01
Best overall backcountry pick
South Warner Wilderness – Pepperdine Trailhead
Foothills Above Lake City • High-Country Wilderness Access Point • Local Favorite For Big-Mile Days
The Pepperdine Trailhead is Lake City’s classic launch point into the high ridges and basins of the South Warner Wilderness.
From the end of the rough dirt road at Pepperdine Campground, you can climb straight into the heart of the Warner Mountains on well-used forest trails. Strong hikers link ridgeline routes toward Squaw Peak and remote basins, while more casual walkers can simply wander a few miles up-canyon for big views back over Surprise Valley. Come prepared for true wilderness conditions: few crowds, changing weather, and rewarding, wide-open country.
02
Best alpine lake hike
Patterson Lake Trail
Jess Valley Side Of The Warners • Classic Alpine Lake Climb • Best For Strong Day Hikers
The Patterson Lake Trail trades a steady climb for a secluded alpine basin ringed by Warner Mountain peaks.
Starting from the Jess Valley side of the range, this trail winds through tall timber and meadows before breaking out into rockier high country. The payoff is Patterson Lake, a cold, clear tarn tucked against the ridge that feels far more remote than its drive-time suggests. It’s a great choice when you want a full-day outing with a clear destination and the kind of quiet you only get in Modoc backcountry.
03
Best family-friendly outing
Blue Lake National Recreation Trail
South Of Alturas • Lakeside Forest Loop • Best For Mixed-Ability Groups
Blue Lake offers gentle lakeside paths, shady forest, and easy access to the water, making it a relaxed contrast to the bigger Warner climbs.
Set in the Modoc National Forest, Blue Lake is an easy drive from Lake City and a go-to when you want a scenic walk without committing to a big elevation gain. Short trails and campground paths wrap around the shore, with plenty of spots to stop for a picnic or let kids explore safely. It’s ideal for stretching your legs after time on the road or giving newer hikers a low-key taste of the region’s pine forests.
04
Best ridgetop views
Cedar Pass Scenic Area
Cedar Pass Summit On Highway 299 • Ridgetop Forest And Viewpoint Trails • Best For Quick High-Elevation Walks
Short trails and pullouts around Cedar Pass deliver big-sky views over Modoc’s plateaus and the Warner crest with minimal effort.
As you crest Cedar Pass between Alturas and Cedarville, side roads and signed pullouts lead to informal paths along the ridge. Here you can wander through red-fir and pine, step out to rocky overlooks, and take in sweeping views that show just how isolated this corner of California really is. It’s a smart choice when you’re short on time but still want that high-country feel and a sense of the landscape’s scale.
05
Best easy nature walk
Modoc National Wildlife Refuge Nature Trails
South Of Alturas • Wetland And Riverside Paths • Best For Birdwatchers And Casual Strollers
The Modoc National Wildlife Refuge offers flat walking loops through wetlands and along the Pit River, rich with birds and seasonal color.
Just outside Alturas, this refuge trades mountain steepness for wide skies, cattail marshes, and easy-going paths you can walk in an hour or two. Depending on the season, you might see sandhill cranes, waterfowl, raptors, and mule deer from the dikes and viewing platforms. If you’re based in Lake City and looking for a laid-back recovery day or an accessible outing for non-hikers, this is an excellent complement to the nearby mountain trails.