From towering trees to picturesque lakes, these eleven national forests in the Sierra Nevada region provide a breathtaking backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. In all The Sierra Nevada is home to Ten different National Forest managed areas.
After years of exploring this quiet corner of Northern California, I gave myself four days to dig deeper. I came home realizing that the best way to experience Plumas County might be to leave enough room in the plan for the place—and the people you meet along the way—to change it. I thought I knew … Read more
Few experiences in the Sierra Nevada are as powerful as stumbling across an old cabin tucked into the forest and wondering who built it, who lived there, and what life looked like in these mountains long before modern trails and recreation. This summer, outdoor enthusiasts have a rare opportunity to do more than simply admire … Read more
There’s something special about the old cabins hidden throughout the Sierra Nevada. The hand-hewn logs. The stories buried in the walls. The reminder that generations before us survived in places many of us now only visit for adventure. This summer, volunteers have a chance to help preserve one of the Sierra’s oldest surviving log structures. … Read more
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is beginning a new round of winter wildlife research in Northern California, with a notable focus on the region’s growing gray wolf population. Throughout January 2026, CDFW biologists will conduct helicopter-based capture and GPS collaring operations targeting deer, elk, and wolves across a wide swath of the … Read more
Mammoth Lakes, Calif., September 17, 2025 – Over the last couple of weeks, there have been multiple suspicious fires in the Mammoth Lakes area, both on the Inyo National Forest and within the Town of Mammoth Lakes. A multi-agency task force, consisting of investigators from the USDA Forest Service, Law Enforcement and Investigations, and the … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Now PodcastListen now on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts Last week I sat down for what turned out to be one of the most inspiring interviews I’ve done in a long time—right from the heart of Taylorsville, CA, with Jonathan Kusel and Ariana Bernstein from the Sierra Institute for … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine Something remarkable happened this week. In the middle of heated debates over a bill proposing the sale of millions of acres of public land, everyday people—hikers, ranchers, conservationists, off-roaders, small-town residents—raised their voices. And the message reached Washington. In response to overwhelming public outcry and procedural review, a … Read more
A Commonsense Look at the Proposed Sale of Public Lands—And What It Means for the Sierra We Call Home By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine I’ve pulled off the side of the road just north of Truckee more times than I can count. Sometimes it’s for a spontaneous hike at Prosser Hill. Other times, … Read more
By Sierra Rec Magazine StaffJune 12, 2025 As the Sierra summer season heats up and dry conditions intensify, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced seasonal fire restrictions beginning Monday, June 16, 2025, across all BLM-managed public lands in Inyo, Mono, and portions of Alpine counties. This includes many favorite Sierra Rec destinations—the Alabama … Read more
By Sierra Rec Magazine Staff | June 6, 2025 LA PORTE, CA — As summer recreation ramps up in the Sierra, visitors to Little Grass Valley Reservoir should be aware of a partial closure at Wyandotte Campground, where a pair of nesting bald eagles is raising two young eaglets. The Plumas National Forest has announced … 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
KINGS BEACH, CA — Off-road enthusiasts, land stewards, and outdoor access advocates take note: the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Commission is coming to the North Lake Tahoe region next week for a two-day public event that will spotlight off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation and land management across the Tahoe National Forest. Hosted by California … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine There’s something ancient about the sound of a fast-moving creek echoing through a canyon. It’s a sound that draws you in—pulls you toward mystery, motion, and a little bit of magic. On a warm spring morning just west of Chester, California, I found myself exploring that sound along … Read more
By Charlie Pankey, Sierra Rec Magazine The gates are open—Ebbetts Pass (Highway 4) is officially open for the season, and we couldn’t be more excited. For those of us who wait all year for this stretch of rugged alpine beauty to thaw and welcome us back, this announcement feels like a personal invitation to rediscover … Read more
Bishop, CA – May 7, 2025 — If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the remote beauty of Monache Meadows, one of the most pristine high-elevation valleys in the southern Sierra Nevada, it’s time to hit pause—but only temporarily. As part of an ongoing effort to protect fragile habitats, ensure public safety, and preserve long-term recreational … Read more
Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship Opens New Acorn Grotto Trail If you’ve ever bombed down Mount Hough, you know it’s not just a ride—it’s a full-blown rollercoaster of flow, tech, and big Sierra views. And now, thanks to the absolute legends at Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, we’ve got a brand-new reason to load the bikes and … Read more
Arbor Day Celebration with the Dixie Fire Canopy Project – April 26, 2025 When the Dixie Fire tore through Plumas County in 2021, it left behind more than blackened forest. It leveled entire communities, including the historic town of Greenville, and changed the lives of thousands. But in the Sierra, people live close to the … Read more
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine Backpacking might sound intimidating to someone new to the outdoors, but for James O’Neill and Kelsey Bollman of Sierra Summit Expeditions, it’s all about helping people fall in love with the backcountry—without the stress. In this week’s Sierra Rec Now podcast episode, we sat down with James and … Read more
Weekends in the Sierra after a big snowstorm hold a special place in my heart. Winter adventures may not take me as far as summer ones, but they offer a unique, quieter escape—especially when I can find a path away from the crowds. That said, winter conditions demand attention. Avalanche danger often dictates my route, … Read more
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management Central California District is hosting virtual public and stakeholder meetings to gather input on the development of off-highway vehicle grant proposals for submission to the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division. Grants support off-highway vehicle management activities, including visitor services, law enforcement, resource protection, planning and … Read more
