A Celebration of Wildlife, Water, and Summer in Plumas County
Each summer, Lake Almanor becomes more than just a beautiful alpine lake. It turns into a living classroom, a gathering place, and one of the best opportunities in California to experience the graceful movement of Western and Clark’s grebes up close.
Imagine yourself quietly drifting across the calm waters of Lake Almanor at sunrise, so close that you can watch the grebes skim across the surface. You won’t have to wonder, festival guides share fascinating stories all about these birds. You’ll learn about their habitat and the conservation efforts that protect them, making every tour feel like equal parts adventure and discovery.
Grebe Fest Pontoon Tour 
Couple of Grebes 
Grebes featuring Mount Lassen Hosted around Lake Almanor and led by the Plumas Audubon Society (PAS), the annual Grebe Festival, is a three-day celebration of these remarkable waterbirds and the fragile ecosystems they depend on. This year’s festival will take place August 7th–9th, bringing together birders, families, photographers, and curious visitors for a weekend on the water.
You will enjoy this festival, even if you’re someone who doesn’t consider yourself a birder, and there’s no shortage of ways to spend the weekend. While one person heads out on a grebe tour, others can explore Lake Almanor’s shoreline, browse local shops, enjoy a lunch on the lake, or just relax and take in the mountain scenery.
Music on the Deck Plumas Pines 
Plumas Pines Resort overlooking Lake Almanor 
Iced Coffee at CoffeesStation What makes the Grebe Festival so special is its immersive quality. Guided kayak and pontoon boat tours take participants directly onto the lake, where grebes can be seen performing their signature courtship dances and gliding effortlessly across the water. It’s quiet, slow, and incredibly close to nature in a way that feels almost unreal when you are out there in the middle of the lake.
The festival also features educational presentations, family-friendly activities, and live music throughout the weekend. It’s designed to be fun whether you are an experienced birder or simply someone who wants to spend a summer day doing something different and meaningful.
More Things to Do Around Lake Almanor
Even if your itinerary revolves around the festival, there’s plenty more to discover throughout the weekend.
Walk the Lake Almanor Recreation Trail, where miles of paved pathways hug the shoreline and offer beautiful views of the lake and Lassen Peak.
Visit the historic Olsen Barn, one of Northern California’s oldest surviving barns, surrounded by open meadows that are popular for birdwatching and photography.
Head west toward Lassen Volcanic National Park, where steaming fumaroles, crystal-clear lakes, and family-friendly hikes make for an unforgettable day trip.
Photo by Feather River Land Trust
Lake Almanor 
Entering Greenville Or simply spend an afternoon on the water. Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or boat and experience Lake Almanor the same way the grebes do, gliding quietly across one of Northern California’s most scenic lakes.
Explore the charming downtowns of Chester, Quincy, or Greenville, stop by a local brewery or coffee shop, or spend an afternoon on the water kayaking, paddleboarding, or boating. However you choose to spend your weekend, you’ll find plenty of ways to slow down, explore, and experience everything that makes Plumas County special.
A Festival That Gives Back
More than anything, the Grebe Festival is about connection. Connection to the natural world, to the lake itself, and to the conservation work happening right here in Plumas County.
Proceeds from the event support the Plumas Audubon Society’s work to protect Western and Clark’s grebes and the habitats they depend on. Throughout the weekend, visitors learn how healthy lakes, wetlands, and shorelines benefit not only wildlife but everyone who enjoys spending time outdoors.
Attending the festival is a chance to experience one of Plumas County’s most unique natural treasures while helping ensure future generations can do the same. To sign up now, visit the Plumas Audubon website.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re an avid birder, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a different kind of summer getaway, the Grebe Festival offers something you won’t find just anywhere. Bring your binoculars, your camera, and your sense of curiosity, then spend a weekend discovering why Plumas County has become one of California’s premier destinations for birdwatching, recreation, and peaceful mountain escapes.
After your morning on the lake, stay awhile. Explore the trails, enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, watch the sunset over the water, and experience the slower pace that keeps visitors coming back to Plumas County year after year. We promise you won’t regret it.
Rose Quartz Inn offers clean, up to date, well appointed rooms in a friendly & caring environment, all at the doorstep of Lassen Park & Lake Almanor.
300 feet from the water. Sleeps 2-22 and includes 2 deeded boat slips.
Kids love our park, it’s perfect for kids of all ages! From swimming during the warm summer months to riding bicycles along the campground roads!
Close to the SW entrance of Lassen Volcanic National Park. A stay at the historic lodge includes full breakfast, option of dinner and a full bar.
Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a two week vacation, Knotty Pine Resort and Marina offers you an opportunity to leave the city behind!
