best place to stay when visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park
Chester is a cozy town located on the shores of Lake Almanor in the shadow of Lassen Peak. This sleepy community sits along the banks of the Feather River and is surrounded by breathtaking meadows, forests, and streams.
Chester and the Lake Almanor Basin offer an array of diverse outdoor activities to enjoy. The lake offers water sports, swimming, and fabulous fishing. The area has many dining opportunities, three golf courses open to the public, and various entertainment opportunities.
Between Lassen Volcanic National Park, Lassen National Forest, and Feather River Land Trust lands, Chester is a great base camp with several hundred miles of trails. The PCT is a few miles west on Highway 36, making Chester a great halfway place in Northern California for PCT hikers to stop and re-supply.
When traveling the southern portion of the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway (Highway 36), Chester offers the perfect place to stretch your legs and stay awhile to explore the natural beauty that surrounds you.
The town has several restaurants, unique shops, two museums, and a public library. Many annual events occur here, including arts and crafts, concerts, car shows, holiday celebrations, and summer farmers markets. While much of the town closes for the evening, take a peaceful stroll from downtown on the 1.8-mile Collins Pine Nature Loop Trail along the Feather River.
The Olsen Barn, located on the eastern edge of Chester, at the corner of Hwy 36 and Melissa Street, is a favorite spot for photographers and painters. The area is also well known for birding, and several barn owls call the Olsen Barn home. In the summer, you can enjoy a picnic; in the winter, you can go cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
The takeaway
Chester is ideal for adventurous travelers who want to unplug and escape from it all. It’s the best place to stay when visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Chester Essentials
- Lassen Volcanic National Park is open year-round; you do not need a reservation to enter the park.
- Lassen’s road access, services, and activities are limited in the snowy season.
- Once evening comes, most of the town closes down. But if you want to hike and be outdoors, it is your place.
- From June through October, visit the Farmer’s Market on Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m. at Chester Park.
- Not all businesses and services are open during the winter months. Check their hours to make sure they’re open before visiting!
- Public EV charging station at Antlers Inn on Main Street, Chester.
Antlers Inn offers 4 level 2 EV chargers.
Fee 56 cents a KWH.
Part of the ampUp network.
- The population of Chester: 2,000
- Elevation of Chester: 4,534
Places to Stay Near Chester
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!
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!
A family owned/operated resort since 1928, featuring 9 cabins, 25 RV sites, marina, cafe and a commitment to providing an amazing vacation experience
Big Springs Resort is among the tall pines with a quiet serene atmosphere. Family and pet friendly near Hamilton Branch.
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
Upcoming Events Near Chester
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Snowshoe with a Lassen Park Ranger on the weekend! Snowshoe hikes begin promptly at 1:30 pm at the visitor center and are approximately two hours long.
Learn more5:50 am – 2:45 pm
Plumas Pines Resort
West Coast Championship Qualifier. Launch from Plumas Pines Resort and awards ceremony after event at Plumas Pines.
Learn more5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Rogers Field Chester Airport- Hanger F1
Chester Airport Road
Step back into the 1950s for a night of fun and nostalgia. Enjoy a selection of classic highballs, “A Taste of Almanor,” a decadent dessert buffet, music by the Kool Shifters
Learn more6:00 am
Canyon Dam Boat Launch
Almanor Fishing Association, local guides and fishermen will be hosting the 8th Veterans. Along with a day on the water, every Veteran receives a t-shirt commemorating the day
Learn more7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Almanor Country Club
600 Clifford Drive
A night of music with dancing, raffle prizes for children and adults. $10/per car.
Learn more7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Almanor Country Club
600 Clifford Drive
A night of music with dancing, raffle prizes for children and adults. $10/per car.
Learn more11:00 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.
Learn moreLake 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.
Learn more7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Almanor Country Club
600 Clifford Drive
A night of music with dancing, raffle prizes for children and adults. $10/per car.
Learn more7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Almanor Country Club
600 Clifford Drive
A night of music with dancing, raffle prizes for children and adults. $10/per car.
Learn more7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Almanor Country Club
600 Clifford Drive
A night of music with dancing, raffle prizes for children and adults. $10/per car.
Learn more7:00 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.
Learn more3:00 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.
Learn more7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Almanor Country Club
600 Clifford Drive
A night of music with dancing, raffle prizes for children and adults. $10/per car.
Learn more7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Almanor Country Club
600 Clifford Drive
A night of music with dancing, raffle prizes for children and adults. $10/per car.
Learn moreSpend 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!
Learn more7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Almanor Country Club
600 Clifford Drive
A night of music with dancing, raffle prizes for children and adults. $10/per car.
Learn more7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Almanor Country Club
600 Clifford Drive
A night of music with dancing, raffle prizes for children and adults. $10/per car.
Learn more7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Almanor Country Club
600 Clifford Drive
A night of music with dancing, raffle prizes for children and adults. $10/per car.
Learn more7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Almanor Country Club
600 Clifford Drive
A night of music with dancing, raffle prizes for children and adults. $10/per car.
Learn more9:00 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.
Learn more6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Lake Almanor Country Club
600 Clifford Drive
A night of music with dancing, raffle prizes for children and adults. $10/per car.
Learn more6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Lake Almanor Country Club
600 Clifford Drive
A night of music with dancing, raffle prizes for children and adults. $10/per car.
Learn more10:00 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.
Learn moreDining & Entertainment Near Chester
(530) 280-0767
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We carry a wide variety of merchandise including handcrafted items from local vendors. Antique hunters, ice cream lovers and espresso snobs welcome.
530-258-4226
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The Ranch House is a full service restaurant and bar with friendly staff and a beautiful back patio.
