Modoc Plateau

The Modoc Plateau is a large volcanic tableland in the northeast corner of the state. Most of the ares sits at an elevation of between 4,000 and 6,000 feet. The bulk of the plateau is composed of ancient lava flows and volcanic tuff dating back between 10 and 2 million years ago during the Tertiary period.

It is lonely country out in the Modoc. Primary industries such as farming and ranching along with a little lumbering and mineral extraction are the only major industries. The plateau is covered primarily in a mixture of grasslands and ponderosa pine forests and is home to several national wildlife refuges. Seasonal tourism to these federal lands brings in much needed revenue. .

Klamath National Wildlife Refuge

In 1908 President Theodore Roosevelt designated the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge to be the the first waterfowl refuge in the United States. The refuge straddles the border between California (~44,000 acres) and Oregon (~6,600 acres). Like the neighboring Tule lake Refuge, the Klamath is helping to preserve biological diversity for the waterfowl and other fauna that reside here or migrate in. The refuge also works to promote sustainable agricultural practices and promotes integrated pest management strategies.

Shasta

Shasta looms above all in northern California. But this singular mountain is particularly prominent when viewed from the east on the plains of the Modoc Plateau.

Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge is one of several such refuges spread out across the Modoc country in California and neighboring Oregon. This mixture of grasslands and water bodies preserve habitat for a multitude of birds and other animals. It is an important stop for migrating waterfowl including the snow goose (Anser caerulescens), Ross's goose (Anser rossii), and the cackling goose (Branta hutchinsii).

Frozen

In winter, the plains of the Modoc Plateau can come to resemble places in Canada or Alaska rather than California.

Welcome to California

No swimming pools, movie stars or palm trees are in sight when entering California from Oregon on winter days in the Modoc Country.

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