Golf Guide: Discovering the Mountain Courses of Plumas County, California
If you’re a golfer seeking to escape the fast-paced city life of the Bay Area or a traveling enthusiast looking to tee off amid stunning alpine scenery, Plumas County is a true hidden gem for your next golf adventure. Nestled in the northern Sierra Nevada, just a few hours’ drive from the Bay Area, this region is renowned for its beautiful mountain vistas, crisp air, and peaceful atmosphere—perfect for golfers who crave both challenging play and serene settings.
Plumas County’s collection of mountain courses offers a rare combination of high-quality play and awe-inspiring natural beauty. Here, the courses are sculpted into the rugged landscape, taking full advantage of towering pines, granite outcrops, and shimmering lakes. Let’s dive into some of the top golf destinations in this captivating region.
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Grizzly Ranch Golf Club:
A Championship Challenge
Located just outside of Portola, Grizzly Ranch is often considered one of the premier mountain courses in Northern California. Designed by Bob Cupp, this championship course is meticulously maintained, blending perfectly with the surrounding landscape. Its lush fairways weave through dense pines and sprawling meadows, offering breathtaking views at every turn.
At over 7,400 yards from the back tees, Grizzly Ranch presents a formidable challenge to even the most skilled golfers. But with five tee boxes, the course is approachable for players of all abilities. The signature 6th hole, a picturesque par 3 over a glistening lake, is a must-play and a reminder that nature here is as much a part of the game as the course itself.
Don’t Miss: After your round, take a moment to relax on the clubhouse patio with a drink, taking in the panoramic mountain views and the peaceful ambiance. Grizzly Ranch is more than just a golf course—it’s a complete mountain retreat.
Whitehawk Ranch Golf Club
Serenity in the Pines
Whitehawk Ranch, set in the Mohawk Valley just outside of Graeagle, is another top-tier mountain course that captures the essence of Plumas County’s tranquil beauty. Designed by Dick Bailey, this par-71 course stretches just over 6,900 yards and offers a satisfying balance between strategic challenge and aesthetic appeal.
Each hole at Whitehawk Ranch is framed by towering pines, and the routing flows naturally with the rolling terrain, making every shot feel like a new adventure. The elevation changes keep things interesting, while the fast, true greens reward precision.
For many, the highlight is the par-3 17th hole, where golfers hit over a sparkling pond to a well-guarded green. It’s a hole that demands accuracy but rewards with spectacular views.
Pro Tip: Stay at one of the charming cabins on-site to fully immerse yourself in the mountain retreat atmosphere. You’ll wake up to fresh air and pine-scented mornings, ready for another round.
Nakoma Resort: The Dragon
Iconic Design Meets Mountain Majesty
Nakoma Resort is home to the Dragon Golf Course, one of the most unique courses in Northern California. Designed by the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright, Nakoma blends architectural beauty with the rugged natural surroundings of the Lost Sierra. The course’s layout plays through dramatic elevation changes, thick forests, and rocky outcroppings, offering a thrilling round of golf that will test your skills and endurance.
The Dragon is known for its challenging layout—expect narrow fairways, blind shots, and fast greens. But for those who relish a tough round, the reward is well worth it. The views are jaw-dropping, and the sense of accomplishment after conquering the course is unparalleled.
Luxury Awaits: Stay in Nakoma’s upscale accommodations or take advantage of the world-class spa to unwind after a demanding day on the links. For those looking to combine golf with relaxation, Nakoma offers the full package.
Plumas Pines Golf Resort
A Hidden Gem
Located along the scenic Feather River, Plumas Pines is a quintessential mountain golf course—beautifully maintained and surrounded by towering trees and natural water features. The course is shorter and more approachable than some of the other courses in the region, but it still provides plenty of challenges with its narrow fairways and strategically placed hazards.
Plumas Pines is perfect for golfers who appreciate a more relaxed, laid-back atmosphere without sacrificing quality. The fairways here are plush, the greens roll true, and the course design ensures that even though you’re playing a more casual round, you’ll never be bored.
Post-Round Bliss: Head to Longboards Bar & Grill on the 19th hole for a well-earned meal and a cold beverage. The outdoor patio offers sweeping views of the course and the surrounding wilderness, making it the ideal place to unwind.
Bailey Creek Golf Course
Championship Golf at Lake Almanor
For golfers seeking a true mountain golfing experience, Bailey Creek Golf Course near Lake Almanor stands out as one of the premier courses in Northern California. Designed by Homer Flint, this 18-hole championship course stretches over 7,000 yards and provides a perfect blend of challenge, beauty, and serene mountain atmosphere.
