Plumas County | 4 Seasons of Adventure in Northern California

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.

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two happy hikers on top of a mountain in northern california

Hiking

mountain biker on mt hough with lake behind him and american valley near quincy in distance

Mountain Biking

Fishing

Yellow-headed Black Bird in Northern California

Birding

Golfing

Kayaking & Rafting

camas lilies in a meadow in Northern Califorina

Wildflowers

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.

Bucks Lake

South Central Plumas

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Northwest Plumas

Lake Almanor

Northwest Plumas

find your Destination

Places to Stay

Find the perfect option that fits all your needs

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

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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.

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A backcountry skier climbing Mt Lassen in Northern California

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Plumas traveler guides

The 9 Best Museums in Plumas County

Highlights of the 9 best museums in Plumas County.

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Plumas traveler guides

The Best Lakes in Northern California Copy

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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.

Bike leaning against fence with meadow and lassen peak in background View can be seen on the Mile High Bike Ride

42nd Annual Mile High Century Ride

Jun 14 Northwest Plumas

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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Almanor Art Show

Jun 21 – Jun 22 Northwest Plumas

Chester
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Collins Pine Lawn
500 Main Street

Please note this event has been cancelled for June 2025

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Chester 4th of July Parade

Jul 4 Northwest Plumas

Chester
11:00 am
Collins Pine Park to Chester Meadow

Join our annual 4th of July celebration starting with this year’s 4th of July Parade. Line-up early, and enjoy the parade along with shops and sights on Main Street.

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4th of July Fireworks over Lake Almanor

Jul 4 Northwest Plumas

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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