The Modoc Plateau is a large volcanic tableland in the northeast corner of the state. Most of the ares sits at an elevation of between 4,000 and 6,000 feet. The bulk of the plateau is composed of ancient lava flows and volcanic tuff dating back between 10 and 2 million years ago during the Tertiary period.
It is lonely country out in the Modoc. Primary industries such as farming and ranching along with a little lumbering and mineral extraction are the only major industries. The plateau is covered primarily in a mixture of grasslands and ponderosa pine forests and is home to several national wildlife refuges. Seasonal tourism to these federal lands brings in much needed revenue. .
