From the three-mile loop around Teal Pond to the more than 75 miles of trails in the South Warner Wilderness, Modoc offers a wide range of ways to explore its natural and cultural landscape. At the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge, bird migration shapes the year; at Lava Beds National Monument, you’ll encounter caves, lava formations, and evidence of Modoc history. Historic trails and sites also tell the story of the region’s past.

Watch Birds at Teal Pond

The driving tour at Modoc National Wildlife Refuge follows a three-mile route around Teal Pond. You can also explore the loop on foot or by bicycle, experiencing the same route in different ways. The driving tour is often considered the best place to see sandhill cranes, ducks, shorebirds, coyotes, and turtles.

The largest numbers of sandhill cranes are observed during migration in March and April, and again in August and September. If you’re planning your trip especially around the cranes, check these seasonal periods in advance. Another way to access the refuge is a 1.7-mile paved multi-use trail. Developed with the participation of Modoc County, the City of Alturas, and the refuge, it gives Alturas residents safe access to the refuge and its trail network.

Lava Formations and Modoc History

Lava Beds National Monument preserves parts of the Modoc homeland largely unchanged. Captain Jack’s Stronghold is a natural lava fortress with deep trenches and small caves; trails lead through the formation. Lighting and interpretive exhibits make Mushpot Cave easier to visit. Most of the pictographs at Petroglyph Point date from a period about 1,500 to 400 years ago.

The monument is accessible via California State Routes 161 and 139. Forest Service Routes 49 and 10 provide seasonal access. These and other access roads are not fully paved. Check road conditions and access restrictions before driving; also account for seasonal access on the Forest Service routes.

Historic Sites and Trails

History can also be traced through specific sites beyond the lava fortress and cave. Fort Bidwell was established in 1865 and operated until 1893. The Old Emigrant Trail is still easy to follow and was part of one of the earliest roads in northeastern California. The two sites represent different kinds of historic traces: a former outpost and an early transportation route whose course can still be identified.

At Frémont’s Camp, John C. Frémont’s expedition camped from May 1 to 4, 1846, on its way from Fort Sutter to Upper Klamath Lake. Kit Carson and other scouts were part of the expedition. This precise date makes the campsite another point of interest for anyone curious about early journeys through the area.

Warner Mountains and South Warner Wilderness

The rugged Warner Mountains are part of Modoc County’s natural character. The South Warner Wilderness encompasses 70,000 acres of pristine land and offers more than 75 miles of trails. The trails invite you to explore the expansive, unspoiled landscape on foot.

Surprise Valley adds a different note to the landscape, with its geothermal springs. Mill Creek Falls offers a specific landmark: the waterfall is 0.25 miles from Mill Creek Falls Campground and less than an hour’s drive from Alturas. Modoc thus offers both expansive wilderness and individual natural destinations with precisely stated distances.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Mammoth, Alturas, Cedarville, New Pine Creek, Fresno, Santa Barbara, Sacramento, San Joaquin.

For the broader travel overview: California.