About Modoc National Wildlife Refuge
The 7,021-acre Modoc NWR is located along the South Fork of the Pit River in Modoc County, southeast of the town of Alturas, in extreme northeastern California.The refuge is located on the western edge of the Great Basin, a high elevation, cold desert environment. The refuge consists of wetland, reservoir, riparian, sagebrush-steppe, and cropland habitats.The refuge is part of a larger complex of mid-elevation wetlands and lakes of northeastern California and is strategically situated to meet the needs of waterfowl and other migratory birds of the Pacific Flyway. Modoc NWR acts as a migration and staging area for ducks, geese, and other wetland birds on the southward migration funnel into this region. After feeding and resting on the refuge, they continue to the Central and Imperial Valleys of California and other wintering areas. This pattern is reversed in the spring. The refuge’s wetlands and adjacent uplands are also an important nesting area for ducks, geese, greater sandhill cranes, and several other species of marsh birds.
How to Get There
Modoc National Wildlife Refuge is located along the south fork of the Pit River near the town of Alturas, California in extreme northeastern California. Travelling south on highway 395 or east/west on highway 299: Travel south down main street/highway 395 until you are nearly out of town. Take a left on County Road 56. Travel approximately 1 mile before turning right onto County Road 115. After 1.5 miles turn left onto the Modoc NWR main entrance road. Travelling north on highway 395: After passing through the town of Likely, California, continue travelling north for approximately 10 miles before turning right onto County Road 115. Follow County Road 115 for approximately 4 miles and the entrance road to Modoc NWR will be on the right.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Modoc National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Modoc National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Modoc National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Modoc National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1521) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Modoc National Wildlife Refuge?
Modoc National Wildlife Refuge is located along the south fork of the Pit River near the town of Alturas, California in extreme northeastern California. Travelling south on highway 395 or east/west on highway 299: Travel south down main street/highway 395 until you are nearly out of town. Take a left on County Road 56. Travel approximately 1 mile before turning right onto County Road 115. After 1.…
How do I contact Modoc National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 530-233-3572 or email: modoc@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
