Explore Plumas and Lassen Counties

Visiting the Outdoor lifestyles of Northern California will leaving you craving more. More Outdoor Activity… More Wide Open space… More rugged untamed land… More geological wonder.. The mountains and lakes and trails of Plumas and Lassen Counties are filled with all the elements that make our door adventure addictive.

Travel north of Reno or Truckee California and the landscape begins to change. The granite walls of the Sierra Nevada start to submerge under a rugged volcanic shell that is continually being carved, shaped and vented as nature wages war against the planet. It is here that explorers and outdoor enthusiasts find a vast landscape of rugged trails, waterfalls, mountain lakes and Volcanic events that will entice you to come again, and again for adventure.

More than three-quarters of Plumas County’s 2,618 square miles is national forest land. The Plumas National Forest encompasses the majority of that, while the Lassen National Forest takes in part of the northern end of the county and the Tahoe National Forest touches into the south and east.

The Plumas National Forest occupies 1.2 million acres of scenic mountain lands in the northern edge of the Sierra Nevada, just south of the Cascade range. Known for its high alpine lakes and thousands of miles of clear-running streams, the forest sits at the top of the watershed that supplies water to many California citizens.

Explore Plumas County

Destinations in Plumas County that need to be explored.

Places to See in Plumas County

• Lakes Basin Recreational Area – Discover the pristine beauty of Lakes Basin Recreational Area near Graeagle, California. Explore the untouched natural landscapes and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and camping. Immerse yourself in the serenity of this hidden gem in the Sierra Nevada.
• Bucks Lake Wilderness – Experience the rugged and untamed wilderness of Bucks Lake Wilderness in Northern California. Immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of the Sierra Nevada, where you can explore scenic trails, fish in crystal-clear lakes, and embrace the tranquility of nature.
• Lake Almanor – Discover the breathtaking beauty of Lake Almanor, a pristine mountain lake in Northern California. Explore its sparkling waters, indulge in water sports, go fishing, or simply relax on its scenic shores. Experience the wonders of nature in this idyllic destination.
• Lassen Volcanic National Park – Explore the captivating landscapes and geothermal wonders of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Discover bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and majestic volcanic peaks. Immerse yourself in the unique natural beauty and fascinating geological features of this extraordinary national park.
• Lake Davis – Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Lake Davis, a serene mountain lake in California. Enjoy the picturesque surroundings, go fishing for trophy trout, or engage in water activities like boating and kayaking. Experience a peaceful retreat in nature at Lake Davis.
• Quincy – Discover the charming town of Quincy, nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada. Explore its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and natural beauty. Immerse yourself in the small-town atmosphere, enjoy outdoor adventures, and experience the warm hospitality of this delightful destination.
• Graeagle/Johnsonville – Escape to the picturesque towns of Graeagle and Johnsonville in the Sierra Nevada. Immerse yourself in the old-world charm, explore quaint shops, and enjoy outdoor activities like golfing, hiking, and fishing. Experience a relaxing getaway surrounded by natural beauty.

Camping in Plumas County: Discover Your Northern Sierra Base Camp

Camping in Plumas County is about more than finding a place to pitch a tent. It’s waking up beside a mountain lake, spending an afternoon exploring forest trails, or settling into a quiet campsite where fishing, paddling, and enjoying the mountains become the day’s only agenda. From the alpine scenery of the Lakes Basin to the forested shores of Bucks Lake and Lake Almanor, this corner of the northern Sierra Nevada offers camping experiences worth slowing down for.

Whether you’re traveling with a tent, bringing an RV, or searching for a quieter campground away from the busiest recreation areas, there are plenty of places to discover. Here are five areas worth considering as you plan your next camping adventure.

Five Camping Destinations Worth Exploring

Lake Davis — Fishing, Wildlife & Quiet Mountain Camping

Just north of Portola, Lake Davis is a favorite among anglers and campers who enjoy a quieter mountain setting. Surrounded by forests and open mountain scenery, the reservoir offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, wildlife watching, and relaxed days along the shoreline. It’s an excellent choice for campers who want a traditional northern Sierra experience without a packed recreation schedule.

Gold Lake & the Lakes Basin — Alpine Lakes and Mountain Trails

If your idea of camping includes granite peaks, cold mountain lakes, and trails that seem to disappear into the surrounding wilderness, the Lakes Basin deserves a place on your list. Located near Graeagle and the Sierra Buttes, this spectacular region includes Gold Lake, Sardine Lakes, and numerous smaller lakes tucked into the mountains. Campgrounds throughout the area provide access to hiking, fishing, paddling, and some of the most memorable alpine scenery in the northern Sierra.

