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| Photo by Laura Van Acker, Alturas, Calif. |
Modoc National Forest is one of California's best kept natural secrets. Eight hours from the
San Francisco Bay Area and three hours from Reno, Nevada, its remoteness shields it from the big city weekend crowds and tourist
traffic that have all but spoiled many of northern California's more accessible scenic areas.
In the shadow of the Warner Mountains — an offshoot of the southern Cascades — to its east, Modoc
is nearly 2 million acres of pine forests and meadows, lakes, streams, rugged canyons, wetlands, lava beds and high desert
plateaus.
The varied topography and the equally varied climate — with temperatures ranging from over 100 degrees
in high summer to 35 below zero in winter — accounts for the diversity of animal life in the forest — around 300
different animal species, including a large population of wild horses, call it home. The Pacific Flyway for migratory waterfowl
crosses the forest, as well, providing birders rare observational opportunities several weeks per year.
Hiking, fishing, paddling, camping and biking are among the many outdoor activities possible in Modoc National
Forest. Just remember to take your time going home — the forests' endless vistas and penetrating solitude have a way
of making readjustment difficult!
| Blue Door Flat is a reservoir that was constructed in 1939 by
the CCC, or also known as the "Tree Army" for their vast amount of conservation work completed in the post depression years.
The unique dam has hand placed rocks that are still in place and working as it did in 1939. The reservoir provides habitat
for waterfowl and shorebirds in the watered basin, while in spring the meadow provides a fantastic array of color spread throughout
the wet meadow complex from the wildflower species. |
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| Blue Door Flat |
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The Blue Door Flat area provides an interesting area to watch
waterfowl, shorebirds and songbirds, as well as the colorful wildflowers at the site. The area is in the transition zone between
the Great Basin and the Modoc Plateau, adding to the diversity of species. The area is surrounded by dense groves of juniper,
scattered patches of aspen and a variety of mountain brush species, that lies in the shadow of the high country of the South
Warners Wilderness. The view to the east in the fall is dramatic, and one of the best around with the changing vegetation
in the south Warners of broad open areas with patches of brilliant orange aspens, red brush, and mixed conifer forests. |
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| Fandango Valley |
In 1849, by far the most used route to California crossed the Nevada dessert to Surprise Valley
and over Fandango Pass, on the route pioneered by Peter Lassen. Many pioneer document the experiences, thoughts and
feelings as they tried to survive the fearsome Black Rock dessert in late summer, through rugged High Rock Canyon, viewed
"the elephant" overlooking Surprise Valley and then made the spectacular steep climb up Fandango Pass. Because this region
remains so much as it was 150 years ago, the present-day explorer can walk, bike and ride along the route and relive the emigrant
trail experience. The Surprise Sheldon Regional Recreation Guide shows the entire Trail route and is available from the BLM
office in Cedarville.
From U.S. Highway 395, six miles south of the Oregon State line, a good gravel road proceeds
along the meadows of Fandango Valley and up to Fandango Pass high overlooking the Surprise Valley. The road, as it switchbacks
down to the Valley, crosses the Applegate Lassen route of the California National Historic Trail a number of times. But there
were no switchbacks for the wagons of the pioneers and the fact that the trail traces come straight up a mountain so steep
it is almost unbelievable.
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| Cave Lake, Modoc National Forest |
Modoc National
Forest is a land of contrasts and unspoiled settings for a vacation getaway. Unique vistas
of rugged mountains, lava caves, craters, pristine and serene lakes and streams await visitors to the Forest’s
beautiful Medicine Lake Highlands. Modoc’s South Warner Wilderness offers backpackers and horseback riders 79 miles
of trails, providing breathtaking scenery, solitude, cool nights and clear starry skies for campouts. The rich cultural history
of this area makes Modoc an exciting destination for visitors interested in history and archaeology. For wildlife watchers,
the Modoc National Forest is home to
more than 300 species of wildlife. In addition, the forest is home to a herd of more than 300 wild horses. The Pacific Flyway
for migratory waterfowl crosses directly over Modoc National Forest
wetlands, making this area a bird watcher’s paradise. There are numerous reservoirs and small lakes with boat ramps
providing splendid fishing opportunities.
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