Plumas County, California: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Summer (June-August)

The most popular season with warm days (75-85°F) and cool nights (45-55°F). Perfect for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and water activities on Lake Almanor and other alpine lakes. Summer also brings festivals like the High Sierra Music Festival in Quincy.

Fall (September-October)

A magical time when aspen groves turn brilliant gold and orange. Temperatures are mild (60-75°F days), crowds thin out, and fishing remains excellent. The National Barn Quilt Trail is especially picturesque against fall colors. Don’t miss the fall color driving tours.

Winter (November-March)

Snow transforms the landscape, offering snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling opportunities. The Bucks Lake area becomes a winter wonderland. While some mountain passes close, main roads remain accessible. Temperatures range from 20-45°F.

Spring (April-May)

Wildflowers bloom, waterfalls rush with snowmelt, and temperatures begin to warm (50-70°F). Some trails may still have snow at higher elevations, but lower areas become accessible. Fishing season opens, and wildlife becomes more active.

Weather Considerations

Mountain weather can change quickly in any season. Pack layers even in summer, and always check weather forecasts before outdoor activities. Winter driving may require chains or snow tires, especially on mountain passes and forest roads.

Local Events

Plan your visit around local events like the High Sierra Music Festival (July), Plumas County Fair (August), or the Barn Quilt Trail Tour (September) to enhance your experience with local culture and festivities.

Quincy

The county seat offers historic inns, B&Bs, and motels within walking distance of restaurants and shops. The Quincy Feather Bed Inn provides boutique accommodations in the heart of downtown, perfect for those who want to experience small-town charm while having easy access to dining options.

Lake Almanor Area

Find lakefront resorts, cabins, and vacation rentals with stunning water views. The communities of Chester and Lake Almanor Peninsula offer accommodations ranging from rustic to luxurious, many with private docks and beach access for the ultimate lake vacation.

Graeagle & Lakes Basin

This area features mountain lodges, golf resorts, and cabin rentals. The historic red cabins in Graeagle offer a unique stay experience, while nearby resorts provide access to championship golf courses and alpine lakes.

Camping & RV Parks

Plumas National Forest offers numerous campgrounds with sites along lakes, rivers, and in mountain settings. Lake Davis, Bucks Lake, and Antelope Lake all feature scenic campgrounds. For RV travelers, full-hookup sites are available at private RV parks near major towns and lakes.

Unique Stays

For a special experience, consider historic accommodations like the Drakesbad Guest Ranch in Warner Valley (the only lodging within Lassen Volcanic National Park boundaries) or riverside cabins along the Feather River Canyon.

Booking Tips

Reserve accommodations well in advance for summer and holiday weekends. Many lakeside properties and campgrounds book up months ahead. Winter accommodations are more limited as some properties close seasonally, so plan accordingly.

Lake Almanor

This crystal-clear reservoir boasts over 50 miles of shoreline with stunning views of Lassen Peak. Perfect for boating, fishing, swimming, and paddling, Lake Almanor offers warm summer water temperatures ideal for water sports. The 11-mile paved Lake Almanor Recreation Trail provides scenic biking and walking opportunities along the western shore.

Book Lake Activities

Feather River Canyon

This dramatic canyon carved by the North Fork Feather River features steep granite walls, waterfalls, and the historic Western Pacific Railroad. Drive the Feather River Scenic Byway (Highway 70) to experience its beauty, stopping at overlooks and hiking trails. Look for the “Keddie Wye,” a remarkable Y-shaped railroad bridge that’s an engineering marvel.

Plumas-Eureka State Park

Explore Gold Rush history at this preserved mining complex near Graeagle. Tour the museum housed in a miners’ boarding house, see the stamp mill and blacksmith shop, and learn about 1850s gold mining techniques. Beyond the historic area, hiking trails lead to alpine lakes and mountain vistas in the surrounding wilderness.

Bucks Lake Wilderness

This pristine wilderness area offers spectacular mountain scenery, alpine lakes, and meadows filled with wildflowers in summer. Popular for hiking, fishing, and camping, Bucks Lake itself provides excellent trout fishing and water recreation. In winter, the area transforms into a snowmobiling and cross-country skiing destination.

Lakes Basin Recreation Area

Discover a wonderland of over two dozen glacial lakes nestled among granite peaks near Graeagle. Hiking trails connect many of the lakes, with options ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs. Don’t miss the short hike to Fern Falls, where you’ll find a beautiful cascade surrounded by lush vegetation.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

While technically straddling county lines, the Warner Valley section of this national park is accessible from Chester in Plumas County. Explore volcanic features, hot springs, and mountain lakes in this less-visited part of the park. Drakesbad Guest Ranch offers the only lodging within park boundaries.

Explore Park Tours

Hiking & Backpacking

Explore hundreds of miles of trails through forests, along lakes, and up mountain peaks. The Pacific Crest Trail passes through the county, offering day-hike options. For family-friendly hikes, try the Indian Falls Loop near Keddie or the Lake Almanor Recreation Trail. More challenging routes await in the Lakes Basin area and Bucks Lake Wilderness.

Fishing

Plumas County is an angler’s dream with its abundance of lakes, streams, and rivers teeming with trout. Lake Almanor is famous for trophy-sized rainbow and brown trout, while smaller alpine lakes offer peaceful fishing experiences. The Middle Fork Feather River, designated as Wild and Scenic, provides excellent fly fishing opportunities.

Book Fishing Guides

Water Recreation

Summer months are perfect for enjoying Plumas County’s lakes. Lake Almanor offers boating, water skiing, and jet skiing on its expansive waters. Bucks Lake, Antelope Lake, and Lake Davis provide more intimate settings for kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. Boat rentals are available at marinas around Lake Almanor and other popular lakes.

