World Class Fishing, Historic Railways and Bridges & Wide Open Rugged Adventure
Plumas County in California is a haven for outdoor adventurers, offering an abundance of breathtaking landscapes and thrilling activities. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, the county is home to the Feather River Basin, an outdoor paradise that attracts visitors from far and wide. Whether you’re looking for hiking, biking, fishing, or kayaking, Plumas County has something for everyone. Explore the rugged terrain of the Sierra Buttes, take a dip in the pristine waters of the Feather River, or simply enjoy a picnic amidst the stunning scenery. With over a million acres of public land, Plumas County is a nature lover’s dream come true.
The Feather River Basin is a true gem in Plumas County, offering an endless array of outdoor adventures. With its crystal-clear waters and unspoiled wilderness, the basin is the perfect destination for those who love to fish, swim, and explore. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a novice, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to cast your line and reel in a big one. If you’re looking for something a bit more adrenaline-fueled, try whitewater rafting on the North Fork Feather River. Or, take a hike in the Lakes Basin Recreation Area and discover hidden waterfalls, alpine lakes, and spectacular vistas. No matter what your passion, Plumas County and the Feather River Basin offer an outdoor experience like no other.
Lake Almanor
Nestled in the northeastern corner of the Golden State, you’ll discover Shasta Cascade’s Lake Almanor, one of the California’s best-kept secrets. Lake Almanor is one of the largest lakes in Northern California, with 52 miles of shoreline. The large man-made lake has something for everyone—including family-friendly activities and picture-perfect mountain views from nearly every vantage point. Lake Almanor is situated in the unique geological area where the granite of the Sierra Nevada’s meets with the lava of the last volcano in the Cascade mountain range. From Lake Almanor, you can explore the Lassen Volcanic National Park, Lassen National Forest, and the Caribou Wilderness, or just spend your time on the beautiful lake, taking advantage of its quiet campgrounds and fantastic water sport opportunities.
The Feather River
The Feather River and the Feather River Canyon recreation area are a life force for the enitre region. Recreation opportunities from fishing, camping, rafting and more tie together sevel plumas county communities.
Located 32 miles west of Quincy on Hwy 70, the Feather River Canyon Area has multiple campgrounds and trails. Located on the west branch of the north fork of the Feather River along Caribou Road, the area offers canoing, kayaking, rafting and berry picking in late summer. Gansner Bar, North Fork, and Queen Lily campgrounds are located just off Caribou Road with Hallstead nearby on Hwy 70 just 17 miles west of Quincy.
Supplies are available in Belden, Twain, and Quincy.
Railway
Plumas County is rich in train history and is renowned for its unique railroad engineering along the Feather River. Magnificent bridges and tunnels, a unique railroad “Y” and a section of track that crosses over itself in a one-mile loop in order to gain elevation are among the features that attract train buffs to the area. For information on trains and railfanning in Plumas County and the Feather River Canyon, download the brochure, Plumas County’s Seven Wonders of the Railroad World. Learn about the area’s railroad engineering feats. Brochure can also be picked up at the Plumas County Museum.
Occasionally, charter passenger excursions are offered on Plumas County’s scenic track through the Feather River Canyon. For more information, visit traintrips.biz.
National Barn Quilt Trail
The Great American Barn Quilt Trail has come west to Plumas County. The first barn quilts were installed on some of our most historic barns in the Quincy area. Now over 100 colorful quilt squares, ranging from the very large 8×8′ size to a manageable 2×2′ size, adorn many of our community structures and are shaped by each participant’s values, visions, heritage and passion for art.
Following the Barn Quilt Trail will reveal the history and beauty that 1850’s settlers found during those crazy gold rush days. It will enrich your sense of wonder at their courage. It will also bring you unexpected delight as you travel throughout the county, taking in meadows filled with wildflowers in the spring, awesome fall colors, lush fields filled with grazing horses and cows, all on our traffic-free back roads and highways. We hope that you will find yourself on the magic of the barn quilt trail soon!
Follow the Barn Quilt Trail map here. (This map is a work in progress. New sites and descriptions are being updated as they are available.)
Lakes Basin Recreation Area
With over 20 small lakes, impressive peaks, 30+ miles of trails, waterfalls, and picturesque campgrounds and historic lodges, the Lakes Basin Recreation Area is a crown jewel in the Plumas National Forest. While only nine miles away from Graeagle, the Lakes Basin Recreation Area truly gives you that “Lost Sierra” feel with world class trails and high mountain views without the crowds.
The Lakes Basin is a unique geologic area along the Sierra Crest–glacially carved lakes give the region its name. The Sierra Buttes to the south of the Recreation Area are a dramatic fortress-like mountain formation reaching nearly 9,000’ in elevation.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
The Great American Barn Quilt Trail has come west to Plumas County. The first barn quilts were installed on some of our most historic barns in the Quincy area. Now over 100 colorful quilt squares, ranging from the very large 8×8′ size to a manageable 2×2′ size, adorn many of our community structures and are shaped by each participant’s values, visions, heritage and passion for art.
Following the Barn Quilt Trail will reveal the history and beauty that 1850’s settlers found during those crazy gold rush days. It will enrich your sense of wonder at their courage. It will also bring you unexpected delight as you travel throughout the county, taking in meadows filled with wildflowers in the spring, awesome fall colors, lush fields filled with grazing horses and cows, all on our traffic-free back roads and highways. We hope that you will find yourself on the magic of the barn quilt trail soon!
Follow the Barn Quilt Trail map here. (This map is a work in progress. New sites and descriptions are being updated as they are available.)
Bucks Lake Wilderness
A beautiful landscape located between the North and Middle Fork of the Feather Rivers and with Elevations from 2200′ to 7017′ at Spanish Peak the highest point in Bucks Lake wilderness. 23,958 pristine acres to explore and experience in northern California.
Caribou Wilderness
Lying Just North of the Sierra Nevada Granite, Caribou Wilderness is 20,000 acres of rugged volcanic shaped landscape, bordering Lassen Volcanic National Park. Old growth timber, sparkling lakes are trademarks of this area. The Wilderness is currently in recovery from the Dixie Fire.
Plumas National Forest
Plumas National Forest is a splended recreational Zone of Northern California. 1,114,000 acres of Camping, fishing, hiking, off roading playground that has provided resources of significant importance to California for centuries. Home of the Feather River Watershed basin.
Plumas-Eureka State Park.
Home to one of Californias transformative mining industry finds of the 1800’s. Plumas Eureka State Park is now a place of relaxation and outdoor play in its sparking alpine lakes, Jamison creek and camping or hiking options. A beautiful setting in Northern California.
Destinations - Where to Stay, Play and Eat
Take Me to The Lake
A Guide To Lake Vacations in Northern California's Plumas County Water. It has so much power in life. In California,...
Small Mouth Bass Fishing Lake Almanor
Professional Bass fisherman and Local Guide on Lake Almanor takes us fishing for prized smallmouth bass Lake Almanor, California -...
Ride the Flow: Mountain Biking Paradise at Mt. Hough, Plumas County, CA
Exploding through the breathtaking Lost Sierra region of Northern California, Mt. Hough offers an exhilarating mountain biking experience that's perfect...
Visiting Lake Davis – Plumas National Forest
Lake Davis is located 7 miles north of Portola, California. This lake was created in 1967 for recreational opportunities. The...
