Nature and Wildlife Viewing

Modoc National Wildlife Refuge

The 6,280 acre Modoc Wildlife Refuge was established in 1960 to manage and protect migratory waterfowl. Funds available under the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act helped purchase this refuge which lies at 4,300 feet elevation at the base of the Warner Mountains. Water is the key to attracting waterfowl in this high desert area. An extensive system of ponds, dikes and control structures allows for flooding and draining of meadow and marsh. Carefully controlled water…

North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve

Created by ancient lava (basalt) flows, the approximately 3,300 acre North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve is an elevated basalt mesa with beautiful vistas of spring wildflowers, waterfalls, lava outcrops, and a rare type of vernal pool, called Northern Basalt Flow Vernal Pools. Typically fissures in the basalt soak up winter rains, forming seasonal streams and waterfalls. In a few places, however, the underlying basalt is impermeable to water forming a temporary pool. Soon to dry…

Paynes Creek Wetlands

The Paynes Creek Wetlands are a series of man-made wetlands and ponds that are fed by a network of irrigation ditches as well as winter rains. The wetlands and ponds support a host of resident and migratory birds as well as water dependent mammals, amphibians and reptiles. Surrounding the wetlands is the remainder of the 17,000 acre Sacramento River Bend Outstanding Natural Area (Bend) which supports a wide variety of habitat types, wildlife, historical and…

Susanville Ranch Park

27 miles of trails in Susanville's backyard! 1,100 acre property owned and managed by Lassen County Public Works and BLM as a shared-use recreation area. Hiking, running, cycling, horseback riding, picnicking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. 

Trinity Alps Wilderness

The second largest wilderness area in California, the Trinity Alps Wilderness nearly doubled in size by the 1984 California Wilderness Act.  In that same year, it was added to the National Wilderness Preservation System.  It currently has over 600 miles of trails and embraces over 500,000 acres of land.Chiseled granite peaks and alpine lakes dot the Trinity Alps Wilderness, with elevations from 2,000 feet in creek drainages to 9,000 feet at summits. This wilderness offers…

Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Tule Lake Refuge is located in the fertile and intensely farmed Tule Lake Basin of northeastern California. It was established in 1928 by President Calvin Coolidge as a, “preserve and breeding ground for wild birds and animals.”  The endangered Lost River and shortnose suckers live in or use this refuge. The refuge is a significant staging area for migrating waterfowl during spring and fall migrations. It is used primarily by whitefronted, snow, ross, and cackling…

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

This place has more than just a great name! Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is located at the juncture of the Klamath Mountain range and the northern edge of the Sacramento Valley, making it home to a special collection of plant and animal life, and year-round beauty. The park features Whiskeytown Lake, Shasta Bally mountain (6,209 ft.), and numerous waterfalls, providing outdoor enthusiasts opportunities for water recreation, hiking, mountain biking, camping, and horseback riding.