Outdoor Recreation

Boating and Swimming

Water sports abound in Plumas County within its more than 100 lakes and 1,000 miles of streams. Boating, water skiing, jet skiing, sailing, kayaking, paddle- boarding, windsurfing, and swimming are among the more popular water sports available at the larger lakes, including Almanor, Bucks, Antelope, Little Grass, Gold, and Frenchman. (Lake Davis does not allow jet skiing or water skiing.)

Swimming is also popular at some of the smaller lakes, including Butt Valley Reservoir, the Lakes Basin area and the Graeagle Mill Pond, which has an adjacent facility with non-motorized watercraft rentals.

There are many swimming holes to be found in the rivers and streams.  There also are a number of public swimming pools located in the major communities.

Beginner to expert kayaker or rafter? Be sure to check our River Rafting page for tips about rafting on gentle streams or challenging white-water trips on the Feather River.

Watercraft Rentals 
Lake Almanor
Lake Almanor Kayak, Paddleboard & Bike Rentals
Kayaks and stand up paddle boards
(530) 284-7372

Knotty Pine Resort
Ski boats, runabout boats, pontoon boats, fishing boats, jet skis
(530) 596-3348

Majors Outpost
Jet skis, ski boats, runabout boats, pontoon boats, fishing boats
(530) 259-2727

Bucks Lake
Bucks Lake Marina
Ski boats, fishing boats, pontoon boats, kayaks, canoes and jet skis
(530) 283-4243

Eastern Plumas Area

Lost Sierra Pack & Paddle
Kayak & Paddleboard rentals & delivery
(530) 238-7206

High Sierra Adventure Rentals
Jet skis for Frenchman Lake or any other nearby lake
(800) 596-8840

Sardine Lake Resort / Lakes Basin Area
12 foot aluminum rowboats and 12 foot aluminum rowboats with trolling motors
(530) 862-1196