Plumas Buzz

 

Please send us your stories,
questions, comments or photos

View the 2012 "Awesome Autumn" reports and photos here.

 Hello, as you may have read elsewhere, due to the closure of the Plumas County Visitors Bureau, this website is now being managed and updated by the Plumas County Tourism, Recreation and Hospitality Council. 

April 4, 2013
The 2013 version of the Plumas Bloom Blog is now open for business! We'd love to post your photos and descriptions of our wonderful spring wildflowers and waterfalls. Please send them to this link. Thank you.

April 1, 2013
It's no joke - Plumas County is getting to be the place for hardy racers, walkers, or triathletes!  Just this week we heard about a new triathlon called TriGraeagle. They offer an Olympic distance triathlon or a sprint distance triathlon. Both events will be run on Sunday, September 1 at the Graeagle mill pond.

Then there's the very popular Running with the Bears marathon, half-marathon or 10k. This one is coming up on August 17 in beautiful Indian Valley, in the heart of Plumas County and Feather River country.

And the really family-friendly Round Valley Lake Run/Walk is coming up on August 3. This too, is in beautiful Indian Valley and offers a 5.4 mile cross-country loop around Round Valley Lake. So get out there and start training, there is sure to be plenty of competition no matter your age or skill level.

March 22, 2013

Did you know that the American Valley Speedway in Quincy is the second-largest dirt track in California? We didn't either. You can see their 2013 race schedule on our calendar of events with the first race starting in April. They're proudly hosting the DART Dwarf Car Super Nationals this year in August.

March 20, 2013

Happy first day of spring!  Although we're having a bit of rain today, the sun will soon be out and the daffodils will continue to flourish. Do you have any spring photos of Plumas County you'd like to share?  We'd love to see them. 

This is the perfect time for all you bird watchers to make the trip here. New sightings are being posted daily by the Plumas Audubon Society. The bike clubs are donning their gear and planning rides. Campgrounds will be opening in the next few weeks (it's still a little cold at night for camping). Of course Easter Sunday is March 31st, so there are Easter Egg hunts too.

All in all, it's shaping up as a wonderful spring in Plumas County. We hope you are planning to join us in enjoying it.

March 1, 2013

Another sign of spring just came to our attention. The Plumas Audubon Society just released their spring and summer birding events calendar. Starting May 4 with the Spanish Creek Bird Walk in Quincy; then May 11 for Sierra Valley Bird Watching; and May 18 for the not-to-be missed Sierra Valley Birds, Boats & Barbecue; then May 25 for the Chester Meadow Bird Walk; and June 1 for the  Spanish Ranch Bird Walk in Meadow Valley; and capped off on July 13 with the  Bucks Lake Bird and Plant Walk. Plan now to attend one or all of these walks - they're well worth your time!

February 19, 2013

Perhaps the groundhog was correct. Can spring be just around the corner?  Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) just announced the planned opening and closing dates for their campgrounds in Plumas County. That includes Bucks Lake, Butt Valley Reservoir and Lake Almanor.  They stress that the dates are subject to change due to weather or repair schedule, but here they are:

If you have questions about any of these dates, please E-mail the Tourism Council.

February 6, 2013

There are lots of things to do all around Plumas County this month.  Starting this week with "Mardi Gras In The Mountains" on Friday in Quincy, followed by the annual Crab Feed put on by the Indian Valley Chamber of Commerce, on Saturday, the 9th, we're just getting started!

The President's Day weekend promises to be special again this year. You can find all kinds of outdoor winter activities - in Graeagle and Eastern Plumas, there's fun to be had at the Winter Snowfest. A snowmobile poker run, California State Snowshoe Championships, a cross-country ski tour, and a snow carnival all lead up to the second in a series of Historic Longboard Ski Races. Click here to see a video of the January, 2013 race. Video courtesy of Michael Clawson of graeagle.com.

