Fishing, hiking, volcanic wonders, and historic Gold Rush towns in the Plumas & Lassen region
Spring in Plumas County and Lassen Volcanic National Park is a time of rushing rivers, wildflower-filled meadows, and crystal-clear alpine lakes. This itinerary is designed to accommodate travelers coming from Reno, Sacramento, or the Bay Area, offering flexibility for a 2-day or 3-day adventure.
For those arriving from Reno or Northern Nevada, you’ll have more time on Day 1 to explore, while travelers from Sacramento or the Bay Area may prefer a relaxed start before diving into adventure.
Day 1: Fishing, Lakes & Mountain Retreats
Exploring the lakes and valleys of Plumas County
For Reno Travelers: Morning Fishing or Lake Adventure
If arriving from Reno (~1.5-hour drive), start your morning at:
🎣 Gold Lake or Sardine Lake – Prime trout fishing and a scenic mountain backdrop.
🚣 Paddleboarding or kayaking at Gold Lake – Rent a kayak or SUP and explore the crystal-clear waters of the Gold Lakes Basin.
🥪 Lunch at The Lodge at Whitehawk Ranch – Enjoy a relaxing outdoor meal in a mountain setting.
For Sacramento / Bay Area Travelers: Scenic Drive & Relaxed Start
If arriving from Sacramento (~3-hour drive) or San Francisco (~4.5-hour drive), start your day with:
🚘 Scenic Drive through Quincy & Graeagle – Stop at Plumas-Eureka State Park for a quick historical tour.
🥗 Lunch at The Brewing Lair (Graeagle) – A craft brewery with picnic-style food and stunning mountain views.
Afternoon: Hiking & Exploring Historic Towns
🏞 Gold Lakes Highway Scenic Drive – A breathtaking route through alpine lakes and snow-capped peaks.
🚵 Hiking or biking in the Johnsville Historic Area – Great for moderate hikes with sweeping views.
🛍 Explore Downtown Quincy or Graeagle – Charming small-town streets, great for coffee, bookstores, and gear shops.
Evening: Mountain Dining & Overnight Stay
🍽 Dinner at Plumas Pines Lodge – A classic mountain lodge dining experience overlooking the Feather River.
🏡 Stay in Quincy, Graeagle, or Johnsville:
- The Chalet View Lodge (Graeagle) – A luxury mountain retreat.
- The Feather Bed Inn (Quincy) – A cozy, historic inn with warm hospitality.
- Nakoma Resort (Clio) – Luxury lodge experience with golf & spa options.
Day 2: Lassen Volcanic National Park & Lake Almanor
A day of volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and lakeside relaxation
Morning: Drive to Lassen & Explore Geothermal Wonders
🚘 Drive to Lassen Volcanic National Park (~1.5 hours from Quincy/Graeagle) via Highway 89.
🌋 Enter Lassen via the Southwest Entrance
- Sulphur Works – Steaming vents and bubbling mud pots just off the road.
- Emerald Lake & Lake Helen – Stunning alpine lakes with Lassen Peak in the background.
- Bumpass Hell Trail (if open) – A short hike to the park’s largest geothermal area.
🥪 Picnic Lunch at Manzanita Lake – A serene lake with a view of Lassen Peak.
Afternoon: Waterfalls or More Exploration
💦 Hike to Kings Creek Falls – A 3-mile round-trip trail leading to one of the park’s most picturesque waterfalls.
📸 Scenic Drive or Short Hikes – Stop at Devastated Area Trail for a self-guided tour of Lassen’s volcanic past.
Evening: Lake Almanor Sunset & Dining
🍽 Dinner at The Ranch House – A rustic fine-dining experience with incredible steak and seafood options.
🏡 Stay Near Lake Almanor:
- St. Bernard Lodge – A classic mountain lodge between Lassen and Lake Almanor.
- Bidwell House B&B (Chester) – A charming bed and breakfast with history.
- The Pines Resort (Lake Almanor) – Lakeside cabins with beautiful sunset views.
Day 3: The Indian Valley & Bucks Lake Wilderness
A scenic journey through history, rivers, and high alpine landscapes
Morning: Exploring Indian Valley & Historic Towns
🚘 Scenic Drive Through Indian Valley – A stunning backroad route from Lake Almanor to Taylorsville.
🏛 Historic Stops:
- Taylorsville Store – Home to the oldest cash register in California.
- Indian Valley Museum – Gold Rush artifacts and Indigenous history.
🥞 Breakfast at Lola’s (Chester) – A local-favorite breakfast spot with hearty pancakes and strong coffee.
Midday: Bucks Lake Wilderness & Outdoor Adventure
🏞 Hiking in Bucks Lake Wilderness – Choose from several great trails:
- Bucks Creek Loop – A moderate 3-mile hike with great lake views.
- Spanish Peak Trail – A longer, more challenging hike to an epic lookout.
🎣 Fishing & Boating at Bucks Lake – Cast for rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon.
🥪 Lunch at Bucks Lake Lodge – A casual lakeside dining spot perfect for a post-hike meal.
Afternoon: Scenic Return or More Adventure
🚘 Drive the Feather River Canyon Back Toward Quincy or Graeagle – A breathtaking drive along waterfalls and rivers.
Optional Stops Before Heading Home:
- 🌿 Plumas-Eureka State Park – If you skipped it on Day 1, this is a great place to explore Gold Rush history and old mining relics.
- 🌲 Hike to Indian Falls – A quick detour for one last scenic stop before leaving the region.
Evening: Return Home or Stay One More Night
For those not ready to leave, enjoy a relaxed final night at:
🏡 Gold Lake Lodge – A mountain retreat with access to multiple alpine lakes.
🍽 Dinner at Longboards at Nakoma – A fine-dining spot with panoramic Sierra views.
Why Visit in Spring?
🌿 Waterfalls & Flowing Rivers – Snowmelt creates stunning waterfalls and full rivers perfect for fishing or rafting.
🏞 Less Crowds, More Nature – Spring offers solitude and stunning landscapes before the summer rush.
🎣 World-Class Fishing & Boating – Gold Lakes, Lake Almanor, and Bucks Lake are prime fishing destinations.
🌼 Wildflower Blooms – Meadows and valleys burst with colorful wildflowers in the Indian Valley & Bucks Lake area.
Plan Your Northern Sierra Spring Getaway
From mountain lakes and historic Gold Rush towns to volcanic landscapes and riverside retreats, this 2-3 day itinerary showcases the best of Plumas County and Lassen National Park. Whether you’re coming from Reno, Sacramento, or the Bay Area, this itinerary allows flexible travel options while maximizing adventure.
For more insider tips, travel guides, and updates, visit Sierra Rec Magazine and start planning your Northern Sierra adventure today! 🚗🏔🎣
