Pinecreek Canyon/Highgrade Road

County Road 2 is a remote mountain road crossing the northern Warner Mountains between New Pine Creek and Fort Bidwell. It is known as Pinecreek Canyon Road or Highgrade Road, depending on what map you are referring to. Along the way, it passes Lily Lake, Cave Lake, and the historic High Grade gold mining district.

The road is rough, narrow, rocky, and steep in places. Four Wheel Drive is recommended for Cave Lake access. Snow, mud, washouts, fallen trees, and loose rock can affect the route, making it unsuitable for large trailers and vehicles with low ground clearance.

Gold was discovered in the area in 1905, prompting prospectors to establish claims near Fandango Peak, Yellow Mountain, and the headwaters of Pine Creek. A larger rush followed between 1909 and 1912. New Pine Creek and Fort Bidwell became supply centers, while the settlement of Highgrade arose on National Forest land with its own post office. The need to transport miners, equipment, and supplies likely helped shape the route that became Pinecreek/High Grade/County Road 2.

Although rich surface samples attracted considerable attention, the gold-bearing veins proved narrow and difficult to mine profitably. High Grade became Modoc County’s principal gold district, but its boom was brief.

From New Pine Creek, the road climbs from sagebrush country and views of Goose Lake into pine and fir forest. It passes volcanic ridges, wet meadows, and Lily and Cave lakes before continuing through the former mining district and descending toward Fort Bidwell and Surprise Valley. Cave Lake offers primitive camping, fishing, and nonmotorized boating, while Lily Lake is a quiet destination for picnicking and fishing.

Little remains of Highgrade beyond mine dumps, prospect pits, shafts, old roads, and scattered debris. The High Grade National Recreation Trail provides access to part of the historic landscape.