Moving north to the Chester/Lake Almanor area, you can watch or participate in the Lake Almanor Snowmobile Club Poker Run, and follow that up with some tasty chili at the "Chilly Chili" Cookoff in Chester; both on February 16.

Want to learn all about snowmobiling and have a hands-on tour?  Contact Explore! Sierra Touring Company. They'll happily outfit you and take you on a spectacular ride.

January 29, 2013

Just a reminder - Happening this weekend!

On Saturday, February 2 alone, there are three events taking place. In Quincy, the first annual Groundhog Fever Festival kicks off at 1 pm. At Lake Davis in Eastern Plumas County, the Annual Lake Davis Ice Fishing Tournament gets under way at 7 am. And in northern Plumas County at Chester, the Sierra-Nevada Dog Sled Races are held both Saturday and Sunday.

January 26, 2013

Our good friends at St. Bernard Lodge wanted you all to know about the upcoming Snowmobile Poker Run on February 16. Join the Lake Almanor Snowmobile Club for their Annual Presidents’ Weekend Poker Run.

Registration is from 8:30 am to 11:00 am at the parking area on Hwy 36 and A-13. The ride is on groomed trails of the Lake Almanor Snowmobile Park. Lunch will be prepared by the Chester Rotary and served 11:30 to 1:00 pm. Cost for ride and lunch is 25 dollars. If you have non riders coming with you lunch is available for 10 dollars.

Please make sure you have stickers on you sleds and helmets are required to ride in the poker run. Raffle and prizes begin at 2:00 pm. $300.00 cash prize for best poker hand.

If the ride needs to be re-scheduled due to snow conditions the alternate date is March 2. If you enjoy snowmobiling this is a great ride, so bring your machine and join in. If you are thinking about learning about snowmobiling come visit for lunch and meet some great people who love snowmobiling.

January 20, 2013

Things are starting to heat up all around Plumas County! No, not the weather, we're still enjoying a beautiful winter, but event-wise, there's plenty winter fun to be had:

On Saturday, February 2 alone, there are three events taking place. In Quincy, the first annual Groundhog Fever Festival kicks off at 1 pm. At Lake Davis in Eastern Plumas County, the Annual Lake Davis Ice Fishing Tournament gets under way at 7 am. And in northern Plumas County at Chester, the Sierra-Nevada Dog Sled Races are held both Saturday and Sunday.

January 16, 2013

Snowmobilers Alert! We just added information from the Butte Meadows Snowmobile Club to our Snowmobiling page. You can find grooming information, maps and more on their site. There is a link to the Bucks Lake Snowdrifters page too.

January 10, 2013

January 4, 2013

Just received a message from Ken McMaster to let us know the Plumas Eureka State Park cross country trails are now groomed and open thanks to the efforts of local volunteers!

If you're going to the park, Ken reports the best parking is at the Jameson Mine road turnout. It is located on a large flat area, about 1/4 mile before the bridge on the right as you drive up, with the trailhead across the road on the left. The first 100 feet is snowmobile packed and skier packed, the next 200 feet is snowmobile groomed and then from then on it is much wider and tracked.

A donation of $5.00 each time is requested to help maintain the program. That donation can be put through the slot on the door of the museum.

Ken adds "It is our intention to groom about twice a week, depending on conditions. We will keep you updated. Trail signage and maps will come soon, please keep in mind this is a total volunteer effort. Thank you and enjoy the great conditions."

December 13, 2012
We just learned about a few New Year's Eve Celebrations going on around Plumas County.  In Graeagle, Chalet View Lodge has two specials. Their dinner and lodging package includes New Year's Eve Dinner for two and a Forest View King room for $145. Add a second night to the package for a total of $205. Suite packages available too. Or, if you don't want to stay over, Chalet View is also offering a Prix-Fixe Five Course Meal with champagne for $40 per person. Reservations Required. (530) 832-5528
 

Also in Graeagle, Longboards Bar and Grill offers 7 pm cocktails, 8 pm dinner. Live piano music during dinner, dancing into the New Year.

