Modoc Recreational Estate Alturas, CA 2023

A view of the MRE, some issues, and maybe some up and coming resolutions. Join us while we attempt to view the top of the property in the 4X4 Thor Sprinter.

[@shondalynn33]

Thank you for this! I just bought a parcel in CP (sight unseen), and this was very helpful!😊

[@curtmedlock1729]

Have 3 acres Very beautiful area

[@MwS-dt1ql]

Thanks for this informative video. Well done. Rare to find any coverage of this specific area. After visiting it I bought a 1.74 acre parcel last November (2023). There were 2 ways to get to it, one was inaccessible due to a concrete creek swale much like you described. Luckily the other was okay, just one 100 yard incline that was rutted but passable. I went back up last February, encountered thick slippery mud at that spot, so I didn't attempt it. Heading up tomorrow from the Bay Area for a week of camping and star gazing. Definitely a seasonal location. It's encouraging to hear that there's a new board and better basic road maintenance may be in the cards. I agree with you; raise the fees to $100 annually if that's what it takes. But that's easy for me to bear, maybe not everyone. It is a great area, it feels remote, no crowds but still minutes to town.

[@earthdawg]

Your right the fee increase could be difficult for those on a very fixed income. I am not sure what the right answer is? I do feel that if you are paying a fee you really should be able to access the property. Even if once a year the outlining areas were graded. If the rumor is true and a lot of the money was taken, I can also see how this can be problematic to get the roads graded.

[@justinsmitley7619]

This is exactly the location me and my wife were looking into buying some recreational land as well. Thanks for this video that really helps.

[@earthdawg]

Let me know if you end up that way. Thanks

[@earthdawg]

Yes, you are most welcome, good luck!

[@Nitrohead123]

Make sure to visit the land before buying trust me I live here been here since 98 was actually born here in 89 I’m a native modocer as it’s called. Lots of drugs/alcohol and all the awesome things that come with it in MRE. I’d look into cal pines much much cleaner more in the forest/woods. Wild bears up there to in cal pines cool ponds with fish and breath taking view’s. Cheap land as well not all has year round access again look in person before buying.

[@1718bb]

Thanks for posting. I've owned 2 lots way up top on Gray Wolf / Silver Fox that I bought in the late 80s and early 90s. I've camped there a few times over the decades. You'll never see a clearer sky nor more stars than you will up there in the summer. But haven't made it up there since 2010ish. I always pay my dues to the MRE. If they have abandoned all maintenance on some roads why am I paying them... I only visit in summer but I'd be mad if the road to my property is not passable when I've been paying them all these years.

[@earthdawg]

I am sure I can get up there during the summer. It will be rutty as all get out. No, they are not maintaining any of that area. I agree, if they are collecting it should be maintained. Once I retire and can access the area more, it may be time to try to attend more meetings and see what can be done. Simply put, they do not have enough money to do it.

[@anitakristensen4679]

bring back memories of Modoc County. I was born in montana and my dad moved us to Alturas so he could work for the phone company. Our house was a few miles from cal pines lodge, in rye grass swail. Moved back to my hometown in montana when I was 15.

[@earthdawg]

Love MT. Lived there for over 10 years at one point.

[@debiscaramella7300]

Hello I watched your video from last February 2023, (MRE) I was wondering if you have more videos of spring or summer? Thank you

[@earthdawg]

I do not, have not had to time to go back. When I do, I will post a new video for sure!

[@plantnerd5762]

The association should also at minimum try to put some post up to direct people which way to turn to find their property. The cost of a few T-post should be fine to show good faith to those on the upper level. The lower level where homes are are understandably priority, but they should at least give “something” to the upper level owners. The more people that can find their lots the more likely someone will go up their to develop the land for recreational uses.

[@bonniebaker2001]

in 2007 I bought 1+ acres in MRE on Grizzly Lane, put in a well septic, driveway etc. Roads have improved over the last 16 years. I'm a General Contractor. I was going to build a small place to sell, but the market in 2008 dropped off a cliff. Now, things have improved and I plan to build a small house on the lot this spring to test the market, If it doesn't sell, I will sit on the front porch and enjoy the beauty and solitude. If the market picks up I'll build a house in Surprise Valley, another part of Modoc County that is a treasure. "Paved roads make busy streets".

[@earthdawg]

That sounds nice. I think we are up on what is called the flats. I may not be able to put up a septic or well. The company in town that does that said it is to rocky to dig. We may just us it for off grid camping. At least the national forest is right behind my lot.

[@LANDAVERDERULES]

My maintanace They collect $105 from me for a few years now. They should be maintaining. Wow now I have to think about going to mine.

[@Teenabeena4]

We have 2 lots on pheasant Dr. overlooking the cliffs. We call our land Juniper Cliffs. I am going to be contacting the HOA just as you did. Maybe if more of us ask politely they will maintain that road!

[@earthdawg]

Let us know how that goes. At some point it may just be us getting money together to get it going. I am going to have mine on the backburner until I retire in a few years where I can commit more time to the property. It is a 8 hour drive for us.