530-258-2593
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Nothing is better than a burger or a dog through a window! A local favorite for ice cream treats, dinners, fries and more for over 40 years.
(530) 259-4343
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We offer a variety of different dishes to temp your palate, from burgers & steaks to fresh fish & pasta. We offer a full bar to enjoy and kick back.
(530) 256-2133
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Restaurant open only for special events. Each month we offer Afternoon Tea and evening dinner by reservation only. All American comfort food.
(530) 259-4221
Dutch bakery and coffee house. Out of this world pastries, cookies, breakfast and lunch quiches, and savory pastry wraps. Outside seating.
(530) 280-7900
Beer & wine garden located in downtown Chester and just a stone’s throw from gorgeous Lake Almanor. A garden setting for relaxing with friends.
(530) 816-9056
Breakfast and Lunch Cafe with homemade baked goods made fresh daily! Full espresso bar with Boba, Red Bull Infusions, Ice Cream, and more!
(530) 596-3902
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New Name, same owners, same great Italian food! Our home made pizza and pasta has been famous on the Lake Almanor Peninsula for over 40 years.
530-258-2229
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Specialize in traditional breakfast & lunch favorites made from scratch with tasty twists, and fresh baked goods.
530-259-2464
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The experience at Carol’s, whether dining, taking out, or catering your event, is best described as comfort food with a twist.
530-816-1426
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Seasonal craft beers are on-tap in the bar. The restaurant offers pub fare and a menu with a variety of entrees and sides.
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A nano-brewery, hand crafting small batches of ‘open fermented’ beer. Our ales & lagers are 100% naturally carbonated in the keg.
530-258-4112
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Chester’s 3rd space. Coffee, beverages, bagels, pastries and friends. And a drive through too! What could be better?
(530) 596-1800
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Serving you the best steak, fresh seafood and elevated pub fare menu paired with selection of great wines, craft beers and specialty cocktails!
530-596-3500
Whether biking, boating jogging or just touring around, everything one needs from deli to spirts to groceries to butcher shop and your favorite coffee
Shopping Near Chester
530-258-2525
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A wide variety of pet supplies are offered by owner Michele, who has over 35 years of experience with animals. T-F 10-5pm; Sat 10-4pm.
(530) 596-3348
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We are your one stop for lake fun. We offer authentic cabin rentals too top of the line boat rentals.
530-258-2600
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Such talent in the great Lake Almanor basin, local artisans and crafters share their wares for locals and guest to bring home that unique piece.
(530) 258-2338
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A friendly outdoor shop that is passionate about getting folks in the outdoors. We carry a variety of FUN! Bicycles, Hobie Kayaks and SUP.
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A potter for 30+ years, Tom signature style is a piece with graceful lines adorned with “Prehistoric” texturing and crystalline glazing.
530-260-2421
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Women’s clothing for the stylish! Great seasonal selections along with jewelry, shoes, hats and more!
530-258-2611
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Your local one-stop-shop! From paint and chainsaws, to fishing and hunting supplies. Serving the Lake Almanor community for over 75 years.
(530) 518-4565
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A nature-inspired boutique shop and full-service florist. Come in and discover the unique beauty that each season brings!
530-258-4543
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Custom floral arrangements, gifts, plants, and tuxedo rental located in mid town Chester.
(530) 258-3010
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A unique shopping experience of curated home decor collections, accent furniture, jewelry and gifts. Celebrating life with all things beautiful.
530-280-7900
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Rural sophistication! Unique, good quality decor to enhance the look and feel of any indoor or outdoor space.
530-258-2212
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Packed with everything from furniture to house gadgets, this thrift store offers lots and lots of items at great prices.
(530) 258-3327
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Big selection of Lake Almanor-Chester & Butt Lake Apparel for all family members. Large inventory of Fishing, camping, hunting, & marine supplies.
530-258-2046
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Treasures always to be found with “new” items stocked daily and regular “sales” at Forget Me Not thrift store that funds the local hospice.
(530) 259-4343
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Our store offers a little bit of everything. We have PPR souvenirs, snacks, beer, wine, fishing tackle or any last-minute camping essentials
530-280-0767
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Mercantile, old & new home decor, gifts and repurposed items. Great coffee & old fashioned milkshakes. DIYers & gift giving folks you’ll find it here!
(916) 258-2100
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Featuring Polywood Outdoor Patio Furniture. Made in the USA & 20 Year Warranty. Umbrellas, Firepits, Home & Lake Decor, Bears & Custom Wood Signs.
(530) 258-2424
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Gather Home has everything for your aesthetic needs for home and entertaining! Table Top – Gifts – Interior Decor – Furniture!
530-258-2275
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Cabin & lake house decor, clothing for men, women & children. Lazy One jammies & robes too. Children’s games and books.
(530) 259-4295
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Fresh produce, deli sandwiches, smoothies, milkshakes and homemade pies.
530-258-2100
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Surfs up at Almanor Wake Sports that has the latest in water sports items and apparel including the newest “toy,” Soul Craft Boarding.
(530) 256-2133
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Each month special events. Afternoon Tea and Specialty dinners. In building Mercantile with vintage and antique items. Updated monthly.
530-258-2032
Historic Olde Town Corner Store, built in 1912, is now a one stop convenience store. Beverages, snacks and food, and an old town gas station as well.
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Hand poured candles, small batch soaps, bath and body products, leather goods, jewelry and socks. Something for everyone! Custom orders encouraged.
(530) 258-3955
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Mountain hardware store. Excellent customer service & friendly staff. Home décor & appliances. Trusted brands-Stihl, Weber, Traeger, Ben Moore paint.
(530) 521-9892
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Bookstore with classics to new releases, art gallery and gifts. Grab coffee, breakfast, lunch at Cravings while browsing! It’s the best!