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Clear Lake Wildlife Trail

Modoc National Forest, California · 3 min read

Distance
3 mi
Elevation Gain
100 ft
Difficulty
easy
Route Type
Loop
Best Season
March through November
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
1 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
No Lot
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
None
Camping
None
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Exceptional migratory bird viewing on the Pacific Flyway
  • Sandhill crane, tundra swan, and thousands of waterfowl in fall migration
  • Clear Lake wetland complex adjacent to Modoc National Forest
  • Pronghorn and white-tailed jackrabbit visible on the surrounding plateau
  • Flat, accessible terrain suitable for all visitors

Overview

The Clear Lake Wildlife Trail explores the wetland margins of Clear Lake in the northern portion of Modoc National Forest, one of the Pacific Flyway's significant migratory bird staging areas. The 3-mile loop is flat and accessible, staying close to the wetland edge throughout and providing consistent wildlife viewing from spring through fall. For birders, this is one of the better accessible spots in the California-Oregon-Nevada border region.

No permit required.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1.5: East wetland margin. The trail follows the eastern edge of the wetland complex, with open water views to the west. Willows and tules line the water edge. Sandhill cranes are typically visible from the first section. Great blue herons and white-faced ibis are common year-round.

Miles 1.5 to 3.0: North and west return. The trail circles the northern end of the wetland complex and returns along the west side through sagebrush and juniper. Pronghorn are often visible on the surrounding plateau from the higher sections.

When to Hike

September through November for peak fall migration. March through May for spring migration and breeding bird activity.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 1 liter of water. No water sources on the flat trail. Binoculars and a field guide are worthwhile. Insect repellent in early summer near the wetland.

Trailhead Access

County Road 110 north of Alturas, about 15 miles from town. Well-signed in the wildlife area.

Practical Details

No permit is required for day hiking on this trail. Dogs are welcome on leash. No restroom facilities are at the trailhead; plan accordingly. No water source is available at the trailhead; carry all water from home. No cell service is available in this area; download offline maps before leaving the main road.

The recommended season for this trail is March through November. Conditions outside this window may include challenging weather, trail closures, or reduced accessibility. Always verify current conditions with the Modoc National Forest ranger district before visiting, particularly at the beginning and end of the recommended season when conditions are most variable.

Before any visit, review the Leave No Trace seven principles and our checking conditions guide for current fire restrictions, trail closures, and ranger district advisories. The America the Beautiful pass covers day use fees at developed recreation areas where applicable. Veterans and active military have additional access options covered in our veteran benefits guide.

Nearby

The Pepperdine Trail provides the mountain forest experience north of Alturas. See the Modoc National Forest guide for the full forest picture. Follow Leave No Trace principles near the nesting wetland areas.

Trailhead Parking

Clear Lake Wildlife Area trailhead off County Road 110, north of Alturas. Gravel access road. Pull-off parking. No fee.

← Back to Modoc National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is peak bird migration at Clear Lake?
Fall migration (September through November) brings the largest concentrations of birds to the Clear Lake area. Tundra swans, Canada geese, greater white-fronted geese, and numerous duck species use the shallow wetlands as staging areas. Sandhill cranes are present in significant numbers. Spring migration (March through May) is also productive, particularly for shorebirds. The area is also worth visiting in summer for breeding birds including tricolored blackbird and various raptors.
Is the Clear Lake Wildlife Trail within Modoc National Forest?
The trail accesses both Modoc National Forest land and adjacent California Department of Fish and Wildlife management areas around Clear Lake. The wetland complex straddles the boundary between these management units. Access is generally unrestricted throughout the area, though specific areas may have seasonal closures during nesting season. Check with both the USFS and California DFW for current access.
Do I need binoculars for the Clear Lake Wildlife Trail?
Binoculars are strongly recommended for the best experience on this trail. The birds are often at distance across the open water, and spotting scope users typically have the best views. A field guide to western birds is helpful. The sheer number and variety of birds here in fall migration can be impressive even from the trail without optics.