Mom and kids in kayak at shore of Lake Almanor

photo by S. Outland

The Best Places for a Family Vacation in Plumas County

Written by someone who knows there’s no place quite like home. 

In Plumas County, the air is a little crisper, the nights a lot darker except for the twinkling stars, and the pace delightfully slower. You won’t find yourself stuck in traffic, fast food restaurants, and there’s no honking horns. Just the sound of wind in the pines, the sighting of deer in the underbrush, and the kind of quiet where you can hear children’s laughter as it echos back at them. 

If you’re looking for a family getaway that feels like stepping into the pages of a forgotten storybook—Plumas County is the place. Below are four of our most special towns to visit with kids in tow, each offering unique activities, unforgettable scenery, and a chance to truly connect.

Chester: Mountain Town Meets Lakeside Magic

Chester greets you with wide streets and a sense of stillness that settles in as soon as you arrive. Framed by Lassen Volcanic National Park to the west and Lake Almanor to the south, it feels like a small-town summer dream—log cabins, fishing docks, breezes off the lake, and the kind of dusk that begs for roasted marshmallows and ghost stories.

Downtown is welcoming, with an eclectic mix of restaurants, two hardware stores with everything one could need, a bookstore, home decor, outdoor furniture, and several gift shops, where kids can pick out a toy or field guide, mom can find a gift for the dog-walker and teen sister can add a Plumas County sticker to her collection. But it’s what surrounds the town that makes it shine: forests, trails, wildflowers, and water.

What to Do With Your Family in Chester

Spend the Day on the Almanor Recreation Trail and Lake Almanor

This paved lakeside trail is perfect for all ages—bike it, walk it, push a stroller, or stop every ten feet to skip rocks and collect pinecones. It hugs the shoreline, offering uninterrupted views of Mt. Lassen and the shimmering lake.

If you need rentals, try Major’s Outpost and Knotty Pine Marina for motorboats and jet skis. For bikes, kayaks, and paddle boards, try Higher Elevation Kayak Rentals.Want to introduce your kids to fishing? Book a trip with one of our local fishing guides.  Visit the Lake Almanor Lake page for more information on Lake Almanor.

Explore the Collins Pine Nature Trail

This is a great little loop for families, especially with younger kids. It winds through tall pine trees, with views of the Feather River along the way, and you’ll often see deer or hear woodpeckers if you go early or late in the day. In spring and fall, the colors really pop and the air smells like fresh pine and wildflowers. There are spots to stop for a snack or picnic by the water, and sometimes there’s something going on at Chester Community Park, which is right at the trailhead. You can also swing by the nearby Rec Building—there’s usually a game of ping pong or cornhole set up, which makes it a fun little outing for everyone.

Visit the Olsen Barn Meadow at Sunset
At the eastern edge of Chester, where the forest gives way to open sky, you’ll find a wide meadow brushed with wild grasses and the silhouette of the Olsen Barn—a towering wooden structure that feels frozen in time.

Built sometime between 1860 and 1880 by Norwegian barn builder Peter Olsen, this structure wasn’t just made for function—it was made to last. Olsen established a dairy here in what was then called Big Meadows, and needed a barn large enough to shelter cattle through Sierra winters and store massive amounts of hay. Over a century later, that same barn still stands—making it one of the oldest surviving barns in all of Northern California.

Thanks to a passionate local movement and the efforts of the Feather River Land Trust, the barn and surrounding meadow were saved from private development in 2015. Today, the land trust manages the 107-acre property, which includes parking, walking trails, and educational signage. The barn’s foundation has been restored, and the structure continues to be a symbol of community pride and rural heritage.

For families, it’s a must-visit—especially at golden hour, when the light hits the wood just right and the meadow glows with peace. Kids can run through the grass, look for owls nesting in the rafters, or just lay on a blanket and stare up at the endless sky. In winter, it becomes a snow-draped wonderland perfect for snowshoeing.

