A snowy winter mountain adventure in Plumas County

Four Seasons
of Adventure

Photo by Eddy Mutch

Your Adventure Awaits

Nestled at the sweet spot where the Sierra Nevada meet the Cascade Mountains, Plumas County offers four seasons of outdoor adventure. From adrenaline-fueled experiences to lazy mornings at a cozy B&B to family fun around the campfire, Plumas is the perfect vacation spot to escape the crowds, relax and recharge.

Outdoor Activities

From floating down a river, to catching sunrise while bird watching, to shredding in the backcountry, countless adventures are calling your name. The only hard part is having to decide what to do.

Places to Visit

Hundreds of lakes and endless miles of backcountry trails, rivers and roads offer unparalleled access to nature. The incredible natural beauty of Plumas County—towering pines and firs, rugged mountains, crystalline lakes, and verdant, sprawling valleys—beckons you to ditch your daily routine and step into another world.

Places to Stay

Find the perfect option that fits all your needs

map of northern california with plumas county highlighted

Getting here is easy

Whether you come for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, escaping from it all is a lot closer than you think. Plumas County is the perfect place to effortlessly explore the natural beauty of Northern California.

City

Chico
Reno
Sacramento
San Francisco
South Lake Tahoe

Distance

1.5 hours
1.5 hours
2.5 hours
4.5 hours
2.5 hours

Trip Inspiration

Explore some of the best Plumas County has to offer without doing any of the planning

Plumas traveler guides

Winter Weekend Ideas in Northern California

Winter in Plumas County is quiet and magical. The region offers everything from cozy cabins and backcountry skiing to family activities like Christmas tree cutting and holiday events. Beat the crowds at Tahoe and other popular winter destinations for your own serene and charming Lost Sierra seasonal adventure.
A backcountry skier climbing Mt Lassen in Northern California
Plumas traveler guides

Summer Vacation Ideas in Northern California

Plumas County is a summer wonderland of outdoor activities with over a hundred lakes, music festivals, world-class hiking, and mountain town events. Plan your perfect summer vacation high in the Sierra Nevada of Northern California.
arrowleaf balsamroot in Northern California
Plumas traveler guides

Spring Weekend Trip Ideas in Northern California

Spring is a wonderful time to visit Plumas County– the valleys are verdant, rivers are rushing, and snow is still on the high mountains. Spring weather is perfect for activities like hiking, birding, wildflower watching, kayaking, and more.
Clouds and reflections on Manzanita Lake
Plumas traveler guides

The Best Lakes in Northern California

With over 100 lakes to choose from, Plumas County offers visitors an opportunity to soak up some of the most beautiful lakes in Northern California. Whether you’re looking to enjoy water sports with a group or relax and unplug on a solo adventure, the diversity of our lakes offers something for everyone. We invite you to unplug and feel the magic of our mountain lakes and the vast forests that surround them.
canoes on lake with sunset
Plumas traveler guides

The 9 Best Museums in Plumas County

Highlights of the 9 best museums in Plumas County.
Plumas County Museum
Plumas traveler guides

Where to See Fall Colors in Northern California

In early October, the leaves in Plumas County begin transforming to create stunning natural beauty. From creek beds to mountaintops, vibrant leaves contrast brilliantly against the dark green pines and firs that dominate the landscape. We’ve pulled together the best routes that offer an abundance of color and adventure. Our fall foliage guide gets you off the beaten path and into the heart of Plumas County.
Fall foliage in Plumas County
Plumas traveler guides

The Best Lakes in Northern California

With over 100 lakes to choose from, Plumas County offers visitors an opportunity to soak up some of the most beautiful lakes in Northern California. Whether you’re looking to enjoy water sports with a group or relax and unplug on a solo adventure, the diversity of our lakes offers something for everyone. We invite you to unplug and feel the magic of our mountain lakes and the vast forests that surround them.
canoes on lake with sunset
Plumas traveler guides

Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wildlife

If you love birding, waterfall hikes, and wildflowers without the crowds, this four day road trip will take you from one end of the Lost Sierra to the other. Plumas County is beautiful all year-round but late spring and early summer offer some incredible nature-based experiences for the intrepid traveler.
Burney Falls in Northern California

Upcoming Events

From family-friendly events to live music to athletic activities, you’ll find an impressive variety of events year-round in Plumas County.