And in Indian Valley, the Genesee Store is holding its 12th Annual New Year's Eve Open House from 6:30 to 9 pm - complete with fireworks at 9 pm to coincide with the New York City festivities. Hors d'oeuvres and beverages available.

Please bookmark this page and check back for updates on New Year's Eve celebrations throughout the area.
 

December 11, 2012
Don't want to get you out of the holiday spirit, but something big is brewing in Quincy!  The Quincy Groundhog Fever Festival is coming on February 2, 2013! The Quincy Revival Committee has already planned a long list of events, with more to come.  Included are such things as a chili cookoff, wine and beer tasting, children's activities, live music and an animatronic groundhog predicting the weather. Be sure to visit their website and sign up for their newsletter or Facebook to keep up with announcements.  So plan now, February 2, 2013, Quincy, CA is the place to be!
 

December 7, 2012
Tonight is the annual "Sparkle" celebration in Quincy. Starting about 5 pm, join the crowd celebrating the Holiday Season with a light parade, tree lighting, live entertainment, and merchant open houses. Stroll Main Street and enjoy live performances by our local musicians, singers and dancers. Quincy's Main Street Merchants offer refreshments and holiday specials guaranteed to boost your holiday spirit.

Also, Saturday, December 8, the Holiday Craft Fair takes place at the Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds in Quincy. Some 40 local artisans and crafters will have their ware on display.  Don't miss this one!

And Sunday, December 9, the annual Courthouse Sing in Quincy really gets the Holiday Season swinging. Starts at 2 pm. Don't be late.

And coming up next week, Greenville and Indian Valley celebrate the holidays with their annual Festival of Trees tree lighting with memorial lights. Santa will join the fun. It all starts Saturday, December 15, at 5:30 pm.
 

November 30, 2012

While the weather has been pretty "iffy" lately, and it's raining right now, we're all hoping for a break for this evening and tomorrow.  Tonight is the annual tree lighting in Portola. Fun for the whole family, with merchants staying open and lots of hot chocolate to be had.

Tomorrow, December 1, the Graeagle Holiday Festival takes place from 1 to 5 pm, with the tree lighting at 5. All events are free. You can sample refreshments in all the little red shops, take a horse-drawn trolley ride, enter to win a merchant certificate and much more. The Graeagle Merchants offer a huge variety of gift options, too. You're sure to find just the right gift for someone on your list.

And don't forget the Annual Christmas concert by the Chester Community Chorus. It starts tonight at 7 pm, with another performance Saturday at 7 pm and a matinee Sunday at 3 pm. It's held at the Community United Methodist Church in Chester and is eagerly awaited all year.

And the first of the famous "Santa Train" rides is happening tomorrow, December 1, at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola. Kids of all ages will enjoy riding the Santa Train, and even get to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

November 16, 2012
Received information from the High Sierra Music Festival folks. Tickets for next summer's Festival in Quincy go on sale TODAY! If you buy today, or for a limited time, a four-day pass is $165.00. Quite a bargain!

November 15, 2012

We received this photo from avid leaf-peeper Richard McCutcheon and just had to post it. He took this photo yesterday and says the colors in Indian Valley are still nice. We agree!

November 15, 2012
Exciting news today!

Valerie and Mike Nellor, owners of Ada's Place in Quincy, have been chosen for a Fodor's Choice Property Award for 2012.

This distinction designates Ada's Place as a leader in its field for service, quality, and value in the 2012 year. The 2012 Fodor’s Choice recipients are the best of the best, providing a remarkable experience in their price range or category.

The editors and experts of Fodor’s have been selecting only the top fifteen percent of their listed properties and activities as Fodor’s Choice award recipients since 1988. Every year, Fodor’s writers experience, examine and evaluate thousands of hotels, restaurants and attractions in their travels across the globe. While every business included in a Fodor’s guide is deemed worth a traveler’s time, only those offering a truly remarkable experience are given the Fodor’s Choice designation.