Whether you come for the history, the views, or the quiet—it’s a place that stays with you.

For families interested in birding this is a special area that offers many species, one being the indigenous Grebes.

Hit the Museums
Chester has a surprising mix of history and community events—from the Collins Pine Museum (focused on forestry and sustainability) and the Chester Library Museum to the craft fairs, fish fry and taco night at the Elks Lodge, live music at the Elegant Farmer and Lassen Club, the Timber House brewery – there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy and love about Chester.

 Where to Stay in Chester

Lake Almanor

Private Lakeside Villa within walking distance of the Knotty Pine Marina!

Lake Almanor

Big Springs Resort is among the tall pines with a quiet serene atmosphere. Family and pet friendly near Hamilton Branch.

Canyon Dam

Rocky Point is a PG&E operated Campground Located on the West Shore of Lake Almanor just North of Canyon Dam

Lake Almanor

Set in a quiet cove, off Peninsula Drive, this lake access home sleeps 10.

Lake Almanor

Experience lakeside luxury at this stunning Lake Almanor home in the heart of the Lake Almanor Country Club.

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.

Chester

Antlers Inn is in the best location in Chester close to shopping, restaurants, parks and trails. Best value in the Lake Almanor area.

Lake Almanor

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

Lake Almanor

Lake View Condominium in Peninsula Village with dock & boat slip. Sleeps 6.

Butt Valley Reservoir

Enjoy the outstanding views and tranquil atmosphere at Butt Valley Reservoir when you set up camp at Cool Springs Campground in Northern California.

Lake Almanor

Lakefront cabin, sleeps 12, near historic Hamilton Branch Powerhouse.

Lake Almanor

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.

Lake Almanor

Escape to Joseph’s Eastshore Escape, a lakefront home with stunning views, a private dock, and cozy interiors. Perfect for families seeking relaxation

Lake Almanor

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

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

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.

Lake Almanor

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.

Canyon Dam

A family owned/operated resort since 1928, featuring 9 cabins, 25 RV sites, marina, cafe and a commitment to providing an amazing vacation experience

Lake Almanor

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.

Chester

Step into our uniquely designed rooms in the heart of Chester.

Lake Almanor

Lake Almanor Country Club Log Cabin near Recreation Area 2 & Golf Course.

Westwood

True Lakeside Resort & Amenities. Full Kitchens, Smart TV’s, Multi Bedroom Rentals. Lake outside your front door.

Lake Almanor

Wonderful Lake Almanor Cabin on a deep water parcel with gently sloped lawn to sandy beach, waters edge, and dock.

Canyondam

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.

Chester

Your perfect basecamp in charming old town Chester, centraly located to Lake Almanor and Lassen Volcanic NP.

Lake Almanor

The Dorado Inn is a waterfront boutique resort, retreat and healing center located on the east shore of Lake Almanor, California.

Lake Almanor

Magical home with gorgeous lake and sunset views. Sleeps 10. Located in the Lake Almanor Country Club with all the amenities.

Lake Almanor

Lakefront home set in a quiet cove with a private dock.

Mill Creek

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.

Butt Valley Reservoir

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.

Chester

This home is located in the heart of Chester. Minutes to Lake Almanor, for boating, water sports, swimming, kayaking, 40 minutes to Mt. Lassen.

Chester

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.

Chester

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!

Indian Valley: Off-the Beaten Path, Quiet Roads, and Big-Hearted Community

Driving into Indian Valley feels like entering a living postcard. Green pastures stretch beneath the rugged slopes of the mountains, and red barns dot the countryside like freckles on a wide smile. Indian Valley isn’t just one town; it’s a patchwork of places: Greenville, Taylorsville, Crescent Mills, and Genesee Valley, each with their own charm, stitched together by quiet country roads and a community that feels like one big family.

