Surprise Valley, Modoc County facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Surprise Valley, Modoc County |
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| Length | 60 mi (97 km) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Modoc County, California |
| Population centers | Cedarville, Lake City, Fort Bidwell, Lake Annie, Eagleville |
| Borders on | Warner Mountains-NW, W & SW Hays Canyon Range-E & SE |
Surprise Valley is a long valley in northeastern California. It stretches about 60 miles from north to south. People who live there often call it the Tricorner Region. This is because it is located where the state lines of California, Oregon, and Nevada meet. The valley is east of Alturas, which is the main town in Modoc County. It is also part of a larger dry area called the Great Basin.
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Exploring Surprise Valley's Unique Landscape
Surprise Valley is a high-altitude desert valley. Most of it is more than 4,000 feet above sea level. You can find a series of salty lakes in the lower parts of the valley. These are called alkali lakes.
Mountains and Desert Features
Tall, forested mountains stand on the west side of the valley. These are the Warner Mountains. To the east, you will find the Hays Canyon Range. This range is mostly in Nevada. The valley is part of the Great Basin. This large desert region covers most of Nevada. It also reaches into parts of Utah, southeast Oregon, and eastern southern California.
Towns in Surprise Valley
Several small communities are located in Surprise Valley. These include Eagleville, Cedarville, Lake City, and Fort Bidwell. Each town has its own unique charm.
Fun Activities in Surprise Valley
Much of the land in Surprise Valley is open for public use. West of the main highway, Surprise Valley Road, the land belongs to the US Forest Service. East of the road, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) owns most of the land. These areas offer many chances for outdoor fun.
Outdoor Adventures and Wildlife
You can enjoy activities like hiking and exploring dirt roads. It is a great place for birdwatching. You might even see antelope and take pictures of them. Fishing, camping, and mountain biking are also popular. Some visitors enjoy hunting big game and birds.
Important Safety Tips
The BLM warns that snowstorms can happen unexpectedly. Even in May and June, you might see snow. These storms can sometimes trap travelers. The region also has hot springs and old, abandoned mine shafts. Always be careful when exploring these areas.
Getting Around Surprise Valley
There are a few ways to travel in and out of Surprise Valley. The main east-west road is State Route 299. This road connects the valley to the rest of California and to Alturas.
Roads and Travel Routes
State Route 447 goes towards Reno, Nevada. This route takes you through the Black Rock Desert and the community of Gerlach, Nevada. It is about 152 miles from Cedarville to Reno using this road.
Historic Wagon Trails
A part of the Applegate-Lassen Route crosses the valley. This was a pioneer wagon route from the 1800s. It goes from north of State Route 299 to Fandango Pass. This historic path is also known as the California National Historic Trail. Other roads out of the valley are not paved.
Law Enforcement Presence
Because the valley is near the Nevada state line, you might see patrol cars from the Nevada Highway Patrol and the Washoe County Sheriff's Department. They often travel through the area.
Connecting in Surprise Valley
Getting phone and internet service can be different in this remote area. Wired phone service is provided by Frontier Communications. It seems to come from one main office.
Wireless and Emergency Services
Some parts of the valley have wireless service. However, this is a remote area. Services that people expect in cities might be slower, more expensive, or not available. For a long time, state highway workers had no radio coverage here. Highway Patrol radios were also not very useful until the 1980s. A special base station was installed to help them communicate in this distant area.
Native American Communities
Surprise Valley is home to two independent tribal governments. These are the Cedarville Rancheria and the Fort Bidwell Indian Community of the Fort Bidwell Reservation of California.
Tribal Leadership and Location
The Cedarville Rancheria is a Paiute community. It is located on the southwest edge of Cedarville. Chairwoman Virginia Lash leads this community. The larger Fort Bidwell Paiute community is further north. It is located at the Fort Bidwell Reservation. Chairman Aaron Townsend leads this community.
Community Services in Surprise Valley
The valley has several special districts that provide important services to its residents. The entire area is part of the Modoc County Air Pollution Control District.
Education and Healthcare
Children in the valley attend schools run by the Surprise Valley Joint Unified School District. Its main office is in Cedarville. The Surprise Valley Hospital District, also known as Surprise Valley Healthcare District, operates a clinic in Cedarville. The Cedarville Water District provides water services within Cedarville.