As a 2012 Fodor’s Choice property Ada's Place will receive special recognition in the next Fodor’s guidebook to this area and on Fodors.com.
 

November 12, 2012

Welcome back! We had a marvelous Awesome Autumn season but the recent winter-like weather reminds us the holidays and snow are just around the corner. 

We'll keep you updated on fun things happening all around Plumas County on this page. We invite you to send us reports and photos of your trip to the area.

Just think! This could be your family picking out and cutting your own Christmas tree. Permits are available all around the county.

September 8, 2012

Debbie Nelson from Haskins Valley Inn contacted us with the following:

"Who would guess that people would mix up Bucks Lake for Butt Lake?  Well
people have and the lodging folks at Bucks have been getting lots of
inquiries about if they are still open and about the impact due to the
recent Chips Fire. To clear things up, BUCKS LAKE IS ALIVE AND WELL! It
was not affected by the Chips Fire at all except for a few smoky days in
August.

September is a wonderful time to visit Bucks, by the way.  The weather is
fabulous, the water is still very swimmable, the fishing is good, the
camping is serene, the hiking is awesome, the bars are open, dining is
available and soon the fall colors with the gorgeous aspens will be coming
on.  So come on up to Bucks this month!"
 

In the Feather River Canyon, Gansner Campground is also open today. Caribou Road is closed and will remain so. And we already knew the campgrounds and day-use areas on the west shore of Lake Almanor have all re-opened.

Wow, there's so much happening in the next couple of weeks - where to start? Good news - The Chips Fire is 100% contained and the campgrounds, cabins, and restaurants at Lake Almanor are open again and ready to serve you.

Free Fishing Day in California is Saturday, Sep. 8 - check out the kids fishing derby at Round Valley Lake, always a popular place for kids to be introduced to fishing.

The Mountain Epic is coming up Saturday and Sunday based at the Lakes Basin Campground near Graeagle. This is a preview for September 29's Lost Sierra Endurance Run.  Sign up now!

The very popular Patriot's Day Ride also takes place Saturday and Sunday in Indian Valley.  Horse enthusiasts from all over the west compete in this annual event.

And don't forget the Wild and Scenic Film Festival, the largest environmental film festival in North America, screening at Quincy's Town Hall Theater on Wednesday, September 12.

We've had good news on the Chips Fire this morning.  It is 87% contained and down to mop-up operations now.  Lake Almanor campgrounds are open again, and things are returning to normal in the north end of Plumas County.

Can you believe summer is almost over and Labor Day is this weekend?  Neither can we. But there's still plenty to do in Plumas County.  How about some music? Starting tonight, Music at the Millpond in Graeagle kicks off the holiday weekend. Or how about a Dixieland Jazz Concert?  There is one, Sunday, September 2 in Graeagle. You can take in the concert after visiting one of the dozens of antique dealers at the annual Antique Fair also taking place in Graeagle this weekend from Friday through Monday. And don't miss the Pancake Breakfast at Plumas Pines (Graeagle) coming up on Saturday.

If you'd rather kick back and enjoy the scenery, try the Heart K Ranch Open House in Taylorsville. Two farmer's markets are always good entertainment too. Thursday evening in Quincy and Friday in Beckwourth.  Click on our events page for more information on any of these activities.

We've just received information about an exciting project the Plumas National Forest is working on in the eastern part of Plumas County.  Crocker Guard Station is a historic Forest Service station that was built in 1912.  It was staffed up until the 1980s but has remained closed since then.  The Beckwourth Ranger District of the Plumas National Forest is working on restoring the Guard Station building for reuse as a Recreation Rental.  On Friday, September 28, there is a public event to celebrate 100 years of the building and to share all the work that has been completed and planned.  "We would like the public to come out and enjoy the beautiful setting and building, especially any folks that once worked at the station" said Mary Kliejunas, the District Archaeologist.