Greenville is still healing after the Dixie Fire, but the spirit here is stronger than ever. There’s a deep sense of place, a rhythm tied to the land, and when you’re here, you’re part of it. No such thing as a stranger.

What to Do With Your Family in Indian Valley

Step Back in Time at the Indian Valley Museum (Taylorsville)
Housed in a quaint, whitewashed schoolhouse, this museum is packed with hands-on exhibits about Maidu heritage, pioneer life, and Gold Rush tales. Kids can touch old farming tools, see logging equipment, and imagine life in the valley 100 years ago.

Cruise the Barn Quilt Tour and Scenic Loop
Grab a map and take a slow drive around the valley. Along the way, you’ll spot vibrant, hand-painted barn quilts on barns, sheds, and fences. It’s like a treasure hunt of local folk art—and you’ll pass horses, hayfields, and happy cows along the way.

Celebrate Small-Town Spirit at the Silver Buckle Rodeo
Held each July in Taylorsville, this event is pure Americana—parades, fair food, horses, and kids cheering on mutton-bustin’. Bring the family and you’ll leave feeling like you belong.

Take a Picnic to Genesee Valley
This corner of the valley is less developed and more serene. Set up a picnic by the creek, dip your toes in the water, and listen to the wind in the cottonwoods. It’s unplugged bliss.

Round Valley Reservoir
Tucked just outside Greenville, Round Valley Reservoir is a peaceful spot that feels like a secret. The calm, tree-lined shoreline is perfect for families—great for teaching kids to fish or just laying out a picnic and skipping rocks. You’ll usually find a few kayaks or float tubes gliding by, but the vibe stays quiet and relaxed. There’s a small boat launch, basic picnic areas, and plenty of space to just breathe and take in the view.

Antelope Lake
A bit farther out, but totally worth the drive, Antelope Lake offers wide-open views, cool mountain air, and a sense of total escape. Surrounded by forested hills, it’s a favorite for camping, paddling, and swimming on hot summer days. The shoreline is scattered with quiet coves and inlets, which are perfect for families who want their own little slice of lake to explore. It feels remote—in the best way—and the night sky here is unreal once the sun goes down.

Where to Stay Near Indian Valley

This serene spot features 35 campsites shaded by towering pine and fir trees, including some with scenic lakefront views.

Hallsted Campground, located in the heart of the Feather River Canyon, offers a peaceful retreat just off the scenic byway.

Greenville

Experience glamping in the Lost Sierra! Our spacious sites and safari-style tents offer the perfect place to rest, renew, and reconnect!

Tucked away just two miles north of Highway 70 on Caribou Road, North Fork Campground offers a peaceful escape along the shore of the Feather River.

Spanish Creek Campground, located off Highway 70 near Belden, offers a peaceful camping experience along Spanish Creek.

Queen Lily Campground is a serene getaway located off Highway 70, near the merging of Spanish Creek and Indian Creek.

With 87 sites available for both tent and RV camping, Lone Rock provides a tranquil retreat just 30 miles northeast of Taylorsville.

Located 32 miles west of Quincy along Highway 70, Gansner Bar Campground in Plumas County offers a tranquil retreat.

Located in the Antelope Lake Recreation Area, Boulder Creek Campground offers 68 shaded campsites surrounded by towering pine and fir trees.

Quincy: Culture, Trails, and That Storybook Main Street Feel

Quincy feels like it was plucked from a small-town novel. Brick buildings, old-fashioned lamp posts, vibrant murals, and music spilling out of cafés—it’s part arts hub, part nature basecamp. You’ll find creativity here, but also quiet trails, clean rivers, and meadows full of wildflowers just minutes from town.

For families, Quincy is that rare combo of convenient and captivating. 

What to Do With Your Family in Quincy

Tour Downtown’s Murals, Museums, and Market Days
Start at the Plumas County Museum, then pick up a walking tour map and stroll past turn-of-the-century buildings, public art, and quirky shops. During summer, don’t miss the Thursday Night Market with music, produce, and kid-friendly treats. 

