Likely--Lookout--Surprise Valley--Dismal Swamp--Higrade--Squaw Baths--Devil's Garden--North Star Basin--Fandango Pass--Captain Jack's Stronghold-- These are all places in Modoc County, a land with high forested mountains, green river valleys, sage and juniper covered basalt tableland--and a relaxed easy way of living.

Population density in Modoc is only two people per square mile (roughly one half  as that of Outer Mongolia). Because about 70 per cent of the county is owned by the US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, congestion and over population are extremely unlikely. Clean air, crystal streams, and lack of automobile traffic are virtually assured. (There is only one stop light in the whole county.)Wildlife is abundant in Modoc County. When the rooster crows in the morning, it is most likely to be a rooster pheasant. His call may be followed by the conversation of Canadian Geese flying to a grain field for breakfast or by the wild sound of Sandhill Cranes. Quail, meadow larks, house finches, and orioles will add to the diapason. Mule Deer, pronghorn antelope, bobcat, mountain lion, elk and coyote inhabit mountain and valley in Modoc. Deer are occasional visitors to uptown Alturas and antelope graze with white-faced Hereford cattle just out of the city limits. Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles soar over the thousands of acres of the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge adjacent to Alturas.   Visitors to the refuge will enjoy newly built ponds and viewing points.

Ranch prices vary according to the type of property and its use. Good irrigated alfalfa ground will sell at about $1,500 per acre. Cattle ranches are more likely to sell on an animal unit (cow and calf) basis around $3,000 per animal unit, depending on the size of the operation and quality of improvements.
Recently, field crops such as garlic, onions, and mint have been introduced in Surprise Valley. Wild rice production is increasing where water is plentiful in the South Fork Pit River valley. In northeastern Modoc County at the edge of the Tulelake basin, potatoes, sugar beets, onions, mint, and similar field crops are common.