Cross Country Skiers

Four Seasons
of Adventure

Photo by Darla Deruiter

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.

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.

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 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

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
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

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

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

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

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.

Quincy
West End Theatre
541 Main St

Follow 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. This Christmastime favorite is a heartwarming, funny treat for the whole family!

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Portola
Western Pacific Railroad Museum
700 Western Pacific Way

Enjoy rides aboard a festive holiday train covered in lights. Free homemade cookies, hot cider, coffee and hot chocolate. And the kids get to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus!

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6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Plumas County Fairgrounds
204 Fairground Rd

Don’t miss this drive-thru holiday attraction. Gate opens at 6pm and closes at 8pm on Thursdays and Fridays. Admission is free and donations are accepted at the exit.

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Chester
Chester Park
Willow Street off of Main Street

Time for some frolic and fun in Chester Park! *Open: Fridays 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm Saturdays 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm Sundays 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm +Special Holiday Hours

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Contact Colin Dillingham for details. Email colin.dillingham@usda.gov or call/ text (530) 394-8129 for details. Additional dates for Sierra Valley and American Valley

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Quincy
6:30 pm
West End Theatre
541 Main St

From Nightbrain flows a blend of moody groove, clubby funk, and soulful chill-hop. Ranger: It’s glad rock, it’s sad rock, it’s dad rock.

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Chester
9:00 pm
Roger's Field (Chester Airport)
241 Mason Road

Let’s say goodbye to 2023, celebrate the coming of a new one… and do it with a bang!

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