Bucks Lake — A Classic Northern Sierra Camping Experience

Tucked into the mountains west of Quincy, Bucks Lake has long been a favorite summer escape for campers, boaters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Forested campgrounds, easy access to the water, and nearby hiking and mountain biking opportunities make it an ideal base camp for a weekend or an extended stay. There’s something about Bucks Lake that invites visitors to settle in, explore a little, and enjoy the slower pace of mountain life.

For a closer look at the experience, explore our Sierra Rec Magazine feature, Wake Up at Bucks Lake.

Lake Almanor — Lakeside Camping and Summer Recreation

With its broad shoreline, mountain views, and easy access to Chester and the surrounding communities, Lake Almanor offers a different kind of northern Sierra camping experience. Campers can enjoy boating, fishing, paddling, swimming, and evenings overlooking the water. Developed campgrounds around the lake make it an appealing choice for families and travelers who appreciate having services and recreation opportunities nearby.

Butt Valley Reservoir — A Quieter Escape Near Lake Almanor

Just southwest of Lake Almanor, Butt Valley Reservoir offers a more secluded alternative for campers interested in fishing, forest scenery, and time away from the busier lakeside recreation areas. Surrounded by mountains and forest, this reservoir rewards visitors who enjoy exploring lesser-known corners of the northern Sierra. It’s the kind of destination that might not be on everyone’s radar, and that’s part of its appeal.

Find Your Campsite & Plan Your Stay

Once you’ve found an area that interests you, the next step is finding the campground that fits your trip. Plumas County offers a mix of developed public campgrounds, private camping facilities, RV parks, and more primitive camping opportunities.

Recreation.gov is a good starting point for reservable federal campgrounds, campground amenities, and availability.

The Dyrt offers additional campground listings, camper reviews, photos, and information about public and private camping options.

Campground seasons, reservation requirements, road conditions, and fire restrictions vary throughout the region. Check current conditions and campground details before traveling, especially when planning trips during the spring or fall shoulder seasons.

Hiking & Backpacking in Plumas County: Discover the Trails of the Northern Sierra

There is something special about hiking in Plumas County. The trails may not attract the same attention as Yosemite or Lake Tahoe, but the northern Sierra Nevada offers an incredible variety of landscapes, from alpine lakes and granite ridges to deep river canyons, quiet forests, and remote mountain summits. Here, a short afternoon hike can lead to a hidden lake, while longer routes open the door to wilderness adventures and days spent exploring the backcountry.

Much of the region’s hiking takes place within Plumas National Forest, where hundreds of miles of trails connect mountain communities, wilderness areas, and some of the northern Sierra’s most memorable scenery. Whether you’re looking for an easy lakeside walk, a rewarding day hike, or a multi-day backpacking trip, there is plenty of country worth exploring.

Lakes Basin: A Different Discovery Around Every Bend

One of the great hiking experiences in Plumas County is exploring the Lakes Basin near Graeagle and Gold Lake. Here, trails wind through changing mountain landscapes, connecting alpine lakes, granite outcroppings, forests, and open views of the surrounding peaks. It’s a place where the journey between destinations can be every bit as rewarding as the lakes themselves.

The Bear Lakes and Round Lake Loop is one of our favorite hikes in the region. What makes this area memorable isn’t necessarily one particular lake, but the variety along the way. Each lake seems to have its own personality, and on our own adventure, everyone in the group came away with a different favorite. The interconnected trail network also opens the door to longer loops, side trips, and entirely different experiences on a return visit.

Other worthwhile routes include the Long Lake Trail, Smith Lake Trail, and trails around the Sardine Lakes. Whether you’re looking for a shorter alpine lake hike or a full day exploring the mountains, the Lakes Basin is one of those places that rewards curiosity.

Bucks Lake Wilderness: Mountain Summits and Backcountry Adventures

West of Quincy, the Bucks Lake Wilderness offers a different kind of hiking experience. The landscape becomes more remote, with forested ridges, mountain meadows, and trails that climb toward broad views of the surrounding northern Sierra. It’s an appealing destination for hikers who enjoy leaving the more developed recreation areas behind.

One of our favorite adventures in this region is hiking toward Spanish Peak, connecting with the Pacific Crest Trail before heading toward the summit. The combination of wilderness scenery, mountain terrain, and the opportunity to explore beyond the main trail makes this a rewarding destination for experienced hikers.