[@brandonscomment1133]

You should have made the right hand turn I have property up on thunderbird over looking the estates. Beautiful area. I’m hesitant to build because of the pheasant rd being so bad.

[@earthdawg]

Yes, I found that later. I was hoping the next time I head there to try that way up. I was wondering if you checked into a septic up there? I talked to the local company and they said something like they cannot do it on the "flats." I am wondering if that area is the "Flats" or not? We would like to have something up there for vacation. I think the area is great. I was told if someone builds up there that they would need to maintain the roads too, but since no one is building up there they are not as concerned about the lots up that way.

[@richardsongreat8209]

I bought 3 + acres land over there , but never been there yet, I planned this summer to camping on my land. They have limited 30 days per calendar year. And real estate agent told me some land have paved road access Thank you so much for your video.

[@earthdawg]

Yes, some of the roads are paved. Let me know how it goes this summer. Thanks

[@Nitrohead123]

Hope it’s not past the 4 way otherwise you just wasted your money my friend and I’d wait till late may more like early June before heading up if past the 4 way. The pave road is only pencil rd, and some of steelhead that’s it’s everything else is dirt/gravel. It’s been really wet here and snow is still melting off, just a heads up good luck watch for meth heads if leaving camp to make town run or explore.

[@GardenerEarthGuy]

My old place is just where the video begins... Don't miss the winters, but MRE is the place to live in Alturas. We used to take Pencil road up to the pothole lakes on our quad. Wild horses would hang out on cold days. They are good about plowing. One winter it went into the 40 and 50 below, people had septic tanks freeze. Enjoy!

[@earthdawg]

Are there any fish in those pothole lakes that you know of?

[@GardenerEarthGuy]

@@earthdawg I never saw any, it's more like mud puddles than a lake. It's not very deep at all... Enjoy the eclipse in the coming week!

[@Nitrohead123]

Lmao don’t know how long ago you lived here but born here in 89 came back in 98 been here since so local speaking and they don’t plow anything off the blacktop my friend that’s all over the county rule.

[@GardenerEarthGuy]

@@Nitrohead123 yeah, but they plow pencil compared to another place we lived that was very convenient. I never once had to chain up each tire on a four wheel drive in MRE.

[@Nitrohead123]

@@GardenerEarthGuy lol true only pencil is plowed but if you have to chain up a 4x4 you ain’t supposed to be there or ain’t got the right rig for the conditions

[@munozppk]

I have a lot up there too! I was able to get my Frontier p4x through both sides of that fork in the beginning when I went last May. You can get up to the same area via Pencil which I checked out last month. Road is leveled until you get to the top of the hill then there a bunch of big rocks. I figured the roads aren’t maintained since no house are up there. I’m gonna go up next month to try to clear out the roads enough to tow my camper.

[@earthdawg]

Nice. I wanted to have a camper up there also. I wondered if there was a back route off of Pencil. I figured we would try it next time up that way. Let me know how it goes. Thanks

[@jetthalterman9654]

Nice. Did they give you a Warranty Deed or a California Grant Deed?

[@earthdawg]

I can get the warranty deed early if I want. I am currently on a payment option.

[@plantnerd5762]

Hi, what is the name of the contractor you found? I would like to give them some business as well.

[@Amira-c7e]

Thank You for Posting I too have Land .. can I get the Septic company #

[@earthdawg]

[phone]

[@Amira-c7e]

@@earthdawg thank you

[@CeeDub619cameraman]

I've heard in some cases there's a 10 year wait to have one installed. Good luck.

[@JoeCobra-242]

Hi there! I just recently bought a lot in ruff grouse road that also backs up to forest land. Looking to go there in June 2024 to check it out. Thank you for the video. Maybe will be neighbors. Do you have a good phone number for the HOA people?

[@earthdawg]

I just have an email [e-mail]

[@SalvageDIYers]

Hello Earthdawg, I am looking at land in that area that was Residential Zoning. Are there any tips you have for the (mandatory) septic, etc.?

[@earthdawg]

When I was there I went in and spoke to the local company that does both wells and septic. The only place in town I dont remember their name but very nice people.

[@Nitrohead123]

A tip from a current local look elsewhere unless you like druggie/trashy people. Been here since 98 and I don’t go up there.

[@tripolex2015]

it is nice I was wondering what's the price for each lot

[@earthdawg]

It really depends upon what lots you look at. Prices I have found very.

[@australorpfarm8501]

Did you ever find the rebar markers that outline the dimensions of your lot?

[@earthdawg]

We were not able to make it up there last year. Hoping for sometime this summer when it may not be so muddy. I sure hope there is something there marking it.

[@nettierg]

Own 3.5 acres on pronghorn about to sell. Bought in 2003, worth less now 😢 Heard the wells were drying up. I live out of state now but keep up on taxes and hoa.

[@earthdawg]

Had not heard about wells drying up. That would be of concern for sure. Thanks for the info.

