About the Area

Come Visit Us!

The Modoc National Forest is perfect for campers, hikers, hunters, fishermen, mountain bikers, geologists, botanists and naturalists.

"The Smiles of Gods" is the enchanting moniker bestowed upon this sacred land by the Native Americans, the original settlers. This mystical forest derives its name from the county in which it predominantly resides, paying homage to the Modoc tribe, the indigenous people who once thrived here. Embarking on a journey through the captivating history of the Modoc National Forest, we trace its origins back to 1904 when President Theodore Roosevelt, heeding the pleas of local ranchers, designated it as a forest reserve.

Today, the Modoc National Forest stands as a beacon of collaboration and respect, actively engaging with federally recognized Tribes that share a profound cultural and historical connection to these lands. These Tribes, including the Pit River Tribe, the Alturas Rancheria, the Cedarville Rancheria of Northern Paiute, the Ft Bidwell Indian Community, the Modoc Nation of Oklahoma, and the Klamath Tribes, are invaluable partners in the management and preservation of the Modoc-administered lands.