The Modoc National Forest in northeastern California comes from President Theodore Roosevelt's initial efforts to preserve environmentally fragile lands in the West. Responding to the pleas of local farmers, Roosevelt declared the land a forest reserve, which eventually became a national forest. The entire 1,654,392-acre area sits above 4,000 feet in elevation, with some peaks reaching over 9,000 feet. Sitting between the Cascade and Sierra Nevada Mountains, this forest only receives 13 inches of precipitation per year, with most of that being snow. Because of its steep elevation changes, the forest includes many varieties of trees. While the citizens of Alturas, CA, claim the forest as theirs, it is not uncommon for people to travel from San Francisco and Sacramento to hike the forest's trails.
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.
