Midway between Lake Tahoe and Mount Lassen, the lofty Sierra Nevada Mountains and volcanic Cascade Range meet up in sparsely populated Plumas County in Upstate California. Ditch your cell phone and go play outdoors—more than 75 percent of this county's land is designated national forest. You'll find endless recreation in a mosaic of conifer-clad ridges, fertile meadows, sparkling lakes, and deep river canyons, plus idyllic towns that celebrate the region's heritage.
Explore Plumas-Eureka State Park
Learn about the Feather River area's mining legacy at Plumas-Eureka State Park near the small community of Graeagle. Tour the museum housed in a miners' boarding house that exhibits the tools and wares of 1850s gold miners, then visit the stamp mill, bunkhouse, and blacksmith shop. Beyond the museum area, the state park is a quiet mountain wilderness with miles of trails leading to lakes and peaks.
Kick Back in Quincy
Plumas County shows off its small-town charm in Quincy. Among Main Street's preserved Victorian buildings, you'll find an imposing 1921 courthouse with four stories, a marble staircase, and a bronze and plate-glass chandelier weighing in at one ton. Stop in at the Plumas County Museum to see a restored gold miner's log cabin, a horse-drawn hearse, and Maidu Indian baskets. Take a scenic drive on the Barn Quilt Trail to view country-style public art—colorful "quilts" hung on weathered barns. Wooden squares are painted in traditional patterns that quilters have used for centuries.
From May through July, grab your wildflower book and head to Butterfly Valley Botanical Area north of Quincy. Tread carefully as you explore boggy meadows where 12 species of orchids plus a bounty of lilies and ferns flourish. A highlight is the carnivorous California pitcher plant, which captures and digests insects with its leaves.
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Cycling in Plumas County
From leisurely lakeside rides to rugged backcountry adventures, Plumas County has become one of Northern California's premier cycling destinations. Family-friendly options include the paved Lake Almanor Recreation Trail, while mountain bikers, gravel riders, and road cyclists can explore miles of routes winding through Plumas National Forest and the Lost Sierra.
Ongoing trail-building efforts by Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship continue to expand riding opportunities throughout the region, and annual events such as the Lost & Found Gravel Festival and the Mile High 100 draw cyclists from across the West.
What Lakes Are There in Plumas County?
West of Quincy, Bucks Lake is the locals' favorite for lakefront camping under tall pines. Anglers know this clear mountain lake as a top trout destination filled with trophy-sized rainbows, browns, and mackinaw. Nearby are several entry points for the Bucks Lake Wilderness, where the Pacific Crest Trail passes through on its long haul from Mexico to Canada.
To super-size your lake vacation, head north to Lake Almanor, which boasts a whopping 50-plus miles of shoreline plus splendid views of majestic Lassen Peak. Summer water temperatures reach the mid-70s Fahrenheit, ideal conditions for water-skiing, wakeboarding, and revved-up boating. Quiet coves provide tranquil paddling for kayakers and paddleboarders and trout fishing for anglers. An 11-mile-long paved bike trail lets riders pedal while gazing at the lake.
On Almanor's northwestern edge, the town of Chester has several great eateries, including the brunch spot Cravings Cafe at Stover Landing (order the soy chorizo hash). Chester also serves as a convenient jumping-off point for Lassen Volcanic National Park and the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway.
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Maidu Roundhouse
The Indigenous Maidu peoples of the region and the town of Greenville celebrated a new addition to the community in July 2024 with the reopening of the Roundhouse Council building. The original center fell victim to the Dixie Fire in August 2021 and left the efforts to educate Native American children without a home; today, the new Roundhouse serves that purpose, and is considered the future of the Mountain Maidu. (Learn about its design and materials.) Those interested in visiting are advised to call to schedule a visit to tour the facility.
Golfing in Plumas County
Popular options for hitting the links here include the championship courses at Graeagle Meadows, Nakoma Resort, and Whitehawk Ranch, while Bailey Creek Golf Course near Lake Almanor pairs challenging play with views of Mount Lassen. Cooler summer temperatures and uncrowded tee times make the region an inviting alternative to California's busier golf destinations.
Where to Stay in Plumas County
Plumas County offers a range of inviting lodging options. For a luxury retreat, the above-mentioned Nakoma Resort in Clio offers a distinctive stay with its Frank Lloyd Wright–designed Lodge, upscale inn and villas, and championship golf course—all set amid the rugged beauty of the Lost Sierra. The expansive property also boasts a recreation center that features a heated pool, spa, climbing wall, children’s activity room, and teen center.
Travelers looking for a more intimate stay will enjoy The Bidwell House B&B Inn in Chester, a charming historic inn with homey, comfy rooms and a tranquil garden setting, just minutes from Lake Almanor. Another great option is the Gray Eagle Lodge near Graeagle, a classic mountain retreat offering cabins and lodge rooms, with breakfasts and dinners included. Surrounded by alpine lakes and hiking trails, it’s a favorite for anyone looking to unplug and recharge in nature.
If you are looking for a brand-name option, Chester is also home to the Best Western Rose Quartz Inn.
