## Overview

The Blue Lake Campground is situated in the beautiful South Warner Mountains
of the Modoc National Forest in a tranquil and remote area of northeastern
California. Blue Lake was formed from a massive landslide several thousand
years ago. Over time, the land filled up with water from snow melt and rain
where blue lake is today. Blue Lake is truly deep blue in color and remains
ice cold even during the hotest days of summer! The fishing is great, and
there's a 3 mile trail that goes around the entirety of the lake. Come enjoy
your National Forest land by visiting the Blue Lake Campground this summer!

## Recreation

There is a trail around the lake 3 mile, along with many opportunities to walk
and bike around the paved campground roads and boat dock area. There are
several wilderness trailheads within 6-15 miles from the site as well. The
South Warner Wilderness has many trails to offer a true solitude experience
away from the big city. Off-highway -vehcle (OHV) use is also a popular
recreation activity in the neighboring area road systems.

## Facilities

Water is available most of the summer season from late May-early October.
Please call ahead of time and check if the water is potable early in the
season! Sometimes it takes a while to get the system up and going for the
season.

## Natural Features

There are many ice cold mountain streams feeding into and coming out of Blue
Lake. The campground is situated in a lower part of the mountains, but the
entire campground is surrounded by mountain ridges scattered with ponderosa
pine, Jeffrey pine, incense cedar, and aspen trees. There was an intense
wildfire that came through the area back in 2003, so many of the hillsides
near Blue Lake are in the process of regenerating tree stands. Fortunately,
the campground was saved from the fire, so there are plenty of big pine trees
for shade!

## Nearby Attractions

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>The Blue Lake Campground is situated in the beautiful South Warner Mountains of the Modoc National Forest in a tranquil and remote area of northeastern California. Blue Lake was formed from a massive landslide several thousand years ago. Over time, the land filled up with water from snow melt and rain where blue lake is today. Blue Lake is truly deep blue in color and remains ice cold even during the hotest days of summer! The fishing is great, and there's a 3 mile trail that goes around the entirety of the lake. Come enjoy your National Forest land by visiting the Blue Lake Campground this summer!</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>There is a trail around the lake 3 mile, along with many opportunities to walk and bike around the paved campground roads and boat dock area. There are several wilderness trailheads within 6-15 miles from the site as well. The South Warner Wilderness has many trails to offer a true solitude experience away from the big city. Off-highway -vehcle (OHV) use is also a popular recreation activity in the neighboring area road systems.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>Water is available most of the summer season from late May-early October. Please call ahead of time and check if the water is potable early in the season! Sometimes it takes a while to get the system up and going for the season.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>There are many ice cold mountain streams feeding into and coming out of Blue Lake. The campground is situated in a lower part of the mountains, but the entire campground is surrounded by mountain ridges scattered with ponderosa pine, Jeffrey pine, incense cedar, and aspen trees.  There was an intense wildfire that came through the area back in 2003, so many of the hillsides near Blue Lake are in the process of regenerating tree stands. Fortunately, the campground was saved from the fire, so there are plenty of big pine trees for shade!</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>

Blue Lake Campground Group Site main entrance as seen from the main campground loop road. Large Ponderosa Pines provide plenty of shade.

Blue Lake Campground Group Site entrance

Blue Lake Campground Group Site

View of Blue Lake from alongside the Blue Lake National Recreation Trail. Shooting Star lilies can be seen in springtime blooming on top of logs near the shore.

Blue Lake Shoreline with Shooting Star Lilies

Calm water at Blue Lake clearly reflects the sky and clouds on a summer day

Blue Lake Campground Group Site - Modoc NF (CA)

Lassen is a lovely little campground near the obsidian mines. It is currently
under discussion for decommissioning.

This is open area camping as there are no designated camp-sites. FRock fire
rings are located throughout the area.

<p>Lassen is a lovely little campground near the obsidian mines.  It is currently under discussion for decommissioning.</p><p>This is open area camping as there are no designated camp-sites.  FRock fire rings are located throughout the area.</p>

Bird's eye view of the campground

Lassen Creek Campground

## Overview

The popular Medicine Lake Recreation Area and adjacent Medicine Lake are
located in the Medicine Lake Highlands in northeastern California. The
Recreation Area is located in the Modoc National Forest at an elevation of
6,770 feet.

## Recreation

The Medicine Lake Recreation Area offers camping, boating, fishing and
swimming. The adjacent Day Use Areas accommodate boating with a concrete boat
ramp and dock. Swimming is available in a designated swimming area next to the
Picnic Area. Hiking and mountain biking are available on trails originating in
the Recreation Area. The longest of these trails is the trail up Little Mt
Hoffman.

