Lake Almanor sits in a volcanic basin at 4,500 feet elevation in Northern California’s Plumas County, and most people have never heard of it. That’s precisely what makes it special. While Lake Tahoe draws millions of visitors annually, this 13-mile-long reservoir offers the same crystalline waters, mountain views, and outdoor adventures without the crowds, traffic, … Read more
Ride, Paddle, and Savor the West Shore By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine If you’re searching for a place to slow down, breathe in the high mountain air, and reconnect with the simple joys of outdoor travel, Lake Almanor’s western shore is waiting. Anchored by one of the most scenic and accessible trails in … Read more
The Power of Hex Hatch Fishing By Captain Rob Ayers | Adapted for Sierra Rec Magazine There’s a shift in the air around Lake Almanor this time of year. The warm-up down in the valley sends a steady stream of visitors into our pine-covered hideaway — pulling into lakeside campsites, walking through town with ice … Read more
CHESTER, CA — The smell of pine, the sound of chainsaws, and the cheers of the crowd—summer in Lake Almanor is officially in full swing, and there’s no better way to experience the heart and soul of Plumas County than by attending the Big Time Logging Jamboree this Saturday, June 7 at Collins Park in … Read more
Meet the Man Behind Lake Almanor’s Outdoor Adventures: Bobby Smith of High Elevation Rentals If you’ve ever dreamed of trading the crowds of Tahoe for a quieter alpine escape—where bald eagles glide overhead, glassy waters stretch for miles, and trails feel like they were built just for your family—Lake Almanor might just be your next … Read more
From Balloons to Bass Boats—A Sierra Weekend That Had It All By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine Some weekends remind us just how wide the emotional spectrum of adventure can be. What started as a joyful Friday morning soaring above the Carson Valley in a hot air balloon ended with still water and quiet … Read more
May 17, 2025 — Lake Almanor, CA Looking for something reel-y exciting to do this weekend in the Sierra? Head to Lake Almanor for a splash of high-stakes action and laid-back lakeside fun as the Bass Angler Magazine (BAM) Kayak Series drops anchor for a one-day West Coast Championship Qualifier, hosted by Plumas Pines Resort, … Read more
Pro Bass Fisherman Mark Pilgrim Talks First Year on the BAM Pro Tour and Fishing Lake Almanor | Sierra Rec Now Podcast Episode 33 In the latest episode of Sierra Rec Now, we welcome professional bass fisherman Mark Pilgrim from Lake Almanor, CA, for an insightful and entertaining conversation about his first year on the … Read more
The California sun warms your back as you step out of the car, a crystalline breeze carrying the scent of pine and sun-baked earth. Lake Almanor stretches before you, a turquoise expanse kissed by the distant snow-capped Lassen peak. This is your summer sanctuary – a place to trade the city’s frantic pace for days … Read more
As the crisp air of winter faded and spring bloomed across the Sierra Nevada, I , along with many Sierra Rec readers, embarked on a personal challenge: to discover a new outdoor activity. For me, the answer came in the form of paddleboarding. Drawn by the allure of exploring the countless lakes nestled within the … Read more
A Rookies View from the Sidelines of The West Coast Premier Professional Bass Tournament Lake Almanor stretched out before me, a mirror reflecting the scenic beauty of Plumas County. Picture perfect, except for the knot of anxiety twisting in my gut. For three days, I was glued to the sidelines, a world away from my … Read more
Attention all fishing enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers! This weekend, Lake Almanor is the place to be as it hosts the much-anticipated BAM Trail Fishing Tournament. Whether you’re an avid angler or simply looking for an exciting weekend activity, this event promises a thrilling experience against the backdrop of one of Northern California’s most beautiful lakes. … Read more
A Sierra Adventure Awaits As the first rays of summer sun warms over the Sierra Nevada, the call of adventure echoes in my soul. This year, I’m starting off summer by trading the city’s hustle and bustle for the refreshing embrace of Lake Almanor, a crown jewel surrounded by the towering pines of Plumas County. … Read more
Join us for an exciting episode of Sierra Rec Now, where we dive into the world of fishing with the legendary Bryan Roccucci from Big Daddy’s Guide Service out of Quincy, California! 🌲✨ In this episode, you will: Bryan’s Big Daddy’s Guide Service specializes in year-round light tackle fishing adventures and offers trips to some … Read more
Chester Ca. 2023 – The Timber House Restaurant, built in 1962 but closed for many years in Chester, CA, is nowopen with new owners and business partners, Toni and Robert Vanella and Carol and BertonBertagna. “While growing up, we have many great times at Lake Almanor. When theopportunity of restoring the Timber House Restaurant came … Read more
