Plan Your Memorial Day Adventure in Modoc National Forest with Important Safety Tips

If you’re planning to spend your holiday weekend in the Modoc National Forest, you can look forward to a variety of outdoor adventures.

 All campgrounds in the Warner Mountains and Devils Garden Ranger Districts are accessible, except for Cave and Lily Lake. Fees will apply to Blue Lake Campground, Pepperdine Campground, and Howards Gulch Campground.

For the health and safety of our visitors, please note that the water systems at these campgrounds are currently not potable. It is essential to boil water before use.

The Medicine Lake recreation area is currently closed and inaccessible due to lingering snow. However, most campgrounds in the Big Valley Ranger District are open and accessible, with the exception of Willow Creek and Upper Rush campgrounds, which remain closed. Please be aware that the same water safety precautions are in effect for the open campgrounds..

Obsidian collection at our Obsidian mines is still closed. The collection period will begin on July 1 and continue through September 1 this year. Permits will be available starting June 30, and each visitor will be allowed up to three permits for the season. For more information, please contact the Modoc National Forest Office.

Currently, there are no fire restrictions in place; however, please remember that fireworks and explosives are prohibited on federal lands. For visitor safety, law enforcement officers, fire personnel, and recreation staff will be patrolling during the Memorial Day weekend.

We remind all visitors to follow campfire safety guidelines and adhere to the Leave No Trace principles of outdoor ethics. When driving on forest roads, exercise caution, especially on narrow mountain roads with high recreational traffic. Be aware that there is still snow in some areas of the forest, such as the Medicine Lake recreation area and parts of the Warner Mountains. It is important to be prepared by bringing extra supplies, informing someone of your travel plans, having an alternate plan in case your intended route is damaged or impassable, and keeping an eye on the weather conditions.

Find your next adventure in the Modoc National Forest! Have a Fun and safe Memorial Day weekend. May we never forget the sacrifices made.