## Facilities

The Medicine Lake Recreation Area is comprised of five campgrounds; Medicine,
A.H. Hogue, Hemlock, Headquarters, and Schonchin Springs Campgrounds. Nearby
the campgrounds are Picnic Area and Boat Launch sites. Campsites vary between
somewhat rugged with limited parking space to larger areas suitable for
recreation vehicles. Facilities include vault toilets, water hydrants and
garbage dumpsters. Campsites include a picnic table, fire ring and a barbeque
grill. There are a total of 86 campsites throughout the five campgrounds.
Fifteen of these sites are available for advanced reservations and located
within the Medicine and A.H. Hogue Campgrounds. Schonchin Springs is the only
campground without water.

## Natural Features

Medicine Lake Recreation Area is nestled along Medicine Lake and mostly
sheltered by mature lodgepole pine trees but can be windy at times. The
Recreation Area lies adjacent to the Medicine Lake Lava Flow which is
accessible by a short hike. The Glass Mtn. and Burnt Lava Flow Geologic Areas
are located within a 15-minute drive.

## Nearby Attractions

Nearby are a few other federal sites with interesting features. The Lava Beds
National Monument is located within a half-hour drive and includes lava caves
and tubes. The Tulelake National Wildlife Refuge is located within an hour's
drive where many types of migratory waterfowl can be viewed.

<h2>Overview</h2>
The popular Medicine Lake Recreation Area and adjacent Medicine Lake are located in the Medicine Lake Highlands in northeastern California.  The Recreation Area is located in the Modoc National Forest at an elevation of 6,770 feet.<h2>Recreation</h2>
The Medicine Lake Recreation Area offers camping, boating, fishing and swimming.  The adjacent Day Use Areas accommodate boating with a concrete boat ramp and dock.  Swimming is available in a designated swimming area next to the Picnic Area.  Hiking and mountain biking are available on trails originating in the Recreation Area.  The longest of these trails is the trail up Little Mt Hoffman.<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>The Medicine Lake Recreation Area is comprised of five campgrounds; Medicine, A.H. Hogue, Hemlock, Headquarters, and Schonchin Springs Campgrounds.  Nearby the campgrounds are Picnic Area and Boat Launch sites.  Campsites vary between somewhat rugged with limited parking space to larger areas suitable for recreation vehicles.  Facilities include vault toilets, water hydrants and garbage dumpsters.  Campsites include a picnic table, fire ring and a barbeque grill.   There are a total of 86 campsites throughout the five campgrounds.  Fifteen of these sites are available for advanced reservations and located within the Medicine and A.H. Hogue Campgrounds. Schonchin Springs is the only campground without water.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
Medicine Lake Recreation Area is nestled along Medicine Lake and mostly sheltered by mature lodgepole pine trees but can be windy at times.  The Recreation Area lies adjacent to the Medicine Lake Lava Flow which is accessible by a short hike.  The Glass Mtn. and Burnt Lava Flow Geologic Areas are located within a 15-minute drive.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
Nearby are a few other federal sites with interesting features.  The Lava Beds National Monument is located within a half-hour drive and includes lava caves and tubes.  The Tulelake National Wildlife Refuge is located within an hour's drive where many types of migratory waterfowl can be viewed.

MEDICINE LAKE RECREATION AREA

Medicine Lake Recreation Area

## Overview

*Altitude is 7,080 feet above sea level* 

Set on the edge of a meadow surrounded by Aspen, Fir and Pine trees, Patterson
Guard Station has stood since 1921. It served the Modoc National Forest as a
fully staffed fire office and guard station until 1981.

Just a few footsteps from the Summit Trail and one-quarter mile from the
wilderness boundary, Patterson Guard Station can be your basecamp for trips
into the South Warner Wilderness or the perfect place to disconnect and relax.
The cabin only has one set of bunkbeds (two mattresses). There is a large
turn-around parking area directly adjacent to the cabin which can accommodate
camper trailers, smaller RVs and gooseneck horse trailers. **No hook-ups**. If
your party exceeds 8 persons, the adjacent Patterson Campground offers 6
developed campsites for $15/night.

Click here to view the full reservation calander and additional details not
included on this page.

## Recreation

**Hiking & Horseback Riding**

The nearby trails within the South Warner Wilderness offer wild landscapes and
solitude for hikers and horseback riders. The Wilderness Act of 1964 prohibits
the use of motorized and/or mechanized equipment within the Wilderness area
(limited exceptions are provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act).
South Warner WIlderness maps are advised and always available at the Modoc
National Forest Supervisor's Office in Alturas, Calif. Maps may also be
available at the Likely General Store in Likely, Calif.

