Modoc County, Rural county in northeastern California, United States
Modoc County is an administrative unit in northeastern California, bordering Oregon. The landscape alternates between forested mountains, wide plateaus, and desert sections that together form a thinly populated region.
The administrative unit formed in 1874 by splitting from Siskiyou County, after settlers moved into the area. Between 1872 and 1873 the area witnessed armed clashes between the US Army and the Modoc tribe.
The name comes from the Modoc people, who lived for centuries in the Pit River area. Visitors today see traces of this past in place names and small museums that preserve their story.
Alturas is the county seat and a starting point for exploring the surrounding area. Roads are often lightly traveled, gas stations and shops may be far apart, so carrying supplies is a good idea.
The volcanic hills and lava fields of the Modoc Plateau attract deer and wild horses that roam freely through the open landscape. Visitors often spot these animals crossing the thinly settled expanses, especially during early morning and evening hours.
Location: California
Inception: 1874
Capital city: Alturas
Shares border with: Klamath County, Lassen County, Siskiyou County, Shasta County, Lake County, Washoe County
Website: http://co.modoc.ca.us
GPS coordinates: 41.60000,-120.72000
Latest update: December 13, 2025 19:08
Modoc National Forest
45.4 km
Clear Lake National Wildlife Refuge
43.6 km
South Warner Wilderness
53.5 km
Modoc National Wildlife Refuge
23.1 km
Fandango Pass
48.2 km
Eagle Peak
55.8 km
Petroglyph Point Archaeological Site
62.1 km
Clear Lake Reservoir
45.7 km
Goose Lake State Recreation Area
54.9 km
Goose Lake meteorite
44.8 km
Modoc County Historical Museum
20 km
Big Sage Reservoir
5.8 km
Jess Valley Schoolhouse
50.5 km
Tule Lake National Monument
63.2 km
French Reservoir
31.5 km
Dry Creek Rim
42 km
Householder Reservoir
35.5 km
Williams Reservoir
20 km
Everly Reservoir
34.8 km
Emigrant Spring Reservoir
13.9 km
Clarks Reservoir
37.5 km
Reservoir F
13.7 km
Duncan Reservoir
20.8 km
Boggs Reservoir
59.6 km
Ballard Reservoir
24.6 km
Noble Bluff
37.4 km
South Mountain Reservoir
23.7 km
Lower Roberts Reservoir
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