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Recreation

Framed by distinctive geology and views of a timeless landscape, the Modoc National Forest is a place where solitude and recreation come together connecting people to the land and the past. These ecosystems with their rich habitat create abundant opportunities for recreation around water, wildlife viewing, fishing and hunting.

A network of scenic drives provide local communities and growing urban areas easy access to a rich heritage of land use and culture, from Native Americans to present day ranching. In concert with communities, the forest provides learning opportunities that invite visitors to stay, enjoy, and care for the forest in ways that maintain this remote, quiet character.

This website should help you plan your visit to the Forest. Navigate by choosing your planned recreational activity in the above menu. If you have a favorite area in mind, the current status of the campgrounds is listed in the table below with a link to more information. Also be sure to look at the Alerts & Notices page to view any emergency closures or other information that might affect your visit.

Other than 16 sites at Medicine Lake and one group site at Blue Lake campsites on the Modoc National Forest are first-come, first-served with a 14-day stay limit.

Recreation

Showing: 31 - 40 of 62 results

Little Medicine Lake Picnic Site

Site Open
Picnicking
The day use picnic area closes at 10 pm.  Each picnic site has a table and fire ring/barbecue.Medicine Lake Recreation Area information

Logan Slough Boating Site

Site Open
Water Activities Fishing
Volcanic cliffs define a portion of the shoreline at Logan Slough.  While motors are allowed, car top boats or non-motorized boats are most appropriate for this small body of water.

Lower Rush Creek Campground

Site Open
Scenic Drives
Shady campsites and a creek running along side make Lower Rush Creek Campground a great getaway destination.  Trailers larger than 22 feet are not recommended. No potable water is available at…

Medicine Lake Recreation Area

Site Open
Water Activities Picnicking Hiking Fishing
 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…

Middle Fork Davis Creek Mine

Site Open
Other
-Free permit required - Only available between July 1 and August 31at our main office in Alturas, Monday through Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm-No picnic tables-No trash service-No drinking water-No toilets

Mill Creek Falls Campground

Site Open
Fishing Hiking
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

Hiking
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…

Obsidian Needles Mine

Site Open
Other
Free Permit required - Only available between July 1 and August 31 at our main office in Alturas, Monday through Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm-No picnic tables -No trash service -No drinking water -No…

Patterson Campground

Site Open
Picnicking Fishing Hiking
Patterson Campground is located on the southern end of the South Warner Wilderness area.  This is an ideal site to begin one's hike of the Summit Trail. Patterson is a family camp with only 6…

Patterson Guard Station

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning
Built in 1921, Patterson Guard Station supported the Modoc National Forest's fire program until 1981. With recent renovations completed, the guard station is now available for overnight…