**Off-Highway Vehicles**

Many of the roads near Patterson Guard Station, outside of the wilderness
area, are open to Off-Highway Vehicles. Motor Vehicle Use Maps are available
online and at the Modoc National Forest Supervisor's Office in Alturas, Calif.

**Boating**

Blue Lake, 9 miles west, features a boat ramp and dock for motorized and non-
motorized watercraft. Help keep this lake clean by following the California
Invasive Species Prevention Program Please respect the 10 mph speed limit on
the lake. If speed-boating is your thing, consider launching your boat at West
Valley Reservoir instead.

## Facilities

Patterson Guard Station was restored in 2022 thanks to funding from the
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The guard station is currently equiped with one
bunk bed (two matresses). There will also be two chairs that each convert to a
single bed. Pots and pans will be provided. Pets are allowed. The guard
station features a new refrigerator and oven/range fueled by propane
(provided). New floors and a wood-burning stove (firewood provided) make this
facility almost as cozy as your own home. Potable water is not available on-
site. Non-potable water may be available but visitors should bring all the
water needed for drinking and washing. An outhouse stands roughly 100 feet
from the front door, across the driveway. Entering this facility requires
walking up at least two stairs to enter the back door, three stairs up to the
front porch and door. As your reservation approaches, you will be instructed
on how to obtain codes/keys to the entry gate and guard station doors.

**THINGS YOU MUST BRING WITH YOU:**

  * **DRINKING WATER AND WATER FOR WASHING**
  * **BATTERY POWERED LANTERNS AND LIGHTS FOR INDOOR USE**
  * **BUG SPRAY AND FIRST AID KITS**
  * **BEDDING (SLEEPING BAGS, BLANKETS, SHEETS, PILLOWS)**

**Check-in is 2pm and check-out is 11am.** Maximum occupancy is listed at
eight (8) but when it comes to sleeping arrangments, the guard station will
only accomdate four (4) persons.

## Natural Features

The Warner Mountains form a prominent Northwestern boundary of the basin and
range geologic province that envelops the entire state of Nevada. This range
was once a sedimentary basin between volcanoes of the ancestral Cascade Range
until the Warners went through their own phases of active volcanism between
~28 million years ago until as recently as 2 to 3 million years ago. Dramatic
uplift on the eastern side of this range provides breathtaking views, best
seen from Surprise Valley, east of the Warners.

South-facing slopes in the Warner Mountains are often dry and host Lodgepole
and Ponderosa Pine, Juniper trees and Sagebrush. North facing slopes are
wetter and host Fir trees. Aspen trees are found along streams and boggy areas
beside Corn Lillies that can grow up to 5 feet tall before drying up by mid-
summer.

## Nearby Attractions

  * Blue Lake, 9 miles West, offers a boat ramp and dock with a kayak launcher, fishing platform, day use area with grills and picnic tables and a developed campground with 40+ developed campsites at $15/night.
  * Cedarville, California, is a historic western town offering restuarants, a grocery store, and shopping oppourtunities. 31 miles North along County Road 1. 

## Contact Info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general
information, please call: (530) 233-5811.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>*Altitude is 7,080 feet above sea level* </p>
<p>Set on the edge of a meadow surrounded by Aspen, Fir and Pine trees, Patterson Guard Station has stood since 1921. It served the Modoc National Forest as a fully staffed fire office and guard station until 1981.  </p>
<p>Just a few footsteps from the Summit Trail and one-quarter mile from the wilderness boundary, Patterson Guard Station can be your basecamp for trips into the South Warner Wilderness or the perfect place to disconnect and relax. The cabin only has one set of bunkbeds (two mattresses). There is a large turn-around parking area directly adjacent to the cabin which can accommodate camper trailers, smaller RVs and gooseneck horse trailers. <strong>No hook-ups</strong>. If your party exceeds 8 persons, the adjacent Patterson Campground offers 6 developed campsites for $15/night. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campsites/10229799" rel="nofollow">Click here to view the full reservation calander</a> and additional details not included on this page.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p><strong>Hiking & Horseback Riding</strong></p>
<p>The nearby trails within the South Warner Wilderness offer wild landscapes and solitude for hikers and horseback riders. The Wilderness Act of 1964 prohibits the use of motorized and/or mechanized equipment within the Wilderness area (limited exceptions are provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act). South Warner WIlderness maps are advised and always available at the Modoc National Forest Supervisor's Office in Alturas, Calif. Maps may also be available at the Likely General Store in Likely, Calif. </p>

<p><strong>Off-Highway Vehicles</strong></p>
<p>Many of the roads near Patterson Guard Station, outside of the wilderness area, are open to Off-Highway Vehicles. Motor Vehicle Use Maps  are available online and at the Modoc National Forest Supervisor's Office in Alturas, Calif. </p>

