Alturas, California

Modoc County Seat and Gateway to Northeast California

Alturas (population 2,715) is the largest town in Modoc County and the only place for serious miles in any direction with a hospital, a grocery store, gas, and lodging. Downtown is a few blocks of brick storefronts, a 1914 Classical Revival courthouse, and the Niles Hotel & Saloon — open since 1908 and still serving.

Alturas Location

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Things to See & Do

Modoc County Historical Museum

Explore the region's Native American heritage, pioneer history, and natural history. Features extensive collections and exhibits about Modoc County's past.

Historic Courthouse

Beautiful 1914 Classical Revival architecture in downtown Alturas. A stunning example of early 20th century civic buildings.

Niles Hotel & Saloon

Historic 1908 landmark with authentic Old West atmosphere. Step into the Old West on Bartell's Backroads.

Modoc County Park

Park featuring a historic Southern Pacific steam locomotive displayed under a custom timber shelter, plus a natural playground with climbing elements and slides.

Downtown Shopping

Browse local shops, antique stores, and Western wear. Experience small-town Main Street shopping.

Events

  • Alturas Farmers Market - A Modoc Harvest Certified Farmers Market held the 1st and 3rd Saturdays in July, August, and September, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM, at Veterans Memorial Park. Locally grown produce, ranch products, baked goods, and handcrafted items from Modoc County farmers, ranchers, and artisans, including Bidwell Canyon Farm. EBT, WIC, SunBucks, CalFresh, and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program benefits are accepted, and the market's Market Match program matches EBT spending up to $15 per market. Confirm dates with Modoc Harvest.

Where to Stay

Hotels

Motels

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Where to Eat

American & Steakhouses

  • Niles Hotel & Saloon - Historic 1908 saloon with steaks and burgers. Step into the Old West
  • Brass Rail - Basque-inspired dining, a regional tradition (4.4★)
  • Wagon Wheel Restaurant - Family dining; limited hours, closed Tue-Wed (4.7★)
  • Auction Yard Café - American cuisine; breakfast & lunch only, closed Mon-Tue (4.7★)
  • Lazy B - (4.5★)
  • Double-A Cafe - (5.0★)
  • Frosty's - Burgers (4.2★)
  • California Pines Lodge Restaurant - Steakhouse at the lodge southwest of town, with a full bar and a salad and ice cream bar included with dinner. Slow-roasted prime rib is the Saturday night fixture, and Early Bird pricing runs Wednesday–Saturday from 4 to 5 PM. Dinner only: Wednesday 4–8 PM, Thursday–Saturday 4–9 PM. Reservations are recommended — call or text the reservation line at (530) 646-5330. Confirm current offerings and hours before you go.

Mexican Restaurants

Italian & Asian Cuisine

Additional Options

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Groceries & Supplies

Grocery Stores

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Local Food Hub

  • Modoc Harvest Food Hub - 112 E 2nd St. The county's local-food nonprofit runs a weekly online market: order from Modoc County farms and ranchers, then collect everything at one pickup in Alturas.
  • Order through the Modoc Harvest Food Hub shop on Open Food Network, where the current order window and pickup dates are posted.

Hardware & Outdoor

Pharmacies

Gas & Convenience

Getting to Alturas

Location

Alturas is located on the junction of US-395 and CA-299 in northeast California.

  • 350 miles from San Francisco (~6 hours)
  • 250 miles from Sacramento (~4.5 hours)
  • 150 miles from Reno, NV (~3 hours)

Services

Alturas is your base for exploring Modoc County:

  • Last full services before heading to remote areas
  • Stock up on supplies, fuel, and food
  • Cell service available in town