Cities and Towns in Modoc County, California

Founded in 1874, Modoc County is one of 58 counties in the state of California. Historically, Modoc County was formed from Siskiyou. The city of Alturas is the county seat. With FIPS code of 49, Modoc County has a population of 8,661 and area of 3,944 square miles (10,215 km²).

List of all cities in Modoc County, CA alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Adin, CA 96006 530
Alturas, CA 96101 530
Alturas Rancheria, CA 96101 530
California Pines, CA 96101 530
Canby, CA 96015 530
Cedarville, CA 96104 530
Davis Creek, CA 96108 530
Eagleville, CA 96110 530
Fort Bidwell, CA 96112 530
Lake City, CA 96115 530
Likely, CA 96116 530
Lookout, CA 96054 530
Willow Ranch, CA 96108 530
Xl Ranch Indian Reservation, CA 96101 530

Major Cities and Towns in Modoc County, California

Alturas

Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates

  • Area: 2.4 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 2,715 (as of 2020)
  • Zip Codes: 96101
  • Latitude: 41.4876° N
  • Longitude: 120.5422° W

Location and History

Alturas is the county seat and largest city in Modoc County, located in the northeastern corner of California, near the Oregon and Nevada borders. The town was originally known as Dorris Bridge, named after the Dorris family who settled in the area in the 19th century. In 1876, the name was changed to Alturas, which means “heights” in Spanish, reflecting its location in the high desert region of the Modoc Plateau. Alturas developed as a trading post and supply center for the surrounding ranching and farming communities. The arrival of the Nevada-California-Oregon Railway in the late 19th century spurred further growth, making Alturas a key transportation hub in the region. Today, Alturas remains a small, rural community with a strong connection to its agricultural and ranching heritage.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Alturas is served by the Modoc Joint Unified School District, with Modoc High School and Alturas Elementary School being the primary educational institutions. Major landmarks in Alturas include the Modoc County Museum, which offers exhibits on the history and culture of the area, including Native American artifacts, pioneer history, and the Modoc War. The nearby Modoc National Wildlife Refuge provides opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and wildlife observation in a scenic natural setting. The Niles Hotel, a historic building in downtown Alturas, is another notable landmark, reflecting the town’s early 20th-century architecture. Alturas’ combination of historical significance, educational institutions, and natural beauty makes it the central community in Modoc County.

Cedarville

Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates

  • Area: 1.3 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 514 (as of 2020)
  • Zip Codes: 96104
  • Latitude: 41.5291° N
  • Longitude: 120.1724° W

Location and History

Cedarville is a small, unincorporated community located in Surprise Valley, in the northeastern part of Modoc County. The town was established in the late 19th century as a trading post and center for the surrounding ranching community. Cedarville’s name is believed to be derived from the cedar trees that grow in the nearby Warner Mountains. The town played a significant role in the development of the region, serving as a supply center for settlers, miners, and ranchers. Cedarville’s location in the fertile Surprise Valley made it an ideal place for agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and hay production. Today, Cedarville remains a small, rural community with a strong sense of history and a close-knit population.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Cedarville is served by the Surprise Valley Joint Unified School District, with Surprise Valley High School and Surprise Valley Elementary School being the primary educational institutions. Major landmarks in Cedarville include the Surprise Valley Community Church, a historic building that has served the community since the late 19th century, and the Cedarville Airport, which provides access to the remote and scenic region. The nearby Warner Mountains offer opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring the natural beauty of the area, while the Surprise Valley Hot Springs are a popular destination for relaxation and wellness. Cedarville’s combination of historical significance, educational institutions, and rural charm makes it an important community in Modoc County.

Adin

Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates

  • Area: 4.5 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 272 (as of 2020)
  • Zip Codes: 96006
  • Latitude: 41.1946° N
  • Longitude: 120.9450° W

Location and History

Adin is a small, unincorporated community located in the southwestern part of Modoc County, along State Route 299. The town was founded in the 1860s and was named after Adin McDowell, one of the area’s early settlers. Adin developed as a supply center for the surrounding ranching and farming communities, with its location along the main road making it an important stop for travelers and freight wagons. The town’s economy has traditionally been based on agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and hay production. Over the years, Adin has remained a small, rural community with a focus on preserving its agricultural heritage and close-knit community spirit.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Adin is served by the Big Valley Joint Unified School District, with Big Valley High School and Adin Elementary School being the primary educational institutions. Major landmarks in Adin include the Adin Supply Company, a historic general store that has served the community for over a century, and the nearby Ash Creek Wildlife Area, which offers opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, and exploring the natural wetlands of the region. The town’s annual Adin Community Days celebration brings residents together for parades, barbecues, and community activities, reflecting the town’s strong sense of tradition and community pride. Adin’s combination of historical significance, educational institutions, and rural charm makes it an important town in Modoc County.

Canby

Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates

  • Area: 4.2 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 315 (as of 2020)
  • Zip Codes: 96015
  • Latitude: 41.4436° N
  • Longitude: 120.8828° W

Location and History

Canby is a small, unincorporated community located in the central part of Modoc County, along State Route 299. The town was established in the late 19th century and was named after General Edward Canby, a Union general during the American Civil War. Canby developed as a ranching and farming community, with its location along the main road making it a key stop for travelers and freight wagons. The town’s economy has traditionally been based on agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and hay production. Over the years, Canby has remained a small, rural community with a focus on preserving its agricultural heritage and close-knit community spirit.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Canby is served by the Modoc Joint Unified School District, with the nearest schools located in Alturas and nearby towns. Major landmarks in Canby include the Canby Post Office, a historic building that has served the community since the late 19th century, and the nearby Modoc National Forest, which offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring the scenic landscapes of the region. The town’s annual Canby Independence Day celebration brings residents together for parades, barbecues, and community activities, reflecting the town’s strong sense of tradition and community pride. Canby’s combination of historical significance, educational institutions, and rural charm makes it an important community in Modoc County.

Newell

Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates

  • Area: 0.9 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 300 (as of 2020)
  • Zip Codes: 96134
  • Latitude: 41.8888° N
  • Longitude: 121.3825° W

Location and History

Newell is a small, unincorporated community located in the northern part of Modoc County, near the California-Oregon border. The town was established in the early 20th century as part of the U.S. government’s homesteading program, which aimed to encourage settlement in rural areas. Newell is best known as the site of the Tule Lake War Relocation Center, one of the internment camps where Japanese Americans were incarcerated during World War II. The camp operated from 1942 to 1946 and was the largest of the ten camps, housing over 18,000 internees at its peak. Today, the site is preserved as the Tule Lake National Monument, serving as a reminder of this dark chapter in American history.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Newell is served by the Tulelake Basin Joint Unified School District, with the nearest schools located in nearby Tulelake. Major landmarks in Newell include the Tule Lake National Monument, which offers interpretive exhibits and guided tours of the former internment camp, and the nearby Lava Beds National Monument, which features volcanic landscapes, lava tube caves, and Native American rock art. The community’s annual Tulelake-Butte Valley Fair is a major event that celebrates the agricultural heritage of the region with livestock exhibits, rodeos, and entertainment. Newell’s combination of historical significance, educational institutions, and proximity to natural attractions makes it an important community in Modoc County.

Map of Cities in Modoc County, CA

Map of Cities in Modoc County, CA