<p><strong>Boating</strong></p>
<p>Blue Lake, 9 miles west, features a boat ramp and dock for motorized and non-motorized watercraft. Help keep this lake clean by following the California <a href="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Invasives" rel="nofollow">Invasive Species Prevention Program</a>  Please respect the 10 mph speed limit on the lake. If speed-boating is your thing, consider launching your boat at <a href="http://dbw.ca.gov/BoatingFacilities/Details/268" rel="nofollow">West Valley Reservoir</a> instead.  </p>

<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>Patterson Guard Station was restored in 2022 thanks to funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The guard station is currently equiped with one bunk bed (two matresses). There will also be two chairs that each convert to a single bed. Pots and pans will be provided. Pets are allowed. The guard station features a new refrigerator and oven/range fueled by propane (provided). New floors and a wood-burning stove (firewood provided) make this facility almost as cozy as your own home. Potable water is not available on-site. Non-potable water may be available but visitors should bring all the water needed for drinking and washing. An outhouse stands roughly 100 feet from the front door, across the driveway. Entering this facility requires walking up at least two stairs to enter the back door, three stairs up to the front porch and door. As your reservation approaches, you will be instructed on how to obtain codes/keys to the entry gate and guard station doors.</p>
<p><strong>THINGS YOU MUST BRING WITH YOU:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>DRINKING WATER AND WATER FOR WASHING</strong></li>
<li><strong>BATTERY POWERED LANTERNS AND LIGHTS FOR INDOOR USE</strong></li>
<li><strong>BUG SPRAY AND FIRST AID KITS</strong></li>
<li><strong>BEDDING (SLEEPING BAGS, BLANKETS, SHEETS, PILLOWS)</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong> Check-in is 2pm and check-out is 11am.</strong>  Maximum occupancy is listed at eight (8)  but when it comes to sleeping arrangments, the guard station will only accomdate four (4) persons. </p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>The Warner Mountains form a prominent Northwestern boundary of the basin and range geologic province that envelops the entire state of Nevada. This range was once a sedimentary basin between volcanoes of the ancestral Cascade Range until the Warners went through their own phases of active volcanism between ~28 million years ago until as recently as 2 to 3 million years ago. Dramatic uplift on the eastern side of this range provides breathtaking views, best seen from Surprise Valley, east of the Warners. </p>
<p>South-facing slopes in the Warner Mountains are often dry and host Lodgepole and Ponderosa Pine, Juniper trees and Sagebrush. North facing slopes are wetter and host Fir trees. Aspen trees are found along streams and boggy areas beside Corn Lillies that can grow up to 5 feet tall before drying up by mid-summer.  </p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<ul>
<li>Blue Lake, 9 miles West, offers a boat ramp and dock with a kayak launcher, fishing platform, day use area  with grills and picnic tables and a developed campground with 40+ developed campsites at $15/night.</li>
<li>Cedarville, California, is a historic western town offering restuarants, a grocery store, and shopping oppourtunities. 31 miles North along County Road 1. </li>
</ul>

<h2>Contact Info</h2>
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (530) 233-5811.

Patterson Guard Station on a sunny July day in 2024

A sunny day illuminates Patterson Guard Station. The bright red color of the Guard Station contrasts the green conifer trees behind it.

Back door of the guard station and location of the nearest water faucet.

View of the rear of the guard station, facing the back door. A water faucet is in the foreground and the Aspen leaves in the background are starting to turn yellow.

Patterson Guard Station with a light coating of snow.

Light snow coats the area surrounding Patterson Guard Station in late fall 2022. The Aspen trees show yellow leaves.

View entering from the back door looking into the Kitchen. Stove, refrigerator and kitchen table are in the center of the photo.

Light snow coats the area surrounding Patterson Guard Station in late fall 2022.

Wood stove installed 2022 inside the guard station

A new wood stove installed near the front door.

Patterson Mill Ranger Station built by Ranger Ben Johnson as summer headquarters for working in the South Warners. Photo 1925.

Patterson Mill Ranger Station built by Ranger Ben Johnson as summer headquarters for working in the South Warners.

Bunk beds in main living area, mattresses not pictured.

Bunk beds in the main living room near the front door.

Bunk beds and chairs in main living area. Front door, not pictured, is to the right of the bunk beds.

Bunk beds and chairs in the main living room seen from the kitchen. The scene is dimly lit as sunlight enters the room through 3 large windows.

Front porch of Guard Station with view of adjacent meadow.

Modoc National Forest

Directions

Reviews

Campgrounds

Blue Lake Campground Group Site - Modoc NF (CA)

Lassen Creek Campground

Medicine Lake Recreation Area

Patterson Guard Station