Lake Almanor CC Vacation 4 Bdrm, 2 Ba Sleeps 10 2 Game Rooms, Free 90M WIFI Bedding, Towels, Soaps, Coffee Bar, Laundry Room, BBQ All-Season Rental
Rocky Point is a PG&E operated Campground Located on the West Shore of Lake Almanor just North of Canyon Dam
Forest Backed Family Cabin with Studio – Sleeps 10 | Lake Almanor West
The Dorado Inn is a waterfront boutique resort, retreat and healing center located on the east shore of Lake Almanor, California.
Golf Course Retreat with Patio – Sleeps 6 | Bailey Creek, Lake Almanor
This home is located in the heart of Chester. Minutes to Lake Almanor, for boating, water sports, swimming, kayaking, 40 minutes to Mt. Lassen.
300 feet from the water and designated boat slip included for your stay.
Family Cabin Near Boat Launch & Bike Trail – Sleeps 10 | Lake Almanor West
Lakefront cabin, sleeps 12, near historic Hamilton Branch Powerhouse.
Experience lakeside luxury at this stunning Lake Almanor home in the heart of the Lake Almanor Country Club.
Year-round RV park in downtown Chester with full hookups, shady grounds, and proximity to Lake Almanor.
Offers comfortable accommodations for 12 guests in the heart of Lake Almanor Country Club, with access to nearby beaches, golf, and family-friendly.
Escape to Joseph’s Eastshore Escape, a lakefront home with stunning views, a private dock, and cozy interiors. Perfect for families seeking relaxation
Magical home with gorgeous lake and sunset views. Sleeps 10. Located in the Lake Almanor Country Club with all the amenities.
Big Springs Resort is among the tall pines with a quiet serene atmosphere. Family and pet friendly near Hamilton Branch.
Beautiful resort along the shores of Lake Almanor. We offer a wide range of amenities including; cabins and rooms, an RV park, and a marina.
Relax and unwind at R & R Casa de Lago, a beautiful lakefront home in Big Springs, Lake Almanor. With a private dock and stunning views.
Wonderful Lake Almanor Cabin on a deep water parcel with gently sloped lawn to sandy beach, waters edge, and dock.
Lake Almanor Country Club Log Cabin near Recreation Area 2 & Golf Course.
This home-away-from-home is well stocked for your next vacation with everything the family might need, and more.
The Dome is an adorable geodesic home in Peninsula Village with 2 bedrooms, a loft, 2 bathrooms, a large deck with lake views, and air conditioning.
Set in a quiet cove, off Peninsula Drive, this lake access home sleeps 10.
Lakefront Home with Private Dock & Buoy – Sleeps 8 | Lake Almanor Country Club
Private Lakeside Villa within walking distance of the Knotty Pine Marina!
Your perfect basecamp in charming old town Chester, centraly located to Lake Almanor and Lassen Volcanic NP.
Lakefront Cabin with Dock & Buoy – Sleeps 10 | Lake Almanor West
Antlers Inn is in the best location in Chester close to shopping, restaurants, parks and trails. Best value in the Lake Almanor area.
Family-operated RV park, cabins, and marina nestled in pine forest on Lake Almanor. Boat rentals & lakeside serenity.
A family owned/operated resort since 1928, featuring 9 cabins, 25 RV sites, marina, cafe and a commitment to providing an amazing vacation experience
Lakefront Retreat with Dock & Buoy – Sleeps 12 | Lake Almanor West
Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a two week vacation, Knotty Pine Resort and Marina offers you an opportunity to leave the city behind!
63 fee sites along the shore of Butt Valley Reservoir. RV’s and tents are welcome with a limit of 6 persons per campsite. Pet Friendly.
True Lakeside Resort & Amenities. Full Kitchens, Smart TV’s, Multi Bedroom Rentals. Lake outside your front door.
Enjoy the outstanding views and tranquil atmosphere at Butt Valley Reservoir when you set up camp at Cool Springs Campground in Northern California.
Serene Lake Almanor escape with waterfront cabins & RV sites amid pine forests. Perfect for fishing and forest walks.
Lakefront Home with Dock & Buoy – Sleeps 8 | Lake Almanor Country Club
Charming lakeside B&B with private baths, homemade treats, and forest views at Lake Almanor Peninsula.
Nestled in the pines this quiet clul-de-sac cabin is right up the road from your own boat slip at Knotty Pines Marina in Big Cove.
Discover the nostalgic Almanor A-Frame, a charming mid-century a-frame cabin with the ambiance of a treehouse and a view of the lake.
Step into our uniquely designed rooms in the heart of Chester.
