Fed by snowmelt from the Warner Mountains, the Pit River creates a 7,000 acre oasis for wildlife in the high desert of northeastern California -- Modoc National Wildlife Refuge.

Visit Us

Take advantage of the recreational opportunities provided by the National Wildlife Refuge System. Come visit us at the Modoc NWR!

Location and Contact Information

      What We Do

      The Modoc NWR protects water for wildlife, enhances habitat, and engages the public in wetland conservation.

      Our Organization

      A bright blue sky obstructed by fluffy white clouds reflected off of a stream shot from inside a kayak
      The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 560 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.

      Our Species

      At the Modoc NWR, you can find a variety of wildlife including the Sandhill Crane, Snow Goose, Tundra Swan, Otter, and more!

      Tricolored Blackbird

      The Tricolored Blackbird is a medium-sized (18-24cm total length), sexually dimorphic North American passerine (Beedy, Edward, and Hamilton III 1999). Adult males are typically larger than females, and are black with bright red and white plumage on the wing shoulder. Adult females have sooty...

      FWS Focus
      A small turtle being held in a person's hand

      ESA status: under review (April 2015) 

      The range of the western pond turtle extends from the Puget Sound lowlands in Washington through western Oregon and California, south to Baja California. This aquatic turtle lives in streams, ponds, lakes, and permanent...

      FWS Focus
      Tricolored Blackbird

      The Tricolored Blackbird is a medium-sized (18-24cm total length), sexually dimorphic North American passerine (Beedy, Edward, and Hamilton III 1999). Adult males are typically larger than females, and are black with bright red and white plumage on the wing shoulder. Adult females have sooty...

      FWS Focus

      Our Library

      Explore documents related to refuge habitat, recreational opportunities, surveys and more.

      Waterfowl Lottery Application.pdf

      3-2355 Waterfowl Lottery Application 508 updated 06182018

      Opening Weekend Hunt Application Instructions for Modoc NWR.pdf

      Instructions for hunt application at Modoc NWR.

      Get Involved

       

      Modoc NWR has many opportunities for volunteers and partners in wildlife, habitat and visitor use projects. 

      Projects and Research

      Learn more about research and projects at Modoc NWR.