Plan Your Visit to Modoc County

Everything you need to know for your California adventure

Modoc is far from anywhere. Reno is the nearest major airport (3 hours by car), gas stations thin out fast, and what you brought is what you have. This page covers the practical side — when to come, what to bring, who to call.

Getting Here

Modoc County is located in the far northeast corner of California, bordering Oregon and Nevada.

By Car

From the Bay Area (San Francisco): ~6 hours (350+ miles) via I-80 and US-395 or CA-299

From Sacramento: ~4.5 hours (250+ miles) via US-395 or CA-299

From Reno, NV: ~3 hours (about 175 miles) via US-395 north

From Medford, OR: ~3.5 hours via OR-140

Main Highways:

  • US-395 (north-south, main route)
  • CA-299 (east-west through Alturas)
  • CA-139 (north to Oregon)
Winter Travel: Roads can close due to snow. Check conditions at Caltrans QuickMap before traveling, or browse our Modoc County webcams page for live views of Cedar Pass and other approaches.

By Air

Nearest Airports:

  • Reno-Tahoe International (RNO) - About 175 miles, roughly 3 hours north on US-395. The most flights and the widest choice of rental cars.
  • Redding Regional (RDD) - About 145 miles, roughly 3 hours east on CA-299 over the mountains. A handful of daily regional flights.
  • Rogue Valley International–Medford, OR (MFR) - About 170 miles, roughly 3½ hours by way of Klamath Falls. Often the easiest connection from the Pacific Northwest.

Klamath Falls (LMT) is closer, about 95 miles, but has had no scheduled airline service in years; it is useful only for private and charter flights.

Modoc County Airport (Alturas): Small general aviation airport for private planes only.

Car Rental Required

You'll need a vehicle to explore Modoc County. Pick one up at the Reno, Redding, or Medford airport.

Current Weather in Alturas

48°F

Right now

Clear

Wind: 5 mph

Observed at Alturas Municipal Airport, 8:55 pm

Tonight: low of 33°F, mostly clear

Mostly clear. Low around 33, with temperatures rising to around 37 overnight. Northwest wind 3 to 8 mph.

Full 7-Day Forecast

Weather in Modoc County can change quickly. Check conditions before heading to remote areas.

When to Visit

Spring (April–May)

Weather: Cool to mild, 40-70°F. Can be wet.

Highlights:

  • Wildflowers blooming
  • Migratory birds returning
  • Fishing season opens
  • Fewer crowds

Challenges: Muddy roads, lingering snow at higher elevations

Summer (June–August)

Weather: Warm to hot days, 75-90°F. Cool nights.

Highlights:

  • Best hiking and camping weather
  • All roads and trails accessible
  • Long daylight hours
  • Modoc District Fair, late August in Cedarville

Challenges: Can be hot, fire season, busier (though still quiet by most standards)

Fall (September–October)

Weather: Mild days, cool nights, 50-75°F

Highlights:

  • Peak hunting season
  • Stunning fall colors
  • Comfortable temperatures
  • Excellent wildlife viewing

Challenges: Lodging fills up during hunting season (book early)

Winter (November–March)

Weather: Cold, snowy, 20-45°F

Highlights:

  • Snowmobiling and cross-country skiing
  • Bald eagle viewing
  • Peaceful, uncrowded
  • Winter photography

Challenges: Snow and chain controls on the passes, back roads closed, limited services, extreme cold

Before You Drive: Seasonal Closures

Several places close or become hard to reach outside summer. Worth checking before a fall, winter, or early-spring trip:

  • Museums: The Modoc County Historical Museum in Alturas (600 S. Main St.) is generally open May through October, Tuesday–Saturday. The CalVada History Museum in Cedarville keeps limited days, so check its hours before making the trip off-season.
  • Medicine Lake campgrounds: The five campgrounds around Medicine Lake sit at nearly 6,800 feet and are traditionally open from July 1 into October. See the Medicine Lake Recreation Area page for this season's status.
  • Lava Beds winter roads: The southern approach roads to Lava Beds National Monument are not plowed and can be closed from about November into early summer. Plan to come in from the north; the Lava Beds directions page has details. Several of the most popular caves also close each winter, typically until mid-April; the current conditions page lists which are open.
  • Fire restrictions: Summer and fall fire restrictions are common in Modoc National Forest and often ban campfires outside designated sites. Check the Modoc National Forest alerts page before you plan on a campfire.

Annual Events

A handful of dates worth planning a trip around. Small-town schedules can shift, so confirm with the organizer before you set out.

Modoc District Fair

Held each August at the fairgrounds in Cedarville — the county's signature gathering, with livestock, exhibits, food, and music. Admission is free. Confirm this year's dates with the Modoc District Fair.