Bridgeport, Calif. , January 28, 2025 – The price for overnight trip permits on specific high-use trailheads on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest portion of the Hoover Wilderness will increase this year. This fee increase will provide direct funding to aid in the stewardship of the wilderness area and make it more consistent to what other land … Read more
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest to Provide 2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree in 2025 The holiday season across America will be getting a Nevada twist in 2025, as the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest has been chosen to provide the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. For the first time in history, a tree from Nevada will illuminate the West Lawn … Read more
Plumas National Forest Christmas tree permits on sale for the holiday season QUINCY, CA — With a break in the weather and December just around the corner, it’s a great time to get a Christmas tree on the Plumas National Forest for the holiday season! Christmas tree permits for the Plumas National Forest are now … Read more
BISHOP, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management, in partnership with C5 Studios, announces a community engagement performance as part of its Artist-in-Residence program. On Saturday, Nov. 30, from 5-6:30 p.m., composer Daniel Walter will host a live performance at C5 Studios, 210 S Warren Street, Bishop, CA. Daniel Walter, a Los Angeles based composer and musician, specializes … Read more
Public Notice: Access Closure to Popular Bridgeport Hot Spring BRIDGEPORT, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management will be temporarily closing the Travertine Hot Springs in Mono County from 4 p.m., Wed., Oct. 30, to 4 p.m., Wed., Nov. 6, for use by a local Tribe. The public lands described in this order will be closed to all … Read more
Visitors to Spooner Lake State Park should be aware of several important trail closures and safety updates starting this month due to ongoing construction and a recent gas leak. 🚧 Trail Closures for Dam and Pipeline Replacements: Beginning Monday, October 21, 2024, multiple trails from the Lakeview Trailhead to the Tahoe Rim Trail will be … Read more
As the holiday season approaches, many families across the Sierra Nevada are preparing to embark on a cherished tradition—finding the perfect Christmas tree to bring home. This year, the Eldorado National Forest is once again offering families the opportunity to create lifelong memories by cutting their very own Christmas tree, and there are two convenient … Read more
Tips for Fall Camping in Alabama Hills – Free Permit Required Starting Oct 1, 2024 The Alabama Hills are a camping paradise, known for their rugged rock formations and stunning views of Mt. Whitney and the Sierra Nevada. Located just outside Lone Pine, California, the area attracts campers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts, especially in the … Read more
BISHOP, Calif., September 19, 2024 – To ensure public safety Inyo National Forest officials are temporarily closing the entry roads, trails, and facilities at the Inyo Craters site, located on the Mammoth Ranger District starting September 24th. A 100-foot buffer area along each side of Inyo Craters Trails, Inyo Craters Road (3S30), Dry Creek Road (3S22), … Read more
WASHINGTON — In order to allow the bureau to better protect people, public lands, and public resources, today the Bureau of Land Management announced a rule that modernizes the way it informs the public about temporary closures and restrictions on public lands, aligning it with processes used by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and … Read more
Plumas National Forest Gears Up for Summer Recreation Season Quincy, CA (June 14, 2024) – Just in time for Father’s Day weekend, the Plumas National Forest announces the opening of most recreation sites for the summer season. With sunny skies and comfortable temperatures expected, the forest offers a perfect escape for families looking to create … Read more
Bishop, Calif., June 12, 2024— Inyo National Forest in partnership with Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association (ESIA), are premiering a new short film, The Sierra Nevada: Adapting to our Changing Climate on Thursday, June 27 at Mountain Rambler Brewery. Mountain Rambler Brewery is located at 186 South Main Street, Bishop, CA. The event, organized by ESIA, will be … 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
After the Longboard Skis are Stored Away Spring Comes to Life in this Historic corner of the Northern Sierra Graeagle California – Spring paints Plumas-Eureka State Park in a vibrant palette. Lush greenery replaces winter’s stark beauty, wildflowers burst forth in meadows, Jamison Creek roars to life and the crisp mountain air invigorates the soul. … Read more
BISHOP, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management Bishop Field Office and the Inyo National Forest are seeking input from the public on how to ensure off-highway vehicle trails are safe and well maintained on public lands throughout the Eastern Sierra during a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 5 p.m. The public must register … Read more
Calling all backpacking enthusiasts! The moment we’ve been eagerly waiting for is finally here. Well possibly! As the virtual doors swing wide open on permit quota season today, the breathtaking landscapes of Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park extend an enthusiastic invitation to all adventurers. Picture yourself traversing untamed trails, scaling peaks, and discovering hidden … Read more
QUINCY, CA — With the holiday season officially underway, Christmas tree permits for the Plumas National Forest are available at local Ranger District offices or online through www.Recreation.gov/. Permits cost $10 and are nonrefundable. A maximum of two permits can be purchased per household and can be used through December 31. Permits are only valid for this … Read more
Now available online for this holiday season BISHOP, Calif. , November 9. 2023 — The Bureau of Land Management Bishop Field Office is offering personal use Christmas tree cutting permits online, from Nov. 17-Dec. 24. The permits allow for members of the public to harvest up to five Christmas trees on designated BLM-managed public lands near Benton … Read more
Feather Falls Trail Closure expected to be enforced as structure placement happens this weekend Public Notice – OROVILLE, CA – October 27, 2023 — While the weather this weekend is supposed to be beautiful, area residents and visitors are reminded to respect forest closure orders in post-fire recovery areas. This is especially true at Feather … Read more
QUINCY, CA — The Plumas National Forest recently started the process for solicitation of proposals for a concession special use permit for recreation facilities on the Beckwourth and Mount Hough ranger districts with the publication of a prospectus. This includes 40 campgrounds, group campgrounds, boat launches, and day use sites located at Frenchman Lake, Lake … Read more