As the warming weather calls outdoor enthusiasts to the mountains and lakes, many drivers are quickly becoming aware of the impassible conditions of higher-elevation roads where snow still lingers.
Over the past week, the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office has received multiple calls from individuals stranded on the roads to Medicine Lake after their vehicles got stuck in the snow.
This winter has brought significant snowfall to the Medicine Lake Recreation Area, which sits at over 6,770 feet. All access roads are still covered with multiple feet of snow, including the 49 road from Shasta Trinity Forest or Lava Beds and the 97 road from 139 to Medicine Lake or Glass Mountain.
Those attempting to visit are warned that the lake can only be reached by snowshoes, snowmobiles, or skis. Authorities strongly advise against driving to the lake. The roads are expected to become passable by the third week of June, but this estimate is subject to change depending on weather conditions.
Anyone planning to visit Medicine Lake should first contact the US Forest Service’s Modoc National Forest Office at (530) 233-5811 for the latest road conditions. For additional information about recreating at Medicine Lake Recreation Area, visit the forest service’s webpage.
