Encompassing approximately 1.1 million acres, Plumas National Forest is a tranquil paradise in the Sierra Nevada. It is known for its stunning alpine lakes, meandering rivers, and lush forests. Visit the picturesque Feather Falls, one of California’s tallest waterfalls, and embark on scenic drives through the forest, reveling in the beauty of the Sierra Nevada’s landscapes. Travelers can go from the Scenic drives of the Gold Lake highway and its riches of fishing and hiking opportunities to the Trail trestles of the Feather River Canyon.
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Final Call for Fall Camping Opportunities – Facilities are starting to Close QUINCY, CA — With weather mellowing from hot to pleasantly warm at lower elevations and a sweet nip in the air up in the mountains, fall weather still offers great recreation opportunities on the Plumas National Forest. Hiking, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, seeking … Read more
Exploding through the breathtaking Lost Sierra region of Northern California, Mt. Hough offers an exhilarating mountain biking experience that’s perfect for riders of intermediate skill levels seeking a smoother, faster trail alternative to the more technical runs nearby. Located just an hour’s drive north of Reno, Mt. Hough stands as a testament to the diverse … Read more
QUINCY, CA — On Friday, September 1, the Plumas National Forest issued a pre-solicitation to inform businesses and organizations of the upcoming recreation sites concession opportunity, including a site tour in late October ahead of the prospectus publication for those interested in submitting proposals. The concession opportunity is for recreation facilities on the Plumas National … Read more
Ranking and Unveiling The Sierra Nevada National Forest Lands Sierra Nevada – California’s National Forests are a treasure trove of natural beauty, offering an escape into serene wilderness and abundant recreational opportunities. From towering trees to picturesque lakes, these eleven national forests in the Sierra Nevada region provide a breathtaking backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts and … Read more
Get into Forest Mode this week and join the fun! Sierra Nevada – July 10, 2023 – With Ten National Forest Managed territories in the Sierra Nevada Region, life in the the Sierra begins and Ends with national forest recreation. From fire management, to recreational support National forests play a vital role in who we … Read more
Plumas National Forest Opens More Campgrounds QUINCY, CA — For those planning to recreate on the Plumas National Forest this weekend, more sites are opening at Little Grass Valley Reservoir, several Bucks Lake campgrounds remain closed, and at a lot of places water isn’t available. Recreation staff and firefighters on the Feather River Ranger District … Read more
June 13, 2023 – QUINCY, CA — Two landslides were confirmed today affecting Caribou Road and the North Fork of the Feather River on the Plumas National Forest Mount Hough Ranger District. The landslides are the result of recent storms and heavy rain saturating soils. The area has also been affected by multiple wildfires over … Read more
Secretary Wade Crowfoot and members of his staff, along with U.S. Forest Service leadership and regional nonprofits spent two days discussing how SBTS’ Connected Communities project can advance wide-ranging state and federal goals QUINCY, CA (May 18, 2023)/OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ –The Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship (SBTS) and Outdoor Alliance California partnered to bring a group of federal, state and local leaders … Read more
Greenville Ca. – It is hard not to think of total destruction when you speak of Greenville Ca. A victim of the Dixie fire of 2021, Greenville, California, was devastated, and the historic structure of this quiet and scenic location in the Indian Valley was gutted by fire. However, not everything in Greenville was taken … Read more
Plumas County Ca – February 9, 2023 – The Annual “Maybe Ice” Trout fishing derby will be held Saturday February 18th at Lake Davis near Portola California. The annual derby helps raise funds and support the Eastern Plumas Rural Fire district. Fisherman are invited to register prior to the event at J&J grizzly Store in … Read more
The Historic Longboard Racing Revival Series takes place at noon on every third Sunday of January, February, and March. Johnsville Historic Ski Bowl, Ca- January 8, 2023 – The history of skiing is celebrated this week as the Historic Longboard Races of the Johnsville Ski bowl makes its official return in what will be the … Read more
Permits for Plumas National Forest Available in Person and Online QUINCY, Calif. – With the holiday season underway, Christmas tree permits for the Plumas National Forest are now available at local Forest Service 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 … Read more