Play and Picnic Along the Feather River
Just a few blocks from Quincy’s historic downtown, Gansner Park feels like a tucked-away family oasis. Shaded by tall trees and nestled along a gentle bend of the Feather River, it’s a go-to spot for locals and a hidden gem for visitors.

Kids can climb, swing, and run on the playground while parents relax on shaded benches nearby. The park has picnic tables, wide grassy areas perfect for tossing a Frisbee, and direct access to the river—ideal for dipping toes in on hot summer afternoons. Families often set up picnic blankets along the bank and spend hours just watching the current roll by.

On warm days, you might see teens jumping from rope swings into the water, toddlers stacking river rocks, and grandparents reading a book beneath the cottonwoods. It’s the kind of timeless scene that reminds you why simpler is often better.

Bring a picnic, pack a swimsuit, and plan to stay longer than you expected—it’s just that peaceful.

Walk the Leonhardt Ranch Trail
Tucked on the edge of Quincy’s American Valley, the Leonhardt Ranch Nature Trail is a gentle loop that feels more like a nature lesson wrapped in a walk. It winds through wide-open meadows, native grasslands, and along seasonal wetlands—all part of a working conservation ranch protected by the Feather River Land Trust.

Kids will love spotting birds, butterflies, and wildflowers as they walk, and the interpretive signs along the way turn the experience into a scavenger hunt of sorts: Why do meadowlarks nest here? What’s that plant with the yellow blooms? Why does the soil smell so sweet after rain?

The trail is short—just under a mile—but the views are expansive. With big skies overhead and the ridges of the Sierra Valley in the distance, you’ll feel both grounded and free.

It’s stroller-friendly, quiet, and perfect for families who want a low-key, high-reward way to connect with nature.

Day Trip to Bucks Lake
A 30-minute drive west from Quincy winds you up into the mountains, through stands of evergreens and into the cool air above 5,000 feet—where you’ll find Bucks Lake, one of Plumas County’s most beloved summer escapes. 

This high-elevation lake is framed by dense forests and dotted with quiet coves, perfect for swimming, fishing, paddleboarding, or just floating the day away. It’s one of those rare places where you can pull your car right up to the shore, unpack your picnic, and enjoy it for hours. 

Families love the Mill Creek and Sandy Point day use areas, which are free, and offer calm water for littles, shade for resting, and picnic tables with unbeatable views. Adventurous kids can rent kayaks or paddleboards at the marina, while others may just want to build driftwood forts and dig their toes into the sand.

Surrounding the lake are trails, hidden meadows, and campgrounds, so whether you come for a few hours or a full weekend, there’s always more to explore.Catch a Show at the Town Hall Theatre
Check the schedule for family films or live performances. This lovingly restored local theater brings small-town cinema charm to life.

Where To Stay in Quincy

Quincy

Located in the heart of Plumas County, Quincy California. Easy to find right off the highway with beautiful mountain views. Open 24/7!

Quincy

Greenhorn Ranch is a premier guest ranch in California’s Northern Sierra offering traditional & contemporary ranch activities.

Quincy

Has a small-town atmosphere that will refresh your spirit. Enjoy watching the sunset over Spanish Peak from your own porch.

Twain

Quaint, beautiful, family-friendly and pet friendly cottages in the Feather River Canyon with access to the Feather River.

Bucks Lake

At bucks lake a quarter mile from marina. We are up in the northern Sierras Many places to fish and bike in the mountains. Close to the PCT trail

Quincy

Ada’s Garden Cottages are a gorgeous oasis hideaway in the center of historic downtown Quincy with full kitchens and cozy-custom-artful-architecture.

Quincy

Five rustic cabins sit on the water’s edge of the lake while three sit nestled in the trees. Cabins vary in size, sleeping from two to eight guests.

