The Modoc National Forest is introducing a new annual recreation pass for the Medicine Lake Day Use and boat launch area in the Doublehead Ranger District. The area has become increasingly popular for visitors to swim, picnic, and use the boat launch facilities. Visitors can still pay the daily fee of $5.00, or they can purchase an annual pass for $20.00, which pays for itself after four uses. Currently, you can get the passes at the Modoc National Forest Supervisor’s Office, which is located at 225 West 8th Street, Alturas, CA. The office is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The passes may also become available at other Modoc National Forest locations in the future.
The annual pass can be used for two vehicles but only one at a time, and license plates must be written on the pass using a permanent marker. The pass is only valid for the calendar year. For example, if you buy one today, it’ll be valid until December 31st, 2024 (or whenever the sites are inaccessible, typically late November or early December). It’s important to note that the pass is not valid for the campgrounds in the Medicine Lake Recreation Area. Henry David Thoreau once wrote, “We can never have enough of nature,” in his book Walden. The book was his thoughts on nature and why he thought it was important for people to engage with it.