Mineral
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Lassen Volcanic National Park

Please note “Snowshoe hikes are offered most weekends, January through the end of March. Check the park’s website for program availability.”

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Quincy
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Student Welness Success Center FRC

 Forest Therapy Workshop practicing Shinrin Yoku. 3 sessions 10-11 am, 11-12, 1-2 pm.

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Lake Almanor
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Waganupa Brewing
401 Peninsula Dr #9

Test your knowledge and enjoy great company at Waganupa Brewery’s weekly Thursday Trivia Night.

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Chester
8:00 am – 11:00 am
Lake Almanor Elks Lodge
164 Main Street

Come in and enjoy our famous, Build your own omelet, served with Bud’s spuds, link sausage, muffin, orange juice and coffee or tea.

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Chester
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Elks Lodge
164 Main Street

plus affordable drinks. Proceeds benefit the community.

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Lake Almanor
6:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Waganupa Brewing Company
401 Peninsula Drive,

Bring a date or a friend to each paint half of a beach sunset to make one. Seat limited reserve ahead.

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Bucks Lake
9:00 am
Lakeshore Resort

Join the bucks Lake Snow Drifters annual Poker Run. Groomed Trails, BBQ, Poker Run, and Raffle Prize Driving

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5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE, POTATOES & CARROTS, PLUS DESSERT $30.00 per person includes tax

Chester
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Almanor Rec Center
101 Meadowbrook Loop

Exclusive gifts for the first 50 brides. Tastings, Fashion Models, and giveaways valued over $2000.

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Chester
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Lake Almanor Elks Lodge
164 Main Street

Last Friday “Best-Ever” Fish Fry Social Starts: 5pm—Dinner 5:30-7pm 2 Beer Battered Fish Filets, Fries, Coleslaw & Garlic Toast—

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3:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Plumas Eureka Ski Bowl

The Full Moon Ski begins in the morning and builds all the way into the night at Plumas-EurekaSki Bowl, located in Eureka State Park near Johnsville and Graeagle, California.

Taylorsville,
Taylorsville Hall
4322 Main Street

Come out for an amazing tri-tip and chicken dinner. Live uction, silent auction, raffles, and games. Call Paul for tickets 530-394-4131.

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Chester
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
The Elegent Farmer
Main Street

Bring your own liquor/bottle (any like-sized will work). Absolutely no experience. needed.Call or stop by the shop to reserve your spot! Wine and appetizers are included!!

Portola
9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Western Pacific Railroad Museum

The “Union Pacific Coast to Coast” tour will stop on April 8 in Portola, providing a unique opportunity to view the locomotive at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum.

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Chester
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Elks Lodge
164 Main Street

Menu options include: 2 Beef Tacos, Rice @ Beans – $13.00 2 Chicken Enchiladas, Rice & Beans – $15.00 Taco Salad or Combo Plate #15.00

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Quincy
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Plumas County Fairgrounds

Join the shakers and movers (literally) of Quincy for a night of fun, frolic and unabashed entertainment! The Quincy Star Follies is a family cabaret featuring local folks.

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Taylorsville
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Indian Valley Museum

New addition to the Annual Vintage Antiques & Collectibles Valuations.

Quincy
8:00 am
Plumas County Fairgrounds

The show is open to the public and will host a list of versatility ranch horse classes, following AQHA VRH rules.