Belden

Caribou Café and Store Postal Service Laundry, Bathroom, and Showers Cozy Cabin Komfort RV

Twain

Cozy one-room cottage for two in the Feather River Canyon with riverfront access, beach activities, and stunning surroundings.

Twain

Just steps from the Feather River, Family Friendly Campground w/ everything you need for a relaxing & exciting vacation. Bring the family, toys & pets

Quincy

Full hook-up RV spaces located in downtown Quincy along the beautiful Feather River quietly amongst the riverbank and tress.

Quincy

It’s easy to relax when you are surrounded by this much space and luxury. Our beautifully decorated suites offer all the comforts of home, and more.

Keddie

Unrivaled privacy on 5 acres of river. Wake up to coffee on the deck listening to the river, birds and basking in the morning sun.

Bucks Lake

Set among the beautiful pine trees in a cove at the south end of Bucks Lake, Haskins Valley Campground is a popular vacation spot.

Bucks Lake

Rustic cabins overlooking Bucks Lake! Rent boats, waverunners, kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddle boards, and more from our Marina.

Quincy

We offer a safe, affordable clean, and friendly experience near downtown Quincy. Enjoy your stay at the Lariat.

Quincy

Quincy Feather Bed Inn is nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mt. range, in the heart of historic downtown Quincy. Steps to restaurants & watering holes.

Quincy

Beautiful treed park with great internet tucked away from Highway 70 in Quincy, with rivers, lakes, and recreation areas not far outside of town.

Quincy

We’re not a five star accommodation but we are the jewel of the Sierra Mountains. Clean, comfortable and with many amenities.

Belden: Where the River Sings and the Stars Feel Close Enough to Touch

Hidden in the dramatic folds of the Feather River Canyon, Belden is a place people find when they want to disappear into nature—but not too far. The canyon walls rise steeply on both sides, wrapping you in granite and green. The river rushes through like a constant lullaby, and trains snake through the cliffs overhead in a slow, magical rhythm.

Belden has no cell service and no distractions. For families, it’s a rare chance to truly be together.

What to Do With Your Family in Belden

Hike Part of the Pacific Crest Trail
Even just a mile or two on this legendary trail offers incredible views of the river, bridges, and cliffs. It’s well-maintained and close to Belden Town.

Rich Bar
Just down the canyon from Belden, Rich Bar is a quiet, blink-and-you-miss-it spot along Highway 70, but it’s packed with history. Once a bustling Gold Rush mining town, today it’s a peaceful stretch of river and forest where families can stop to explore the beauty of the Feather River Canyon. There’s no official “town” anymore, but the area offers great access for fishing, picnicking, or simply pulling over to take in the view. The river runs clear here, and in the summer months it’s not uncommon to see folks wading, swimming, or panning for gold just like they did in the 1850s—only with a lot more sunscreen.

Swim and Wade in the Feather River
The shallow banks near Belden are ideal for supervised water play—safe wading for kids, deeper pools for teens, and plenty of rock-skipping opportunities.

Stargaze Like You’ve Never Seen Before
With no light pollution, Belden’s skies are astonishing. Lay on a blanket and watch the Milky Way stretch across the canyon sky. It’s a memory you’ll talk about forever.

Watch the Trains from the Bridge
The bridge at Belden offers a perfect vantage point for watching freight trains roll through the canyon—a huge hit with kids and parents alike.

Don’t Miss July Events

Quincy
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Rich Bar Taproom Backyard
60 Main St.

Connect with Quincy’s community of small food producers and artisans. Dance to live music, be merry.! Second Wed. of each month June- October.

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Quincy
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Greenhorn Ranch
2116 Greenhorn Ranch Road

It’s a longtime, local favorite in Quincy, CA,enjoy a delicious BBQ feast featuring smoked ribs, chicken, ranch sides, and more. Reserve by Tuesday before the BBQ.

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Quincy
Plumas County Fairgrounds
204 Fairground Road

A family-friendly music festival with an eclectic lineup of more than 50 performers on four daytime stages and in four late-night venues.