Mountain Biking

Ride through diverse terrain on trails ranging from gentle forest roads to technical single-track. The Mount Hough Trail System near Quincy offers purpose-built mountain biking trails with stunning views. The Lakes Basin area features challenging routes with spectacular alpine scenery.

Winter Sports

When snow blankets the mountains, Plumas County transforms into a winter playground. The Bucks Lake area offers groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Snowmobilers can explore hundreds of miles of designated routes through Plumas National Forest, including the popular Bucks Summit/Four Trees Trail.

Golfing

Tee off against a backdrop of mountain scenery at one of Plumas County’s championship golf courses. The Graeagle area is known for its excellent golfing, with courses like Graeagle Meadows, Plumas Pines, and Whitehawk Ranch offering challenging play in beautiful settings.

Historic Downtowns

Explore the well-preserved Victorian buildings in Quincy’s historic downtown, where the impressive 1921 courthouse stands as a centerpiece. Greenville, Chester, and Portola each offer unique downtown areas with local shops, restaurants, and architecture that reflect their individual histories and character.

Plumas County Museum

Located in Quincy, this museum houses exhibits on Gold Rush history, Native American artifacts, and pioneer life. See a restored gold miner’s log cabin, a horse-drawn hearse, and an impressive collection of Maidu Indian baskets. The museum provides a comprehensive overview of the county’s rich and diverse history.

Western Pacific Railroad Museum

Train enthusiasts shouldn’t miss this impressive collection in Portola, featuring vintage locomotives, cabooses, and railroad cars. The museum’s unique “Run-A-Locomotive” program even allows visitors to operate a real diesel locomotive under supervision – a rare opportunity for railroad fans.

National Barn Quilt Trail

Plumas is one of only two California counties participating in this nationwide public art project. Take a self-guided driving tour to view colorful “quilt squares” painted on barns, businesses, and homes throughout the county. Each September, a special countywide tour celebrates this unique cultural tradition.

Maidu Cultural Heritage

Learn about the indigenous Mountain Maidu people at the new Roundhouse Council building in Greenville, which reopened in 2024 after being destroyed in the 2021 Dixie Fire. This cultural center preserves Maidu traditions and offers educational programs about their history and connection to the land.

Local Events & Festivals

Time your visit to experience local celebrations like the High Sierra Music Festival in Quincy (July), the Plumas County Fair (August), or the Graeagle Summer Concert Series. These events showcase local culture, music, and community spirit while providing entertainment for visitors of all ages.

Quincy Dining

The county seat offers the most diverse dining options. Try Quintopia Brewing for craft beers and pub fare, Moon’s Restaurant for classic American comfort food, or Pangaea Café for organic, locally-sourced meals. Sweet Lorraine’s serves up delicious baked goods and sandwiches perfect for trail lunches.

Lake Almanor Area

Enjoy lakeside dining at Carol’s Café in Chester, known for generous breakfasts and lunches. Cravings Café at Stover Landing offers innovative dishes like soy chorizo hash. For dinner with a view, try The Pub at the Peninsula for casual fare or Lake Almanor Grill for steaks and seafood overlooking the water.

Graeagle & Blairsden

Graeagle Restaurant serves classic American dishes in a historic setting. Blackbird Bistro offers upscale dining with seasonal ingredients, while Gumba’s Family Pizza is perfect for casual meals. Don’t miss the famous ice cream at the Graeagle Store, a local tradition since 1918.

Local Specialties

Look for Sierra Nevada trout on menus throughout the county – often caught locally and prepared fresh. Wild mushrooms, particularly morels and chanterelles, appear seasonally at restaurants featuring local ingredients. For dessert, try the huckleberry pie when in season, a mountain delicacy.

Farmers Markets

During summer months, visit farmers markets in Quincy (Thursdays), Chester (Wednesdays), and Portola (Fridays) for fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal products from local farms and producers. These markets are great places to stock up for picnics and cabin meals.

Dining Tips

Restaurants in smaller towns may have limited hours, especially in off-season months, so check ahead. Many establishments are closed one or two days per week, typically midweek. Reservations are recommended for dinner during summer months and weekends at popular restaurants.

Getting Around

A car is essential for exploring Plumas County’s widespread attractions. Main highways connect major towns, but allow extra time for mountain driving on winding roads. Gas stations can be far apart in rural areas, so keep your tank filled. For forest roads and winter travel, consider a vehicle with higher clearance and all-wheel drive.

Rent a Vehicle

Cell Service & Internet

Cell coverage is limited in many parts of the county, particularly in canyons and remote forest areas. Download maps, trail guides, and important information before heading out. Major towns like Quincy and Chester have better connectivity, but don’t count on reliable service throughout your trip.

Weather Preparedness

Mountain weather can change rapidly in any season. Pack layers even for summer visits, as evenings cool quickly at higher elevations. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, while winter can bring sudden snowstorms. Check weather forecasts daily and adjust plans accordingly.

Outdoor Safety

When hiking or exploring, carry plenty of water, sun protection, and basic first aid supplies. Let someone know your plans when heading to remote areas. Be aware that black bears are present in Plumas County – store food properly and maintain a safe distance if encountered.

Fire Safety

Wildfire risk is serious in summer and fall. Check current fire restrictions before any outdoor activities involving flame. During high fire danger periods, campfires may be prohibited even in established campgrounds. Stay informed about any active fires in the region during your visit.

Local Etiquette

Embrace the “Plumas Pledge” to help preserve the county’s natural beauty: pack out all trash, stay on designated trails, be mindful of resource usage, and support local businesses. Respect private property boundaries when exploring, and drive cautiously on rural roads where livestock may be present.