding vistas of Goose Lake to the west and Surprise Valley
to the east from various points along the trail. Much of the Highgrade Trail follows four wheel drive dirt roads. These roads
receive only light motorized use, except during deer season.
From the south end, only foot or bicycle use can access the trail as the first 1.5 mile is single tread
trail. Once on top of the ridge, the trail changes to double tread road that can be used by four wheel drive vehicles that
have accessed the trail from the north. The trail gradient is mostly gentle. Maximum pitches are less than 10 percent. Historic
mining cabins, ruins and test pits, all dating from the Highgrade gold rush, are scattered throughout the vicinity of the
trail. This trail is in the North Warner Mountains northeast of Alturas. It travels high over the backbone of the Warner Range.
Trail gradients are moderate. At its top elevation of 7,800 feet, one catches spectacular views of Goose Lake and Surprise
Valley. Named for a gold rush town erected in the early 1900's, numerous historic ruins remain along the trail.
Hiking and equestrian uses are permissible. Camp and picnic facilities are available 1.5 miles northwest
of the northern trailhead. Access is usually blocked by snow from November through early June.
The North Star Basin Road
The North Star Basin Road is approximately
2.5 miles long. The elevation varies from 6,000 to 7,000 feet. This four wheel drive road accesses beautiful North Star Basin
in the North Warner Mountains. The road receives only light motorized use, except during deer season. The trail gradient is
mostly gentle, averaging less than 10 percent. The road surface changes from dirt to Cobbles at various locations. Historic
mining cabins, ruins and test pits, all dating from the Highgrade gold rush, are scattered throughout the vicinity of the
trail.
The Blue Lake National Recreation Trail
This trail encompasses the Blue Lake in the south Warner Mountains. It is 1.5 miles long. Beginning at the
Blue Lake Campground, the trail continues around the west side of the lake to the boat ramp. At least
80 percent of the trail is shaded by picturesque white fir and massive ponderosa pine trees. Deer tracks on the trail often
outnumber hikers' tracks. Tree squirrels, ducks, geese, loons, and hawks are frequently seen by hikers
while walking the trail. The Blue Lake National Recreation Trail is closed to all motorized vehicles.
For more information, contact Modoc National Forest at 800 West 12th Street, Alturas, CA 96101. Phone: (916)
233-5811.
Medicine Lake, one of the principal
lakes within Modoc National Forest, has for thousands of years been the center of a great deal of volcano activity of the"shield"
variety. Over time, the eruptions have created a fascinating landscape of caves, cinder cones, lava flows, spatter cones,
lava tubes and pit craters. Ever a point of renowned beauty, wonder, and scientific interest, Lava Beds National Monument
is also of historical significance. Discovered by the Modoc Indians to be a perfect natural fortress, during the Modoc War
of 1872-1873, the tribe was able to hold off U.S. troops for over 5 months. Walks, evening slide programs and cave tours are
offered daily during the summer, and campsites are available at nearby Indian Wells Campground.
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