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Taylorsville
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Indian Valley Museum
4288 Cemetery Rd

Bring your treasured items to a professional appraiser. Evaluations 1 for $8 or 4 for $24. Lunch available for $12

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Quincy
1:00 pm
FRC Equine Facility

22 horses are offered for sale this year. Visit FRC website for more information.

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Quincy
1:00 pm – 10:00 am
Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds

Join SBTS for our fun-filled Epic Weekend in Quincy, where the food and beer are covered for our beloved SBTS volunteers. RSVP sooner than later as these “sell-out”!

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9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Indian Valley

The Indian Valley Community Yard Sale is on Saturday, May 16 It is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Get ready for an epic weekend of bargain hunting!

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Chester
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Chester Park

Whether you’re looking for jewelry, home decor, or gifts for loved ones, you can find something special here. Enjoy delicious food and drinks from our vendors while you shop.

Greenville
6:00 am
Greenville High School Parking Lot

Check-in is at 6:00 a.m. at the Greenville High School Parking Lot. The ride starts at 7:00 a.m. There are three Routes to choose from: full century, metric century, and quart

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Chester
7:00 am
101 Meadowbrook Loop

The Mile High 100 is a wonderfully scenic century, metric century, and half metric century event in its 42nd year for 2025!

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Canyon Dam
6:00 am
Canyon Dam Boat Launch

Almanor Fishing Association, local guides and fishermen will be hosting the 8th Veterans. Along with a day on the water, every Veteran receives a t-shirt commemorating the day

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Taylorsville
7:00 am – 11:00 am
Indian Valley Museum
4288 Cemetery St

Annual Cowboy Breakfast of all-you-can-eat scrambled eggs, ham, pancakes, orange juice, milk, & coffee from where you can watch the Taylorsville 4th of July Parade.

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Chester
9:00 am
Collin Pines Lawn
500 Main Street

One mile run/walk along historic Main Street in Chester, CA. The event starts at 9 a.m. on the Collins Pine Lawn and finishes at the Bidwell House.

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Chester
8:00 am – 11:00 am
Elks Lodge
Main Street

Join us before the parade for our Annual 4th of July Breakfast. We will serve pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, juice, coffee, and Bloody Marys to those over 21.

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9:00 pm
Lake Almanor

The 4th of July Fireworks show over Lake Almanor is a 25+ year tradition. The show is shot from the tip of the Peninsula and brings a spectacular end to a day of celebrations.

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Quincy
Plumas County Fairgrounds
204 Fairground Road

The Fair will include the carnival, the livestock show and auction, and special surprises for 2026.

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Lake Almanor

Spend the weekend celebrating the birds that make Lake Almanor so special, Western and Clarks Grebes. Join Plumas Audubon for kayak or pontoon boat tours, bird walks & more!

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Lake Almanor
8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Lake Almanor Country Club
501 Peninsula Drive

The Courage Triathlon is a 2.8 mile run, 6.4 mile bike, 3.1 mile kayak. It can be done as a team of 3 or solo. come join us for a fun & inspiring experience!

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Quincy
Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrouds

Something for everyone in the family—camping, live music, a gamut of mountain adventures, trail building, adventure films, food trucks, a beverage garden and, more fun!

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Chester
9:00 am – 2:30 pm
Chester Community Park
Meadow Brook Loop and Willow Street

Join the fun of a “blast from the past” with over 130 car owners showing off their “pride and joy” of restored cars from different eras.

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Portola
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Western Pacific Railroad Museum
700 Western Pacific Way

Pumpkin Patch Express trains will be held October 18-19 and 25-26, Saturdays and Sundays. Trains will depart hourly from 1 pm to 5pm.

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Quincy
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Plumas County Fairgrounds
204 Fairground Road

Beer, Music, Food, Fall Colors and FUN!

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Portola
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Western Pacific Railroad Museum
700 Western Pacific Way

The trains will take visitors to the Pumpkin Patch, where they can select their pumpkins for purchase. Trains run hourly 1 pm to 5 pm.

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