Base Camp to Your Next Lassen Volcanic National Park Adventure Nestled in the heart of the stunning Northern California region, just a stone’s throw away from the captivating Lassen Volcanic National Park, lies a hidden gem waiting to be discovered, St. Bernard’s Lodge in Chester. When you visit the Golden State, this charming lodge offers … Read more
Professional Bass fisherman and Local Guide on Lake Almanor takes us fishing for prized smallmouth bass Lake Almanor, California – Sunrise, the morning after a busy weekend on Lake Almanor, is as still and tranquil a moment as you will ever experience. The many variety of birds chirping throughout the forested shoreline, the water sparkles … Read more
Looking for a great event to support outdoors this weekend? Head up to Lake Almanor for the 9th annual Courage Triathlon. The event is Saturday, August 26th at the Lake Almanor Country Club. This is a great event to support in the Sierra as its mission of hope is inspiring for so many. Lake Almanor … Read more
Summer Vacations are winding down across the west already. Is there still time for one more Family memory maker in the Sierra? Are you looking for an exciting adventure vacation spot for your family before school starts? While popular destinations like Yosemite and Lake Tahoe are rightfully famous, there are plenty of hidden gems to … Read more
Lake Almanor CA. – May 24, 2023 -You rarely hear Tahoe faithful leaving behind the Jewel of the Sierra for new exciting opportunities on other lakes. So when I heard about Wake Almanor, I thought at first Id be calling just another boat company that offered boat rentals. But Zack, the owner of Wake Almanor, … Read more
Winner of Apex Pro Bass Tour in Lake Almanor Comes From Outside the Top five on Day 3 for the Victory By David A. Brown PLUMAS PINES, Calif. — For two days, Matthew Nadeau had seen the picture taking shape and when Championship Saturday found all the pieces in place, it did not take him … Read more
BUSY MORNING PUTS HELLESEN ATOP APEX PRO TOUR ON LAKE ALMANOR PLUMAS PINES, Calif. – May 12,2023— Scott Hellesen wasted no time in making his point, as the seasoned pro from Paso Robles, Calif. sacked up 17.58 pounds to lead Day 1 of the APEX Pro Tour season opener on Lake Almanor presented by Bridgford … Read more
Bass Tourney is Back at lake Almanor May 11-13 Lake Almanor Ca, April 25, 2023 – The Wild West Apex Pro Tour is returning to Lake Almanor on May 11 to 13 with 50 elite anglers areseeking the title. The Apex Pro Bass Tour is a professional bass fishing tournament series that features some of … Read more
A Guide To Lake Vacations in Northern California’s Plumas County Water. It has so much power in life. In California, water is a precious commodity. However, those looking to escape and discover water’s beauty and healing power to the soul only need to drive into the Feather River basin. With 1,000 miles of streams and … Read more
Chester Ca. – February 18, 2023 – Still looking for a ideas for the long weekend ahead? How about a trip to Chester California on Saturday for two small town community celebrations. Chester, located on the northern Shores of Lake Almanor in Plumas county is hosting it annual chili cookoff on Saturday. 1-4 at Chester … Read more
53 days into California’s 2nd Largest Fire in History, Fire Fighters Continue to Fight Fresh Fire growth. Lake Davis Ca, – September 4, 2021 – At 885,954 acres it is hard to believe that the Dixie fire which started on July 14, 2021 still can find fuel to burn. As the second largest fire in … Read more
Other campground sites will reopen for new reservations using a phased approach.Critical for Californians to recreate responsibly as the pandemic is far from over. SACRAMENTO, Calif.— With the Regional Stay at Home Order lifted for all regions in the state, California State Parks today announced the reopening of campground sites for existing reservation holders. The department will be … Read more
With A Hopeful Eye Toward The Future, Courage Worldwide Calls Out to Sponsors And Volunteers For the 6th Annual Courage Triathlon. Sierra Rec Magazine – Community Support – April 27, 2020 – In a time when we all are seeking sources of hope in our lives, there are organizations which are continuing to build bridges … Read more
Lassen Volcanic National Park offers a unique experience in the spring months, with varying snow conditions creating opportunities for diverse activities. While the timing of snow removal operations is subject to fluctuations based on snowpacks and weather conditions, here’s a guide to enjoying the park and nearby attractions in April and May. Snow removal in … Read more
Celebrate National Get Outdoors Day, June 9 and celebrate Early Season Conditions At Lassen Volcanic National Park Sierra Rec Magazine ~ June 7, 2018 – Chester Ca – Participate in the Lassen Volcanic National Park Reach Higher Trail Challenge and earn a commemorative bandana. Saturday, June 9, Lassen Volcanic celebrates National Get Outdoors Day with the annual … Read more
On a mission to grow and expand their message, Courage to Run Triathlon invites public to form teams and compete in 2nd annual charity event. Lake Almanor, CA – The Sierra has many great events to choose from in the summer. From running, biking and community celebrations an individual could literally find an event every weekend … Read more