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Lake Almanor
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Blue Goose Gallery of Artists
289 Clifford Drive

Please join us for First Friday fun! FREE! Door prizes, games, and more! Co-op and displays of over 40 talented artists, many calling Northern California home.

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Chester
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Chester Park

Elks hosts the annual Crafts Fair and Barbecue at Chester Park. Hot dog or polish dog, chips and soda for $10:00. Draft Beer or Wine $5.00

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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Chester
9:00 am
Collin Pines Lawn
500 Main Street

One mile run/walk along historic Main Street in Chester, CA. The event starts at 9 a.m. on the Collins Pine Lawn and finishes at the Bidwell House.

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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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Crescent MIlls
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Crescent Country
15771 Hwy 89

Parking lot full of great stuff & a Store full of treasures! Come check out this fun event in Beautiful Indian Valley!

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Canyondam
9:00 pm – 1:00 am
Plumas Pines Resort
3000 Almanor Drive

Whether you’re a local or just visiting for the holiday, Plumas Pines Resort is the perfect lakeside destination to let loose and make lasting memories.

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Quincy
Rugged Roots Farm
501 Crescent St

Kids will learn about food and craft traditions from several different cultures and nations.

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Quincy
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Dame Shirley Plaza
570 Main St

The Red Bridge Ramblers are a string band based in Quincy, CA, that plays an interesting musical mix of Bluegrass and Americana.

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Quincy
6:00 pm
Rich Bar Taproom
60 Main Street

Welcome to Rich Bar’s First Music On Tap Music Series! Come check out local and out of town artists! All free entry! C atch y’all at Rich Bar!

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Quincy
7:00 pm – 9:15 pm
Town Hall Theatre
469 Main St

The Hattie Craven Band is a vibrant and innovative musical ensemble from Northern California. It is renowned for its unique sound, which captivates audiences.

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5:00 pm
Taylorsvill Rodeo Grounds

Enjoy a family fun day at the Taylorsville Junior Rodeo with special PeeWee events.

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Canyon Dam
7:00 am
Plumas Pines Resort
3000 Almanor Drive W

A full lake, lunch provided by Plumas Pines, relaxing on the lawn after a morning paddle and beautiful day on the water, and the chance to win prizes.

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Clio
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
5080 Sierra Estates Drive

Paint the flora & fauna of the Sierra in this two-day workshop with artist Kristine Palmer.

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Quincy
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Pioneer Disc Golf Park
Corner of Fairgrounds and Pioneer Roads

Get ready to test your skills and battle for disc golf supremacy in the 2025 Plumas Series! 8-event series, held at the beautiful Pioneer Disc Golf Course.

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Greenville
10:00 am
Greenville
Main Street

Spend the day in Greenville and celebrate the Annual Gold Digger Days. It’s family fun for everyone. The parade starts at 10. There will also be street vendors, food & music.

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Blairdsen
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Plumas Eureka State Park
310 Johnsville Rd

This free event brings alive the Gold Mining Era of CA. There are blacksmiths, woodshop, and wool spinning demos—arts and crafts for kids. Pancake breakfast (8-10:30).

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Quincy
Plumas County Fairgrounds
204 Fairground Road

The Fair will include the carnival, the livestock show and auction, and special surprises for 2024.

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Lake Almanor
3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Lake Almanor Country Club Rec 1 Picnic Area

Fundraiser hosted by our dedicated group of volunteers. Funds support our newsletter, fish rearing cage program, local scholarships and CHS Limnology Lab when needed.

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Quincy
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Downtown Quincy
Main Street

Classic cars, horses, floats, emergency vehicles and more! Come celebrate the longest running Fair in the state!

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Lake Almanor
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Blue Goose Gallery of Artists
289 Clifford Drive

Please join us for First Friday fun! FREE! Door prizes, games, and more! Co-op and displays of over 40 talented artists, many calling Northern California home.

