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Modoc National Forest Hiking Trails

Glass Mountain Trail

The Glass Mountain Trail is an in-and-out pathway that offers scenic views while changing elevation by 1,053 feet. Pines tower over an immense amount of obsidian that dots the trail—hence the name Glass Mountain. At the peak of the grade, visitors enjoy an intense panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.

Length: 4.9 miles

Intensity: Intermediate
Medicine Lake Volcano, Mount Hoffman-Standard Summit Route

Most people wait until the winter months to use this trail. In the summer, the trek seems long, but it is reduced significantly in the winter by the opportunity to use skis when traveling back down the mountain, saving considerable time. The view of Medicine Lake from the summit of the mountain is worth the trip.

Length: 13.3 miles

Intensity: Difficult
Modoc Line Rail Trail

Though the Modoc Line Rail Trail is long, it is an easy hike that is relatively level with gentle grades up and down. The trail wanders through some of the most breathtaking rangeland in northeastern California. Visitors can expect to see many wildlife species, including pronghorn antelope. The views from the summit of the Skedaddle and Warner mountain ranges are spectacular.

Length: 84.7 miles

Intensity: Easy to Intermediate
Crane Mountain National Recreation Trail #161

The Crane Mountain National Recreation Trail begins in Modoc National Forest and travels almost due north into Oregon. Throughout the hike, the pathway offers views of Goose Lake Valley, which shares a lake on both sides of the California-Oregon border. The highest point is at 8,347 feet on the summit of Crane Mountain, which contributes views of Mount Shasta to the west and the high desert to the east.

Length: 37.5 miles

Intensity: Hard
Cedar Creek Trail

The Cedar Creek Trail offers two trailheads that provide different levels of intensity over the same pathway. The upper trailhead leads to a leisurely downhill hike that drops by 790 feet over a three-mile course. The lower trailhead covers the same ground, but the uphill climb is more strenuous. During the winter months, the upper trailhead offers an excellent snowboarding experience.

Length: 3 miles

Intensity: Easy to Intermediate

Activities in Modoc National Forest

Identifying Flora and Fauna

The Modoc National Forest offers a mix of plant growth, primarily because of its incredibly diversified terrain. The lower levels support bitterbrush and curl-leaf mahogany. As you climb higher, these plants give way to white and red firs, ponderosa pine, incense cedar, and aspen. Near the mountain summits, lodgepole and western white pines dominate the terrain.

The animal life in the Modoc National Forest is native to the area, thanks mainly to establishing the forest before developers moved in. Pronghorn antelope populate the region along with a small population of mountain goats. Hawks, eagles, and other birds of prey hunt the collection of small rodents that cover the valley floors.

Fishing

Fishing is one of the many activities that visitors enjoy in the Modoc National Forest. With hundreds of streams and over 30 lakes and ponds, the forest greets anglers with stocked fish at almost every turn. The elusive trout is the favorite fish to pursue in these parts.

Geocaching

Geocaching is allowed in the Modoc National Forest, but regulations are strict because of the environment's fragility. Caches must be located within 30 feet of an established trail, and you must apply for permission to establish your cache.

Stargazing

There is little light pollution, with the nearest community being 30 miles away and the high elevations that the Modoc National Forest occupies. The skies offer some of the best stargazing in the country. At almost any location inside this forest, the night sky provides a spectacular display.

How to get to Modoc National Forest

Address: 225 West 8th Street, Alturas, CA 96101

Fee: Entry fee $0

Modoc National Forest is a favorite place to visit for many city dwellers. It is a chance to get away from the daily urban grind and restore equilibrium through a close encounter with nature, and an RV is the perfect choice to visit Modoc National Forest for a two-week family vacation. RVs give you the chance to move quickly from one stopping point to another in comfort. A visit to this forest develops memories that stick with you for the rest of your life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Modoc National Forest

Does Modoc National Forest offer free camping sites?

Yes, Modoc National Forest has free camping sites. There is dispersed camping in the forest, and there are several developed campgrounds that do not charge a fee as well.

Do you need a permit to fish or hunt in Modoc National Forest?

Yes, you need a permit to hunt in Modoc National Forest. Anyone age 16 and above needs a fishing license to fish in California as well.

Is Modoc National Forest open all year round?

Yes, Modoc National Forest is open year-round. However, some areas get a lot of snow and are not plowed in winter. There may be certain regions of the forest that are inaccessible or activities that can't be done during certain months.

Can you kayak, canoe, or raft in Modoc National Forest?

Yes, you can kayak and canoe in Modoc National Forest. Lily Lake, Medicine Lake, and various other lakes are great spots for paddling.

What type of wildlife lives in Modoc National Forest?

Wildlife including bald eagles, mule deer, coyotes, skunks, muskrats, and black-tailed jackrabbits all live in the Modoc National Forest. There is also a variety of birds and fish that live in the forest as well.

Modoc National Forest Guide

RV Rentals Near Modoc National Forest

Modoc National Forest Hiking Trails

Glass Mountain Trail

Medicine Lake Volcano, Mount Hoffman-Standard Summit Route

Modoc Line Rail Trail

Crane Mountain National Recreation Trail #161

Cedar Creek Trail