Trails and Treasures Home Page  Road Trips  Across America 2004 Land of Fire

Warner Mountains Auto Tour

Starting from Alturas we drove north along the east shore of Goose Lake to New Pine Creek, a town half in Oregon and half in California. 

From there we headed east over the mountains through the High Grade Mining District on a steep, winding, and sometimes one-lane, dirt road.  High in the mountains is Cave Lake.  There are still active mines along the route, including the Klondyke Gold Mine.  It was a beautiful day and the aspens were at the peak of their fall color.

As the route begins to descend, there are great vista points with views across the Surprise Valley.  Once back on the paved road in the valley, the route sporadically passes through small towns and hamlets such as Fort Bidwell and Lake City.

Eventually we arrived in Cedarville--the first place since Alturas with food.

After returning to Alturas, we drove south towards Susanville, diverting to see Mill Creek Falls which is included in the South Warner Auto Tour.  We just didn't have time to complete the entire circuit.

 

Modoc NF North Warner Auto Tour