Update on the Modoc Line Rails to Trail

[dave54]

http://bizzjohnsontrail.com/index_files/Page310.htm

Click on the map link for the entire proposed ~120 mile interconnected trail system.

[AmyL]

Dave,
I just found your post about this, and I'm really intrigued.  By combining this rail trail with the BackCountry Discovery Trails through Modoc NF and Lassen NF you could create a heck of a nice big dirt road loop.  And you could connect it up with Andreas Vogels Northern Cal Loop to go all the way out to the coast for a really long loop!
Have the ties and rails been removed from the Modoc Line?  I see that the are not "encouraging use" yet, but is it usable or is it big chunky gravel?  Have you ridden it yet?  Pictures?
Thanks for posting the information,
Amy Lauterbach, Palo Alto

[dave54]

Rails and ties are removed.  Still lots of gravel.  I have not ridden the entire route yet, just some short sections.  The section between Madeline and Ravendale will be boring -- flat, straight, paralleling hwy 395, with no shade or water, and mile after mile of sagebrush flats.  But the rest of the trail will traverse some outstanding scenery and wildlife areas.

By perusing some maps I have a possible connector route on forest roads between the northern terminus of the Modoc line with the Bly trailhead on the Oregon OC&E trail.  This would get you to Klamath Falls. 

While in K-Falls about a year ago I heard a rumor about an all-dirt route from K-Falls to Ashland... a quick check on some maps did not reveal a practical route, but I will continue to investigate.