The Pacific Crest Trail also provides opportunities for longer journeys through the region. The Quincy–La Porte Road to Belden section and the Belden to Chester route introduce backpackers to the rugged terrain and dramatic elevation changes of the northern Sierra. These are trails where the experience is as much about the journey through the mountains as any single destination.

Lake Almanor: A Different Pace Along the Water

Not every great hiking experience requires climbing a mountain. Along the western shore of Lake Almanor, the Lake Almanor Recreation Trail offers a more relaxed way to experience the landscape. This scenic, multi-use trail winds through forested shoreline, with views of the lake and opportunities to stop, explore, and enjoy the surrounding scenery.

Popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists, the trail is especially appealing to visitors who want to spend time outdoors without committing to a strenuous mountain hike. You can explore shorter sections, make a morning walk part of your camping trip, or spend more time discovering the shoreline and surrounding forest.

With Chester nearby and Lassen Volcanic National Park within reach, Lake Almanor also makes an excellent base camp for exploring the broader region.

Forest Trails, Waterfalls and Lesser-Known Discoveries

Beyond the region’s signature hiking destinations, Plumas County and the surrounding national forest offer plenty of opportunities to discover trails that don’t always make the usual lists.

Near Quincy, Mount Hough and the Oakland Camp PCT Connector Trail introduce hikers to the forested mountains and trail networks surrounding the community. Farther east, Mills Peak offers another opportunity to explore the ridges and mountain scenery near Graeagle and the Lakes Basin.

For those drawn to waterfalls, Feather Falls is a dramatic destination in neighboring Butte County, within Plumas National Forest. The surrounding Feather River watershed is home to deep canyons and landscapes that offer a striking contrast to the alpine lakes and high-country trails farther east.

These are the kinds of places that make exploring the northern Sierra so rewarding. Sometimes the best discoveries happen when you choose a trail simply because it looks interesting and see where it leads.

Find Your Next Trail Adventure

With so many interconnected trails, lakes, and wilderness areas, Plumas County is a destination that rewards repeat visits. You don’t have to see everything in one trip. Pick a region, explore a trail or two, and leave yourself a reason to come back.

For detailed trail maps, route distances, elevation profiles, and recent hiker reviews, AllTrails is a useful planning resource. The U.S. Forest Service provides information about trail access, wilderness regulations, seasonal closures, and current forest conditions.

Snowpack, wildfire damage, and changing weather can affect trail access throughout the northern Sierra. Always verify current conditions and route information before heading into the backcountry.

Local Breweries & Mountain Taverns

A day exploring Plumas County doesn’t have to end at the trailhead. Settle into the trees at The Brewing Lair in Blairsden, find dinner and a local beer in Quincy, or enjoy an evening around Chester and Lake Almanor. From craft breweries to historic taverns in Indian Valley, these gathering places offer good reasons to slow down and get to know the communities along the way.

Explore Plumas County Breweries & Taverns →

Fishing in Plumas County

Explore Lassen County

Destinations in Lassen County that need to be explored.

Places to See in Lassen County

• Eagle Lake – Discover the serene beauty of Eagle Lake in Lassen County, California. Explore its crystal-clear waters, go fishing for trophy trout, or indulge in water sports like boating and kayaking. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature and experience the wonders of this hidden gem.
• Biz Johnson National Recreational Trail – Embark on an unforgettable adventure along the Biz Johnson National Recreational Trail in Lassen County. Traverse scenic landscapes, cross historic railroad trestles, and immerse yourself in the rich history of the region. Experience the beauty of nature on this remarkable trail.
• Juniper Lake – Lassen Volcanic National Park – Discover the enchanting beauty of Juniper Lake in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Immerse yourself in the pristine wilderness, hike along scenic trails, and marvel at the breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanic landscapes. Experience the wonders of nature in this extraordinary destination.
• Cinder Cone – Lassen Volcanic National Park – Explore the awe-inspiring Cinder Cone in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Hike to the summit and witness panoramic views of the otherworldly volcanic landscape. Immerse yourself in the fascinating geological wonders and experience the thrill of this unique adventure.
• Caribou Wilderness – Immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of Caribou Wilderness in Lassen County. Explore pristine forests, hike along scenic trails, and embrace the tranquility of nature. Experience the true wilderness and discover the wonders of this hidden gem.

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