Hiking
The Modoc National Forest offers many opportunities for hiking and backpacking. Hiking offers city weary visitors the chance to slow down, enjoy the beauty of nature and soothe the soul.
Designated trails are found in many parts of the Modoc National Forest. From the Cedar Creek Trail to those of the South Warner Wilderness, Red Tail Rim Trail and Medicine Lake's "Little Mt Hoffman Trail", each has a unique quality that provides every individual with an opportunity to explore the back-country.
Most Modoc trails are shared with horses and pack stock. Please step off the trail on the downhill side when pack stock and riders approach. Speak to the riders in a calm voice so the horses recognize you as humans. Backpacks, hats, fishing poles and walking sticks can seem menacing to horses.
Search for Hiking Opportunities
Showing: 1 - 10 of 19 results
Bear Camp Flat Trailhead
This trailhead begins from a beautiful meadow. Four wheel drive vehicle is recommended to access this trailhead. Access is from Forest Rd. 64 from Eagleville in Surprise Valley or Forest Rd. 64…
Blue Lake Campground
Blue Lake Campground is located on a gentle slope above beautiful Blue Lake. Forty-Eight large and well spaced sites offer plenty of shade. A three-mile trail surrounds the lake with a paved section…
Cedar Creek Lower Trailhead
Start here for a three mile uphill hike to the upper trailhead. The total elevation gain is 790 feet. Much of the lower trail follows the old highway through the juniper forest zone. Although…
Cedar Creek Upper Trailhead
Located adjacent to our ski area, this trail offers both hikers, mountain bikers and equestrian units a downhill run of some 3 plus miles that ends at the Cedar Creek Lower Trailhead. Easy access…
East Creek Trailhead
 A connector trail heading to the north-east from East Creek Campground will take you to the Summit Trail via Patterson Campground.East Creek Campground is best used by equestrian campers. Day…
Howard's Gulch Campground
Set back off the highway in a tree lined gulch this campground is a very quiet and pleasant place to spend the weekend or your entire vacation.A short hiking trail is available for nature…
Medicine Lake Recreation Area
The popular Medicine Lake Recreation Area and adjacent Medicine Lake are located in the Medicine Lake Highlands in northeastern California. The Recreation Area is located in the Modoc National Forest…
Mill Creek Falls Campground
Located on the edge of the South Warner Wilderness this campground is nestled in the thick pine forests above Jess Valley at the south end of the Warner Mountains. Its easy access makes for a…
Mill Creek Trail
Mill Creek Trail is located well above the eastern end of Clear Lake. Access is via the Poison Flat Trail which starts at the southern edge of Clear Lake, up and out towards the south east. Once out…
North Emerson Trailhead
Located at the end of Forest Road 40, just off Co. Rd. 1 south of Eagleville, this trailhead, along with the South Emerson Trailhead connects to Owl Creek Trail for access to the eastern slopes of…