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9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Crescent Country

Parking lot full of great stuff & a Store full of treasures! Food available by Crushabowl. Come check out this fun event in Beautiful Indian Valley!

Lake Almanor

Spend the weekend celebrating the birds that make Lake Almanor so special, Western and Clarks Grebes. Join Plumas Audubon for kayak or pontoon boat tours, bird walks & more!

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Clio
9:00 am – 6:00 pm
5080 Sierra Estates Drive

Expect to gather molten glass from the furnace, blow some bubbles, and make a paperweight, ornament, and maybe a cup.

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Quincy
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Dame Shirley Plaza
570 Main St

Free concert in the park! Plumas Arts presents Music in the Plaza featuring The Back 40. Food will be available for purchase from La Cabaña.

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Lake Almanor
8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Lake Almanor Country Club
501 Peninsula Drive

The Courage Triathlon is a 2.8 mile run, 6.4 mile bike, 3.1 mile kayak. It can be done as a team of 3 or solo. come join us for a fun & inspiring experience!

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Quincy
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Pioneer Disc Golf Park
Corner of Fairgrounds and Pioneer Roads

Get ready to test your skills and battle for disc golf supremacy in the 2025 Plumas Series! 8-event series, held at the beautiful Pioneer Disc Golf Course.

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Quincy
Plumas Sierra County Fairgrounds
204 Fairground Rd.

Two days of bluegrass, folk, jazz, and more—and square dancing, too! Camp, eat, drink, and dance to top West Coast musicians. It is fast becoming a top festival in the region.

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Chester
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Chester Community Park
Meadow Brook Loop and Willow Street

Join the fun of a “blast from the past” with over 130 car owners showing off their “pride and joy” of restored cars from different eras.

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Crescent Mills
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Crescent Country
15771 Hwy 89

Parking lot full of great stuff & a Store full of treasures! Come check out this fun event in Beautiful Indian Valley!

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Chester
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
The Elegent Farmer
525 Main Street

Come and get inspired by all of the products and services offered by our local wedding exhibitors. Professionals are here to help you design your dream day. Bring your family.

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Quincy
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Town Hall Theatre
469 Main Street

Plumas Arts will show films chosen from this year’s diverse film offerings at the ​Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival based in Nevada City, CA. Concessions at event.

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Quincy
Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds
204 Fairground Road

10 years later, Grinduro returns to Quincy, back where it all started, to celebrate our birthday with the perfect party to race ratio at the ultimate California gravel race. F

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9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sierra Valley: Vinton, Beckwourth, Sierraville, Loyalton

The art and ag communities of Plumas and Sierra Counties invite you to spend an awesome autumn day enjoying the history, culture, and bounty of Sierra Valley.

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Quincy
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Pioneer Disc Golf Park
Corner of Fairgrounds and Pioneer Roads

Get ready to test your skills and battle for disc golf supremacy in the 2025 Plumas Series! 8-event series, held at the beautiful Pioneer Disc Golf Course.

Learn more
Portola
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Portola City Park& WPRM

Live Music, Railroad History, a Kids’ Fun Zone, Food, Beer, Wine, Margaritaville, a Railroad-Inspired Costume Contest, and prize giveaways every hour. Free admission .

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Clio
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
5080 Sierra Estates Drive

Learn the traditional art of European-style willow basketry as you weave a functional and beautiful round basket from start to finish.

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Crescent Mills
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Crescent Country
15771 Hwy 89

Parking lot full of great stuff & a Store full of treasures! Come check out this fun event in Beautiful Indian Valley!

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Crescent Mills
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Crescent Country Parking Lot
Carter Street & Hwy 89

Everyone’s ride is welcome! Just for good, small town fun. Bikes, trucks, Jeeps, & cars. No entry fee or judging. Raffle & lunch available from Crescent Country.

