01
Best easy walk from town
Clear Lake Trail
Just East Of Likely • Gentle Lakeshore And Wetlands Path • Best For Relaxed Strolls And Birding
A short, mostly level loop along Clear Lake’s marshy shoreline with wide-open views and plenty of wildlife.[3]
Clear Lake Trail is the closest true leg-stretcher to Likely, offering about a mile and a half of mostly flat singletrack and dirt road along the water’s edge.[3] Expect big skies, tule marsh, and good chances to spot waterfowl and raptors while you walk. It’s a natural first stop for new visitors or an easy evening loop for locals who just want a quick, peaceful outing.
02
Best big-mountain day hike
Emerson Peak via Summit Trail
South Warner Wilderness • High-Country Summit Hike • Best For Strong Hikers Chasing Views
A stout climb into the South Warner Wilderness that tops out on Emerson Peak with sweeping views over Modoc County.[3]
Starting from the Summit Trailhead in the South Warner Wilderness, this route winds through mixed forest and meadows before breaking out onto open ridges en route to Emerson Peak.[3] The round-trip distance and elevation gain make it a solid workout, but the payoff is a classic Modoc panorama: forested basins dropping away to sagebrush plains and distant volcanic peaks. Bring plenty of water, layers for the wind, and expect early-season snow to linger higher up.
03
Best ridge-and-meadow wander
Summit Trail
South Warner Wilderness Crest • Backcountry Ridge Trail • Best For All-Day Explorers
A longer Warner Mountains traverse option that strings together forests, high meadows, and long, open ridgelines.[3]
The Summit Trail itself runs along the crest of the South Warners, giving strong hikers a sampler of nearly everything this wilderness has to offer—shady timber, wildflower-filled clearings, and airy ridges with distant views.[3] You can tackle it as a demanding out-and-back day hike or carve out a shorter section from one of the access points. Either way, it feels remote in the best way, so navigation, water planning, and an eye on the weather all matter here.
04
Best close-by rail-trail ramble
Modoc Line Rail Trail
Near Likely Place • Converted Rail-Trail Through High Desert • Best For Easy Mileage And Big Skies
An old narrow-gauge railroad corridor turned multi-use path, just down the road from Likely Place’s campground and golf course.[6]
Half a mile from Likely Place, the Modoc Line Rail Trail follows an abandoned narrow-gauge rail bed across classic sagebrush country.[6] The grade is mellow and the sightlines are long, making it ideal for walkers who prefer steady, easy mileage over steep climbs. Pick a short out-and-back for sunset or commit to a longer wander and watch the light change across the hills and volcanic rims.
05
Best destination day trip
Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail
Between Westwood And Susanville • River Canyon Rail-Trail • Best For Long, Scenic Bike-And-Hike Days
A well-known 26-mile rail-trail following the Susan River through tunnels, trestles, and changing canyon scenery.[5]
A regional favorite within striking distance of Likely, the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail traces an old rail line along the Susan River between Westwood and Susanville.[5] While many visitors bike it, the gentle grade, packed surface, and frequent access points make it an excellent long-distance hike or a series of shorter walks. Expect a different feel from Modoc’s high-desert hikes—more river sounds, canyon walls, and the novelty of trestle crossings and short tunnels along the way.