Modoc National Forest

Winter Sports

Enjoy your Winter Outdoor Activities………

Cross country skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing are enjoyed in many areas of the forest.

Snowpack information provided by the State of California.

The Warner Mountains and Medicine Lake Highlands present opportunities for cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing. The Warner Mountains provide easy slopes for the beginning skier, moderate slopes for the more experienced skier and rugged areas for the most skilled skier are available. The Privately Operated Cedar Pass Snow Park maintains a surface ski lift in the Warner Mountains on Cedar Pass near Highway 299. The Highway 299 Cedar Pass Traffic Cam provides updated photos of the road conditions at Cedar Pass.

Snowmobilers

Snowmobilers are urged to use caution while riding in the Modoc National Forest. Many trees have fallen across many of the main trails and roads.

Medicine Lake Highlands offers 31 miles of groomed trails that provide breathtaking views of Mt. Shasta. A snowmobile trailhead is located at Doorknob Snowmobile Park, one and a half miles south of Lava Beds National Monument. The Snow-Park features a paved parking lot, warming hut and rest rooms. Groomed trails lead to Medicine Lake and three other Snow-Parks on neighboring National Forests.

Facilities at Doorknob Snowmobile Park

Facilities at the snowmobile park include parking area, warming hut, toilet facilities, and information boards.

It is posted that the 49 Road is closed to wheeled vehicles at this time of year, but be aware that strange things happen and you could come upon a partially buried pick up truck. Be cautious. The weather and snow conditions should continue to be great.

Web image page of Medicine Lake Area in winter.

For more information on trail conditions, contact the Doublehead Ranger District Office at 530-667-2246.

Cedar Pass Snow Park

Cedar Pass Snow Park (not a Forest Service web site) is the only local downhill skiing area. The site is operated under special use permit and operates on weekends depending on snow conditions and availability of volunteers.

BE PREPARED!

The weather and snow conditions can change within hours leading to un-maintained trails; avalanches; wet, sticky snow, or icy conditions.

Please read the most recent list of safety tips at the National Ski Areas Association's website at www.nsaa.org and the safety tips on the American Council of Snowmobile Associations at www.snowmobileacsa.org. Need tips on helmets? Visit www.lidsonkids.org.

USDA Forest Service - Modoc National Forest
Last Modified: Tuesday, 09 January 2007 at 11:14:39 EST