Excessive Heat Warning issued by the National Weather Service from 11 a.m. Saturday to 8 p.m. Tuesday QUINCY, CA — Labor Day weekend for many is the last great holiday weekend for summer recreation, with camping, backpacking, boating and fishing. Area residents and visitors planning to recreate in the Plumas National Forest this weekend are asked … Read more
MY ADVENTURE BACK TO THE SIERRA FOR A LITTLE HORSEBACK RIDING WITH GOLD LAKE STABLES I grew up triangled between 3 small towns in the northern Sierra, Portola, Clio, and Graeagle, California. If you were passing through in your car & if you blinked, you would miss seeing the small scenic town amongst the tall … Read more
OROVILLE, CA — While lake levels are still good, the recreation facilities at Little Grass Valley Reservoir on the Plumas National Forest Feather River Ranger District are being affected by water shortages. There is limited water available at Little Beaver, Running Deer and Red Feather Campgrounds. Water conservation in these areas is critical to help … Read more
Restore Access as Fire Recovery Activities Continue QUINCY, CA – August 3, 2022 — The Plumas National Forest has modified and updated Forest Closure Order 05-11-03-21-04 to reopen six roads affected by the 2020 North Complex wildfires on the Feather River Ranger District. Four roads and all of the trails within the closure order remain … Read more
Plumas National Forest Recreation Conditions Varied this Weekend After Severe Weather QUINCY, CA – June 17, 2022 — After a week that included hot weather, widespread rain and thunderstorms, landslides and gusty winds, area residents and visitors planning to recreate on the Plumas National Forest this weekend are encouraged to plan their trip and be … Read more
Visitors recreating north of Truckee should prepare for mixed conditions this weeken QUINCY, CA — Memorial Day weekend is traditionally the start of the summer recreation season. For those looking for an adventure on the Plumas National Forest this weekend, they are encouraged to be prepared for varied and changing conditions and take measures to … Read more
Numerous Plumas National Forest recreation sites opening QUINCY, CA , May 20, 2020 — Several recreation sites on the Plumas National Forest are opening this weekend, with additional sites opening in the coming weeks as the summer recreation season starts. Opening tomorrow, Friday, May 20, are numerous sites in the Feather River Canyon, Lake Davis … Read more
Multiple Area remain closed due to on going recovery from North Complex fire QUINCY, CA – March 31, 2022 — The Plumas National Forest has modified Forest Closure Order 05-11-00-21-06 to reopen the Middle Fork of the Feather River to recreational use. Campgrounds, trailheads and two bridges in the area remain closed due to ongoing … Read more
Early Spring Weekends in the Mountains Are Refreshing Graeagle California, March 2022 – North of Truckee Ca. on HWY 89 is a stretch of country that screams mountain life. Fresh clear water streams, Large Alpine Meadows, thick forest landscapes, wildlife around just about every bend and small yet robust local mountain towns filled with people … Read more
QUINCY, Calif. – November 17, 2021 – QUINCY, CA – The Forest Service announced that the Beckwourth Complex and Dixie Fire Area, Road, Trail, and Recreation Site Closure will be lifted for federally managed lands in the Plumas National Forest (PNF) effective November 19, 2021. The closure was originally planned through November 30, but due … Read more
Plumas National Forest – October 28, 2021 – Plumas National Forest Christmas tree cutting permits can now be purchased online or through the mail. Two permits are allowed per household; Trees may be cut from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31. Online permits may be purchased at www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/plumas . Mail-in requests must be received by Dec. 1 at … Read more
Hazardous Conditions from Rain Events After Wildfires Plumas and Eldorado National Forest Issue Warnings of Hazardous Conditions Around Burn Scars With Weekend Storms in the Mountain. Sierra Nevada, October 22, 2021 – Heavy rain, snow and wind can cause issues even under normal circumstances, but in areas where a wildfire has occurred significant rainfall and … Read more
QUINCY, Calif. – September 28, 2021 – A number of Plumas National Forest recreation sites in the Frenchman Lake, Lake Davis, Lakes Basin, Little Grass Valley, Antelope Lake and Bucks Lake Recreation Areas, including the Meadow Valley area, are open for fall recreation opportunities. Frenchman Lake Recreation Area: Lunker Point Boat Launch and Frenchman Dam … 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
QUINCY, Calif. – August 26, 2021 – Several National Forest campgrounds will continue to be available for Dixie Fire evacuees while the Regional Forest Closure Order No. 21-04 is in effect. These campgrounds are located in close proximity to Quincy in the areas of Meadow Valley and La Porte Road.The campgrounds are free of charge … Read more