[@cjpatterson4711]

How is your land coming along in Alturas, CA? Are you developing it? Curious about the area.

[@earthdawg]

I will have to wait for retirement in a few years before I can spend some more time there. We do have some plans for the property though, it will just take time and money. I like the area. I know there are good and bad. Probably the worst are those that squat, trash places or those that have addiction issues. The area is appears to be a lower social economical area. Sometimes with affordability comes issues. Since these properties boarder the National Forest there are a lot of outdoor recreation activities nearby and short drives. If the MRE can ever get a good grasp on the problems in the development and fix roads and have a better way to deal with the squatters, trash left by them and drugs I would be so much better. People will have to be more involved. I am not in a position right now to be more involved so I have no dog in that fight right now.

[@curtmedlock1729]

@@earthdawgI have 3 acres up there 2 acres up on hills unit 3 Found a contractor that has a tractor and doing my driveway and clearing out the dead trees

[@earthdawg]

@@curtmedlock1729 Are they able to get up on the top, if you have land there?

[@fairedepeche]

This is why I don't want anything to do with HOA or associations. They take your money and do little. I may move to Alturas next month and have been looking at property and was hoping to build a tiny home. Do you know if there is housing development occurring near Modoc Wildlife area? Any advice on buying?

[@earthdawg]

I really dont know. There is a real estate office in town.

[@helenpomerleau6455]

Hope you have some source of income?

[@ranchoelbamboo4068]

How you like it up there?

[@earthdawg]

I like the area. The property butts up to the national forest. Hoping to get back there soon when the roads are better, not so thick with mud.

[@Nitrohead123]

This video had me busting up laughing, I’ve lived here since 1998 and you bought land in the second worst place in modoc. There are no wild pigs either the fishing is ok if you like trout and bird hunting is good some years. They don’t maintain jack crap up there so don’t hold your breath. Lots of squatters as well, have fun.

[@earthdawg]

Everything you said does not surprise me. Hoping to just camp here and there a few times a year. Winter months are out for getting up there unless I bring my truck and tent camp it. I did see signs of some property that people were squatting on. Such a pretty area, I hate that others have to ruin it. Have you ever seen any rabbit up that way by any chance?

[@Nitrohead123]

@@earthdawg the squatters have taken over MRE and Cal Pines and we as locals can’t do anything about it unfortunately but yes their is jack rabbits and cotton tail. Obviously some years are better then others for breeding but this was a good year for rabbits. I hope you make it up there and do get to enjoy it with no problems. Maybe we’ll see that van in town next year.

[@earthdawg]

@@Nitrohead123 thanks for the info...much appreciated

[@Nitrohead123]

@@earthdawg you are more then welcome an I appreciate the nice words you had to say about this small town and the people. Also good quail hunting.

[@Predictbauer]

@@earthdawg I have a few plots off raccoon and pintail we have many rabbits, and deer. The squatters are only in the under maintained areas , anything past pheasant espeially heading toward teal dr and mtn goat you will see squatters during summer.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

There is such a thing as a piece of property, "for free", that is not worth the price. I have lived in rural settings for decades in Nevada, Oregon and California. My father did a considerable amount of civil engineering in and around Alturas and Susanville where he owned and developed 1200 acres. I would not get near MRE Alturas This area makes Susanville look like the Riviera. I see the dregs of humanity; trash, white and otherwise. A veritable shit hole. The solution I see is an annual $1000 fee. The roads get cleared out and the those who can't afford the $1000 will hopefully go away. But, that does not solve the problem of squatters and drugs... it is obvious the reason many are there. I'd live in Oakland before I would live there. Best of luck.

[@earthdawg]

They could raise fee's but it would need to be backed up with action. I don't see that happening anytime soon.

[@ourv9603]

No thank you. I like my 1.5 acres in Crescent City, Ca due west from you out on the Pacific coast in the redwoods. !

[@CeeDub619cameraman]

Lots of druggies and bums there I've heard.

[@jameskangiri2794]

How much is lots

[@earthdawg]

You would have to check with a local relater if there are lots available. 3rd party sellers have lots to under cheap land online.

[@keithsanders8843]

I just left the mre andvi was first going to buy right ip the same road that you were on i tryed to go see the lot on my harley that road doesnt get maintained there was talk about 30 pluss grand being embezzled dont wory about the snakes worry about the cougers i then was in escrow on malard but they were right you cant getbupbto your spot in the winter and ibdont no any onebthatbpays the hoafee because they dont maitain or they do very little but ive see the lots go as low as 1700 to 4500 but those have no elec or septic one with septic and power justbto start is about 25.000we maintained prety much ourselves mostbof the roads have gravel but mot all and only pencil is plowed fuckbthe new board there mew board was a gay black man if you spentbtime there you nobwhat im talkingbabout there not very flexible up there very racist but dontbplan on any roads being finishedbin the mre unlessnyou pay to have it done

[@earthdawg]

I actually thought I would have to grade the road on my own if I build something up there. Or grade it just to get anything up there. Another reason to buy a tractor :)