Modoc National Forest

Modoc National Forest spans over 1.4 million acres across northeastern California, offering a vast landscape of mixed conifer forests, volcanic terrain, and high-desert plateaus. The forest supports a diverse mix of recreation: numerous trails for hiking and backpacking, dispersed camping throughout the forest, fishing in creeks and lakes, scenic driving routes that wind through the backcountry, and hunting seasons for big game and upland birds. Summer and early fall are the prime visiting season when high-elevation roads and trails are snow-free and fully accessible. Winter brings heavy snow to much of the forest, closing many routes and making travel difficult; spring and late fall offer shoulder-season access but with variable conditions. The forest operates as multiple-use public land managed by the U.S. Forest Service, meaning you'll share the terrain with timber operations, livestock grazing, and other resource uses alongside recreation.