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Portola
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Western Pacific Railroad Museum
700 Western Pacific Way

Pumpkin Patch Express trains will be held October 18-19 and 25-26, Saturdays and Sundays. Trains will depart hourly from 1 pm to 5pm.

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Quincy
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Plumas County Fairgrounds
204 Fairground Road

Beer, Music, Food, Fall Colors and FUN!

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Chester
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Chester, Lake Almanor, Greenville, Crescent Mills, Taylorsville

Join those who love this annual tradition. Experience the warmth and hospitality of small town America from Chester and Lake Almanor to Westwood and Indian Valley.

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Crescent Mills
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Crescent Country
15771 Hwy 89

Join us for a beautiful Holiday Tradition. We sincerely look forward to your joining us for wassail and fun!

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Quincy
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Downtown Quincy
520 Main Street

Come see what a Norman Rockwell Christmas celebration is like! Entertainment, music, a light parade, Santa, late night shopping, dining and more!

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Fourth of July Fireworks over Lake Almanor (July 4, 2025)

Every July 4th at 9 pm, Lake Almanor lights up with a breathtaking fireworks show—a local tradition now over 25 years old . The explosion of color reflects on the water, best seen from a boat near the Peninsula or from the shore. Bring blankets, gather family, and celebrate under the stars—kids floating nearby, oohs and ahhs echoing across the lake. Donations by locals, through the Almanor Foundation, help keep this yearly spectacle blazing. 

High Sierra Music Festival (July 3–6, 2025)

At the Plumas‑Sierra County Fairgrounds in Quincy, the beloved High Sierra Music Festival returns for a soulful weekend of music and connection. Kid zones keep the little ones entertained while you groove, late-night sets carry on under the stars, and pop-up yoga classes, colorful parades, and handmade art booths make every corner of the fairgrounds buzz with life. Whether you’re tent camping, rolling in with an RV, or staying in a themed glamping tent from “Happy Glamper,” it’s part music festival, part mountain getaway—and all magic.

Fun, free-spirited, and wildly welcoming, High Sierra is like NorCal’s own version of Coachella—only cooler, greener, and with a river nearby to jump in when it gets hot. If you only come to Plumas County once this summer… this is the weekend to do it.

Plumas‑Sierra County Fair (July 24–27, 2025)

Summer slides into late July with the County Fair in Quincy—a beloved hometown tradition featuring carnival rides, livestock shows, 4‑H activities, live music, and deep-fried everything. It’s a slice of local life and flavors, perfect for families wanting to sample the best community spirit Plumas County has to offer.

Junior Rodeo in Taylorsville (July 18–19, 2025)

Rooted in ranch-country tradition, the Taylorsville Junior Rodeo brings a dose of country-clad energy mid-July. Pee-Wee barrel races, flag-bearing calf runs, and learned riding push local kids to greatness while visitors cheer. It’s an intimate, joyful celebration of ranch life in the beautiful Indian Valley. Your family will remember this event forever if you are lucky enough to get the chance to join. 

Visit https://plumascounty.org/things-to-do/events/ for all of the must see events this summer. 

The Joy Is in the Simplicity: Visit Plumas County This Summer

In Plumas County, the joy doesn’t come from big-ticket attractions—it comes from simple pleasures: roasting marshmallows under the stars, hiking to a quiet overlook, watching your child discover a pinecone or spotting a hawk in flight. 

This is a place where you trade screen time for stargazing. Where mornings start with birdsong, not alarm clocks. And where family feels more like family again.

Come experience it for yourself. Your escape is waiting.

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Places to stay
Lake Almanor

Set in a quiet cove, off Peninsula Drive, this lake access home sleeps 10.

Located in the Antelope Lake Recreation Area, Boulder Creek Campground offers 68 shaded campsites surrounded by towering pine and fir trees.

Twain

Quaint, beautiful, family-friendly and pet friendly cottages in the Feather River Canyon with access to the Feather River.