Mill Creek Falls Campground
Modoc National Forest - Warner Mountain Ranger District
Longitude -120.28965, Latitude 41.27610

The Mill Creek Falls Campground is located at the south end of the beautiful and lush Warner Mountain Range. The Warners are a pretty chain of extinct volcanoes. This range is wetter than most in this area, largely due to it's relatively higher elevation and volcanic origin (volcanic rock does not absorb water and it is more fertile).

One of the most significant features of the Mill Creek Falls camp is that it is accessible completely by paved road. That's quite rare in the Modoc region. And the fact that this camp is so nice is just an added bonus.

This campground is set up in one simple paved loop at the end of the Mill Creek Road. Sites are under tall and shady, ponderosa and jeffrey pines. The elevation is low, so it can be warm here, making the generous shade appreciated. Sites are averagely spread apart, with only a couple being quite close to neighbors.

Water spigots and garbage cans are conveniently located near each site. Each site has a fire pit with one of those flip over grill attachments so you can cook right over your fire. Toilets were very clean...impressively so for a holiday weekend. Sites 10 - 14 are close enough to the waterfalls that they can be heard...a dull roar, but a pleasant white noise. Great for sleeping.

The Clear Lake/Poison Flat Trails depart from the back of the campground. From the trailhead, it is approximately 10 minutes to Mill Creek Falls (no more than 100' elevation change whole route). Further beyond that is Clear Lake at approximately 25 minute walk (a little more difficult). There is a pleasant trail around Clear Lake with a nifty foot bridge across Mill Creek at the outlet. From here you can continue up into the South Warner Wilderness connecting with the Summit Trail or you can connect to other campgrounds at Patterson, Emerson, Soup Springs or Pepperdine using a shuttle (not provided, of course).

I love the Warners, if you couldn't tell. The bottom line with Mill Creek Falls is the camp is very accessible, and thus usually is busy on the weekends. And the camp isn't very large either, so expect company. You'll probably need to show up early for a holiday. Nearby Soup Springs is usually a safe bet when Mill Creek is full.

Visited May 1997 and July 2005.