Guide to Shasta Cascade 2009 - (Page 9) a lT u r a s / M O d O c c O u n T r Y Wild-WesT hisTOrY, laKes, MOunTains & OuTsTandinG Wildlife VieWinG Modoc Country is located in the far northeast corner of California, combining a fabulous four-season climate with abundant natural resources and a colorful “wild-west” history. With less than 10,000 residents, its quiet atmosphere offers a peaceful setting for a family vacation. Recreation opportunities abound, with warm, dry summers providing camping, hiking, fishing, water sports and many other outdoor activities. Truly a land of varied terrain, it includes one of California’s most beautiful mountain ranges, the Warner Mountains, with cool, clear lakes and streams. In contrast, a wide variety of high desert abounds with its serene desert lakes. You can still visit turn-of-the-century towns, ranches and farmlands in Modoc, often called the “place where the west still lives” and has often been compared to Montana for its unconventional Californian lifestyle. Abundant marshes, forests, plains and lakes provide an ideal habitat for a variety of wildlife. The National Wildlife Refuge and the rest of Modoc Country is home to Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Goshawks, Golden Eagles and many other endangered species. Rocky Mountain mule deer and elk, wild horses, burros and pronghorn antelope are just a few of the majestic local inhabitants of Modoc Country. Alturas lies in the broad valley of the Pit River near the center of the county, at the junction of Highways 395 and 299. This city serves as the commercial center for northeastern California with a variety of motels as well as a historic hotel, modern and historic shops, and restaurants. Cedarville, centrally located in the cattle ranching area of Surprise Valley, is the home to an unusual exhibit of historically significant buildings relocated to Cedarville, and now a small mythical town called “Louisville”. The mythical town consists of log cabins, a slaughterhouse, schoolhouse, water tower, and the old Fort Bidwell and Eagleville jails from the 1800’s. The Modoc National Forest and Bureau of Land Management have many improved campgrounds with nearly 300 family camping sites available. Modoc Country also offers a variety of Bed & Breakfasts Inns with such amenities as hot springs, ranch living, fishing, or wilderness access. For further information contact Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association at 800-474-2782 or www.shastacascade.com. EVENTS July 3-5 fandango days celebration, alturas. Parade, car show and country music. 530-233-4434 alturas Balloon fest and Migratory Bird festival, alturas. Balloon rides, activities & tours. 530-233-4434 or 530-233-3572 Modoc county “The last frontier fair,” cedarville. crafts, exhibits, rodeo competition, great food. 530-279-2315 sept. 19-20 aug. 20-23 Hidden Treasures Modoc County Historical Museum, Alturas Over 150 years of history, native american artifacts. 530-233-6328 Modoc Wildlife Refuge, Alturas high-desert oasis for waterfowl. 530-233-3572 Fandango Pass, Modoc National Forest a state historical landmark on appelgate – lassen emigrant Trail. 530-279-6116 or 530-233-5811 Lassen Applegate Trail susanVille / lassen cOunTrY e a G l e l a K e T r O u T, l O G G i n G h e r i Ta G e & f O r e s T e d P l aT e a u s Lassen Country, one of the last true undiscovered jewels of Northern California, is an outdoor recreation paradise. In the mountainous western portion there is camping, hiking, fishing, and winter sports which rank among the best the state has to offer. The Bizz Johnson Rail Trail managed by the Bureau of Land Management and Lassen National Forest is one of the best “rails to trails” conversions in California. Horseback riders, mountain bicyclists, and hikers can enjoy this gentle 25-mile trail along the Susan River. Susanville serves as the recreational crossroads for the eastern part of the Shasta Cascade Region, as well as the commercial center with a wide variety of stores, shops, health facilities, restaurants, and motels. The historic town of Susanville provides a wonderful opportunity to visit a town which still honors and lives with the structure, lifestyle and neighborly hospitality of an era long passed. Westwood, located 22 miles west of Susanville, was built by the Red River Lumber Company starting in 1912, and was one of the largest company lumber towns in the Western U.S. A 22 foot tall statue of legendary logger Paul Bunyan and his blue ox honors Westwood’s logging heritage and presides over the annual Paul Bunyan Mountain Festival. Eagle Lake, the second largest natural lake in California, is located 16 miles north of Susanville. This is home to the world famous Eagle Lake Trout, a species entirely unique to the lake. These trout are generally larger than those of other California lakes, averaging 3-5 lbs. Fishing is permitted, and Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service camping facilities are located around the shoreline. A boat launch, marina, swimming beach, picnic areas, and various family interpretive programs are available at Eagle Lake. Lassen Country is the perfect getaway, offering outdoor recreation experiences from summer camping, hiking and fishing to autumn hunting, winter snowmobiling and sledding. In spring there are numerous wildlife watching opportunities. For further information contact Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association at 800-474-2782 or www. shastacascade.com. EVENTS July 4 July 15-19 Oct. 2-4 Paul Bunyan Mountain and Blues festival, Westwood. 530-256-2456 lassen county fair, susanville, 530-257-4104 rails to Trails festival, susanville Outdoor activities, mountain bike rides. 530-257-4323 Hidden Treasures Biz Johnson Trail, Susanville The Biz Johnson national Trail follows the rugged susan river from susanville to Westwood along an old rail line. 530-257-5381 Lassen Historic Museum, Susanville artifacts native to lassen and old time lumbering equipment. roop’s fort built in 1854 is adjacent to museum. 530-257-3292 Susanville Railroad Depot, Susanville. The depot serves as the place to start a leisurely hike or bike ride up the susan river. 530-257-3252 Bizz Johnson Trail – BLM shasta cascade Visitors Guide 2009 | 9 http://www.shastacascade.com http://www.shastacascade.com
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