Modoc National Forest

Modoc National Forest is a large protected area in northeastern California featuring forests and open landscapes shaped by geology. The terrain shows volcanic formations, pine stands, sagebrush grasslands, wetland areas, and mountain ranges with desert characteristics.

Protection of this land came in 1964 when the U.S. Forest Service formally established it as a national forest. The move followed decades of management efforts aimed at preserving the region's natural resources and landscapes.

This land was home to the Modoc people for many generations, who lived and moved through it seasonally. You can find traces of their occupation scattered across the forest in the form of old camp sites and tool remains.

The forest is accessible via U.S. Highway 395 and connecting state roads, with several developed campgrounds available for overnight stays. Hiking trails and fishing spots are spread throughout the protected area for different skill levels and interests.

Hidden beneath the forest floor lies an extensive network of lava tubes that form natural caves. Visitors can descend into several of these underground passages and explore their volcanic structure firsthand.