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.
Ax Throwing Competition
Ax Throwing Contest
Ax Throwing Competition
Ax Throwing Competition
Ax Throwing Contest
Ax Throwing Competition
Chester and the Lake Almanor Basin offer an array of diverse outdoor activities to enjoy. The lake offers water sports, swimming and fabulous fishing. And, the area has many dining opportunities, three golf courses open to the public, and a variety of entertainment opportunities.
Between Lassen Volcanic National Park, Lassen National Forest and lands held by Feather River Land Trust, Chester is a great base camp to several hundred miles of trails. The PCT is a few miles west on Highway 36, making Chester a great half-way 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 itself has several restaurants, unique shops, 2 museums, and a public library. Many annual events occur here including arts and craft shows, concerts, car shows, holiday celebrations, and summer farmers markets. While much of the town closes down for the evening, take a peaceful stroll from downtown on the 1.8 mile Collins Pine Nature Loop Trail along the Feather River.
Enjoy a picnic in the summer or cross-coutry skiing in the winter at the Olsen Barn on the eastern edge of Chester, at the corner of Hwy 36 and Melissa Street. The Olse Barn is a favorite spot for photographers and painters. The area is well known for birding, several barn owls make the Olsen Barn home.
The takeaway
Chester is ideal for adventurous travelers seeking to unplug and get away 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.
- Road access, services, and activities in Lassen 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 the place for you.
- From June 16th through Oct. on Thursday’s visit the Farmer’s Market from 4 -7 pm at Chester Park.
- Not all businesses and services are open during the winter months. Be sure to check hours to make sure they’re open before visiting!
- 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!
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
A family owned/operated resort since 1928, featuring 9 cabins, 25 RV sites, marina, cafe and a commitment to providing an amazing vacation experience
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!
Big Springs Resort is among the tall pines with a quiet serene atmosphere. Family and pet friendly near Hamilton Branch.
Upcoming Events Near Chester
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Elegant Farmer
525 Main Street
Join Elegant Farmer on the 1st Sunday of each month for a mouth watering brunch.
Learn more5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Elks Lodge
164 Main Street
plus affordable drinks. Proceeds benefit the community.
Learn more3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Old Town
Main Street
Merchant’s Safe Trick or Treat down Main Street Chester. Stop by our spooktacular backdrop and take your picture to be entered into the Halloween Costume Contest.
Learn more9:00 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 more5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Lake Almanor Elks Lodge
164 Main Street
Taco Night – Doors Open 5pm – Dinners Served starting at 5:30pm, Adult Libations at very affordable prices. Dine In or Take Out
Learn more7:00 am – 11:00 am
Bailey Creek Parking Lot
433 Durkin Drive
Walk, Jog, or Run to our annual 5k Turkey Trot in Bailey Creek! Registration starts at 7am and the run begins at 8am. Come early for free coffee and pastries! First 50 runners
Learn more5:00 pm – 5:45 pm
Chester Park
Willow Street
Join us at our 3rd Annual Community Tree Lighting at Chester Park! Tree Lighting, Music, Candlelight Carols, Booths, Food & Drinks. Tree L
Learn more5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Downtown Chester
Main Street
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…for holiday shopping on Main Street in Chester!
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.
530-816-1426
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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.
(530) 310-3777
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BBQ is our specialty -pulled pork, tri tip, tequila chicken, salads, soups Breakfast and Lunch daily, dinners on the weekends Outside Patio Dining
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) 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.
530-258-2229
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Specialize in traditional breakfast & lunch favorites made from scratch with tasty twists, and fresh baked goods.
(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
(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) 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.
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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.
530-258-2593
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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.
530-258-4226
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The Ranch House is a full service restaurant and bar with friendly staff and a beautiful back patio.
530-258-4112
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Chester’s 3rd space. Coffee, beverages, bagels, pastries and friends. And a drive through too! What could be better?
(530) 259-4221
Dutch bakery and coffee house. Out of this world pastries, cookies, breakfast and lunch quiches, and savory pastry wraps. Outside seating.
Shopping Near Chester
(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.
530-258-2525
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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) 258-2424
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Gather Home has everything for your aesthetic needs for home and entertaining! Table Top – Gifts – Interior Decor – Furniture!
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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) 258-3327
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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.
530-280-7900
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Rural sophistication! Unique, good quality decor to enhance the look and feel of any indoor or outdoor space.
(530) 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
530-258-2600
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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.
530-258-2100
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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) 259-4295
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Fresh produce, deli sandwiches, smoothies, milkshakes and homemade pies.
(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!
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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.
530-258-2032
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.
(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.
530-258-4543
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Custom floral arrangements, gifts, plants, and tuxedo rental located in mid town Chester.
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) 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.
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.
530-260-2421
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Women’s clothing for the stylish! Great seasonal selections along with jewelry, shoes, hats and more!
(530) 258-2100
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Indie bookstore with classics to new releases, art gallery and gifts. Grab coffee, breakfast, lunch at Cravings while browsing! It’s the best!
(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.
530-258-2212
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Packed with everything from furniture to house gadgets, this thrift store offers lots and lots of items at great prices.
530-280-0767
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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.