Farmers Markets

Modoc Harvest runs two certified farmers markets on Saturday mornings, 9 AM–noon, through July, August, and September: Alturas on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays at Veterans Memorial Park, and Cedarville on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays at Bonner and Main — so there's a market most Saturdays of the season. Produce, eggs, baked goods, flowers, and handmade goods, with music and children's activities. EBT, WIC, SunBucks, CalFresh, and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program benefits are accepted, and Market Match matches EBT spending up to $15 per market. Check the current calendar on the Modoc Certified Farmers Markets Facebook page.

Fandango Days

Alturas's hometown summer celebration, held around the Fourth of July — a parade down Main Street, live music, and community events downtown. Dates shift year to year, so check the Alturas Chamber for the current schedule.

Community Flea Market

The Alturas Chamber's community-wide flea market and yard sale takes over Main Street for a Saturday each June, 9 AM–3 PM — a good day to wander downtown and meet locals. Details via the Alturas Chamber of Commerce.

First Fridays — Cedarville

Main Street in Cedarville comes alive on the first Friday evening of the month, 5–9 PM — live music, food, drinks, games, and shops staying open late. The October edition adds a pumpkin-growing contest. It is a warm-season tradition, so check the SV First Fridays page before planning a winter visit around it.

Mt Bidwell Celebration

Fort Bidwell’s two-day community celebration each October, opening with a Saturday-morning parade down Main Street and continuing with events at the reservation gymnasium. Confirm the weekend with the Surprise Valley Chamber calendar.

Fall Festival — Alturas

New for 2027: the Alturas Chamber is replacing its long-running Balloon Fest with a Fall Festival on the same September weekend. The Balloon Fest ended after decades as balloon pilots retired and travel costs climbed. Watch the Alturas Chamber of Commerce for the first year’s details.

Movie Night in the Park

The Alturas Chamber screens a film in the park once a month through the summer, starting in June, with the final showing at the Fall Festival in September. Free and family-friendly; titles and dates come out through the Alturas Chamber of Commerce.

Migratory Bird Day at Modoc NWR

Modoc National Wildlife Refuge, just south of Alturas, has marked World Migratory Bird Day with an October open house — activity stations along the auto-tour route, ending at the visitor center. Check the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge page to see whether it's on this year.

Winterfest Parade of Lights

Alturas lights up an early-December Saturday evening with a lighted parade along Main Street; in recent years Winterfest has also brought a bonfire and a tree lighting. Watch the Alturas Chamber's Winterfest page for this year's date and parade entry details.

Surprise Valley Holidays

Surprise Valley's December calendar includes the Cedarville Shop & Stroll with a holiday craft fair on Main Street, and the Fort Bidwell Lighted Tractor Christmas Parade, with prizes for the best-decorated tractor. Dates are posted on the Surprise Valley Chamber events calendar.

What to Bring

Essential Gear

  • Vehicle: Reliable car or truck. 4WD recommended for backcountry.
  • Navigation: GPS, paper maps (cell service is limited)
  • Water: Bring plenty - sources can be scarce
  • Fuel: Fill up in Alturas - gas stations are few and far between
  • First Aid Kit: You may be hours from medical help
  • Emergency Supplies: Blanket, flashlight, extra food
  • Tire Repair: Spare tire, jack, tire repair kit

Seasonal Items

Summer:

  • Sunscreen and hat
  • Insect repellent
  • Light layers (temperatures vary)

Winter:

  • Chains or 4WD vehicle
  • Warm clothing, gloves, boots
  • Ice scraper, shovel
  • Extra blankets

All Seasons:

  • Layered clothing (weather changes quickly)
  • Rain gear
  • Sturdy hiking boots

Visitor Information

Important Contacts

Services & Amenities

  • Medical: Modoc Medical Center in Alturas (expanded in 2025 with a skilled nursing facility and additional staff)
  • Gas Stations: Primarily in Alturas and Cedarville
  • ATMs: Available in Alturas
  • Cell Service: Available in Alturas; limited or none in remote areas. A Verizon tower has been approved near Davis Creek to improve coverage in that area
  • Internet: Available at hotels, some cafes
  • Post Office: In Alturas and Cedarville

Safety & Etiquette

Wildlife Safety

Keep distance from wild animals. Store food properly when camping. Be aware of rattlesnakes in warm months.

Leave No Trace

Pack out all trash. Respect private property and cattle gates. Stay on designated roads and trails.

Fire Safety

Check fire restrictions before lighting fires. Fire season (summer/fall) may prohibit campfires. Always fully extinguish fires.

Be Prepared

This is remote country. Tell someone your plans. Carry emergency supplies. Don't rely on cell phones for navigation or emergencies.