Clear Lake National Wildlife Refuge

The 46,460-acre reserve contains 20,000 acres of open water surrounded by upland habitat with bunchgrass, sagebrush, and juniper vegetation patterns.

The area transformed after a dam construction in 1910, changing from a natural lake with seasonal meadows to a managed reservoir system.

Native American tribes inhabited the region before settlers arrived in wagon trains through the volcanic terrain of northeastern California.

The refuge remains closed to public access except for regulated waterfowl and pronghorn antelope hunting during California state seasons.

Small rocky islands within Clear Lake provide nesting grounds for American white pelicans and double-crested cormorants, producing 1,000 pelican fledglings annually.

Location: Modoc County

Operator: US Fish and Wildlife Service

GPS coordinates: 41.86060,-121.11129

Latest update: March 4, 2025 18:52