This sounds like a fun event - it's from 3 to 6 pm and includes is a barbeque fund-raiser for the Portola Rotary. 

Mary sent us this photo of the station with a new roof - apparently from last year, because there's no fall color yet this year.

We can't wait for this project to be completed - what a fun place this will be - a real "cabin in the woods" for rent.

We'll keep you posted here on any changes to these plans, but it sounds pretty final.  You can also check the events listings throughout Plumas County here.
 

She sent these photos of some goldenrod by the creek.

Seems there were visitors on the goldenrod too.

Janice reports that it wasn't too smoky in Indian Valley yesterday, but if the wind shifts, "you never know."

It's non-stop action here in Plumas County! Following a couple of days rest after the close of the Plumas-Sierra County Fair on Sunday, there's even more small town fun at its best coming up next weekend. The three-day 30th Annual Portola Railroad Days celebration kicks off Friday night, August 17, with a free concert in the Portola City Park. Other weekend attractions include: Food and Craft Vendors, a softball tournament, karaoke, live music, the parade at 11 am on Saturday, classic cars, a fly-fishing demonstration, lucky duck race and the Willie Tate Memorial Run/Walk on Sunday.

If you can't wait that long for entertainment, try "The Gold Mountain Pig Roast and Bluegrass BBQ."  tomorrow, August 11. This is a fund raiser for the Johnsville Ski Bowl Project.  See all the details here.

The Plumas-Sierra County Fair runs from Wednesday through Sunday this week, August 8 through 12.

Magic of Country Living….. is this year's theme. "Usually, magic involves pulling things out of something; a rabbit out of a hat or a pigeon out of a box.
When it comes to Plumas and Sierra Counties, the magic draws things in; visitors to our natural beauty or friends and relatives to visit family. Our theme this year was chosen to draw attention to all the magical things that make our community such an appealing magnet!"

Click here to see the fair calendar - everything from free kid's day to livestock auctions.

Did you know the Marshall Tucker Band is coming to Plumas County? The band is appearing at Music in the Mountains at Nakoma Golf Resort on August 18. We understand tickets are going quickly.  Click here for ticket information and sales.

We thought you might want some suggestions for things to do in Plumas County this coming weekend. The 43rd annual Almanor Art Show takes place this weekend—August 4th & 5th in Chester, CA. This show provides one of the best collections and exhibitions of visual arts and fine crafts in several counties.
More than 80 artists with grace the show with their original painting, drawings, photographs, jewelry, pottery, furniture, sculptures, wood, metal, fabric and whimsical art in a full range of prices. Here's the full scoop on the show from Plumas Arts.

And while you're in Chester, why not drop by the Chester Piecemakers Quilt Show at Chester High School?

If your interests lie more toward exercise, you might want to join in the Round Valley Lake Run and Walk on Saturday, August 4.

And for a truly unique experience, check out this opportunity - the Harvey Farms Fiber Workshops - held on a real sheep ranch near Calpine. Read all about it here.
 

It's good to report that one of the two wildfires burning in Plumas County is 90% contained. The Plumas National Forest reports: "The Peak Fire is burning on the Beckwourth Ranger District on the Plumas National Forest about 15 miles northeast of Portola, CA. Crews worked on the fire last night securing the north west side of the fire and personnel today will be holding and improving existing fire lines and mopping up 300 feet in. Interior pockets of unburned fuel may continue to flare up during the afternoon hours over the next couple of days. Crews continue to remain vigilant for any additional fire movement that may develop during day and night shifts."