Set against the backdrop of Lassen Peak and the shimmering waters of Lake Almanor, Bailey Creek offers wide fairways, well-placed bunkers, and pristine greens that roll fast and true. The course’s design allows for both a challenging round from the back tees and an enjoyable experience for less experienced players from the forward tees.
The signature hole, the par-4 14th, forces players to navigate a dogleg right with water guarding the green, offering both risk and reward. For many, the combination of challenge and mountain views makes this one of the most memorable holes in Plumas County.
Stay & Play: Bailey Creek offers on-site lodging options, including charming cabins just steps away from the course, making it easy to turn a day of golf into a relaxing weekend getaway. With Lake Almanor right at your doorstep, it’s easy to mix in a little fishing or boating to round out your trip.
Feather River Park Resort
Scenic & Playful
For those looking for a more laid-back round, Feather River Park Resort offers a 9-hole course that’s as fun as it is scenic. Tucked along the banks of the Feather River, this course is perfect for casual play, especially for families or those looking to fit in a quick round while exploring the area.
With its lush green fairways, towering pines, and tranquil river views, Feather River Park Resort provides a memorable experience in a more intimate setting. It’s an excellent choice for a leisurely game amid stunning mountain surroundings.
Lake Almanor Country Club
A Scenic Masterpiece
Located on the western shore of Lake Almanor, this 9-hole course is known for its tight fairways and tree-lined holes, offering both beauty and challenge. The course runs right along the lake, providing stunning water views. It’s a great choice for casual rounds, and the club atmosphere is friendly and welcoming.
Extraordinary Northern California Golf Courses
Compared to other golf destinations in Northern California, Plumas County has an endless number of other outdoor activities nearby. Come for the golf but be sure to add an extra day for fishing on one of the local lakes or streams or rent a boat to explore one of the many local lakes. Plus there’s unlimited hiking options near all the golf courses!
Plumas County has a variety of lodging choices, including vacation homes located on or near golf courses.
The combination of natural beauty, excellent golf pros, reasonable rates, and variety of courses make Plumas County one of the best places to golf in Northern California.
Lake Almanor West Golf Course
Scenic & Playful
Another 9-hole course, Lake Almanor West is set within a quiet residential community along the lake. This course is shorter and less challenging than some of the championship courses in the region, but it’s well-maintained and features plenty of elevation changes, offering a relaxing yet interesting round of golf.
Graeagle Meadows Golf Course
Picturesque and Technical
Graeagle Meadows is a challenging 18-hole course known for its narrow fairways, elevation changes, and fast greens. Located in the heart of Graeagle, the course runs through picturesque meadows and alongside the Feather River, offering sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. The course design takes full advantage of the natural landscape, making it a favorite for golfers who enjoy technical play amid serene surroundings.
Mt. Huff Golf Course
Relax and Golf above indian Valley
Nestled in the scenic beauty of Crescent Mills, California, Mt. Huff Golf Course offers a relaxed and enjoyable golfing experience in the heart of the Sierra Nevada. This 9-hole course is known for its welcoming atmosphere, affordability, and stunning views of Indian Valley and the surrounding mountains. It is a more casual course compared to the resort-style courses nearby but provides a unique charm that draws both locals and visitors..
| Name of Resort | Location of Resort | Phone Number | Par | Longest Hole (Yards) | Featured Hole | Dining Available | Lodging Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grizzly Ranch Golf Club | Portola, CA | (530) 832-4200 | 72 | 7435 | Par-3 6th over a lake | Y | Y |
| Whitehawk Ranch Golf Club | Graeagle, CA | (530) 836-0394 | 71 | 6949 | Par-3 17th over a pond | Y | Y |
| Nakoma Resort | Clio, CA | (530) 832-5067 | 72 | 6819 | Par-4 11th with elevation changes | Y | Y |
| Plumas Pines Golf Resort | Graeagle, CA | (530) 836-1420 | 72 | 6550 | Par-5 15th along the Feather River | Y | N |
| Feather River Park Resort | Blairsden, CA | (530) 836-2323 | 36 | 2985 | Par-4 5th by Feather River | N | N |
| Lake Almanor Country Club | Lake Almanor, CA | (530) 259-4555 | 36 | 2950 | Par-5 9th with lake views | Y | N |
| Lake Almanor West Golf Course | Lake Almanor, CA | (530) 259-5545 | 36 | 3050 | Par-3 4th with river views | N | N |
| Bailey Creek Golf Course | Lake Almanor, CA | (530) 259-4653 | 72 | 7000 | Par-4 14th with water hazard | Y | Y |
| Clio's River's Edge | Clio, CA | (530) 832-4887 | 27 | 2500 | Par-3 8th by river | N | N |
| Graeagle Meadows Golf Course | Graeagle, CA | (530) 836-2323 | 72 | 6838 | Par-4 17th with mountain views | Y | N |