The other fire is called Chips and is far from containment. Here is the latest report from the Forest Service: "The fire was discovered early morning on Sunday, July 29, up the Chips Creek drainage along the Pacific Crest Trail in the Feather River Canyon. The fire has just crossed Indian Creek (6:00 pm). Campers along Caribou Road are asked to voluntarily evacuate their campsites tonight; however evacuation will be mandatory tomorrow morning. PCT hikers are not to use Caribou Road. On Caribou Road, Gansner Bar and North Fork Campgrounds are closed but Queen Lily is open for public camping. All other businesses are open per their normal hours." The latest fire reports are available here: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/3052/

And we were just told about an exciting and fun fund raiser coming up at Nakoma Golf Resort in Graeagle.....On Saturday, August 11, there will be "The Gold Mountain Pig Roast and Bluegrass BBQ."  This is a fund raiser for the Johnsville Ski Bowl Project.  See all the details here.

And more news this morning - a very unusual opportunity to learn about wool from the ground up. The Harvey Farm in Calpine is hosting fiber workshops all day Saturday, August 4. 

Two really great events at Lake Almanor this weekend. The 20th Annual Almanor Fishing Association Family Picnic will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2012.  It will be held from 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm at the Lake Almanor Country Club Recreation Area #1.  New York steak dinner or hot dog plate. For information please call (530) 258-3790.

Also on Saturday, July 28, Lake Almanor's premiere summer party, "MidSummer Madness," is held under the trees at beautiful Foxwood Park from 6 pm to midnight.  Food, wine, beer and spirits tasting, silent auction, music, dancing and fun. $40 per ticket for the entire evening includes a souvenir wine glass.

And speaking of wine, there's wine tasting at the Main Street Sports Bar in Quincy starting at 1pm.

Exciting news from our friends at the US Forest Service:

Time’s a wasting…head for the hills!
Dust off the tents, ice down the coolers, load up the car and head to eastern Plumas County, CA for a camping trip in the beautiful Plumas National Forest.
At Lake Davis, the Grasshopper Flat and Grizzly campgrounds have brand new water systems and roads and spurs in Grasshopper Flat have been widened and repaved. A long grubby day boating with the kids is not an issue as shower facilities were added recently at the Honker Cove boat launch site. And last year’s thinning project removed damaged and diseased trees, leaving the forest in a healthier, safer condition.
Nearby Frenchman Lake has also been revamped with new bathroom buildings that include showers at Cottonwood and Big Cove campgrounds. The parking lot at the Kiosk area has been paved and later this year the accessibility trail will be extended to provide fishing access.
In the Lakes Basin area, a composting toilet has been added at Grass Lake, a welcome facility near the Jamison Creek trail.
If you prefer a totally different type of stay, perhaps a night or two in a fire look-out will fit the bill. The Black Mountain Look-out has been phenomenally successful in its first year of operation and it’s not hard to see why when you experience the breathtaking view! Be sure to book well in advance.
More information about each site can be found at http://www.fs.usda.gov/plumas or by calling the Beckwourth Ranger District weekdays at 530-836-2575.

Just picked this up from a Facebook post by Emily - who lives in Indian Valley -too good not to share. Mind you, this isn't typical for everyone living here, but most of us have experienced at least some part of this story!

"Damn Raccoons! Where clapping my hands made the raccoons run out the door a few nights before, last night they hovered just outside the screen door (which is torn from my dog busting thru it, while chasing after a bear) and every time I would take a few steps towards the sliding glass door to close it, they would growl at me. A mean growl at that! So, while hiding behind my bedroom door, I threw shoes and slippers at it. Last shot was a bulls eye and I quickly ran and got that door closed! Why don't I fix the screen door you ask? Been there, done that more than once, but the dog does seem to like a good bear chase, so I just have to remember to close the other door!!!!"
 

Just in case you were wondering, or worried about the kitties, I'm here to tell you they have taken over that home, have fully retired from customer service, and are quite happy with their new routine. That routine includes at least two LONG naps every day on a real bed, the chance to explore outdoors at their leisure, and most of their demands met instantly. Did I mention they also sometimes allow their human to occupy their bed for the night?

We hope you will check back often to find out what's new and happenin' all around  Plumas County.  And again, please share your stories, comments and/or photos with us.