Spring in Plumas County
Spring is a wonderful time to visit Plumas County– the valleys are green and verdant, rivers are rushing, and snow is still on the high mountains. Spring weather is pleasant and perfect for daytime activities like hiking or a morning bird walk. Nights are cool enough for cozy sweaters, hot chocolate, and curling up with a good book. Read on for our top picks for your spring getaway in the Sierra Nevada!
Reflection of clouds and Lassen 
Photo by Betty Bishop
Photo by Betty Bishop
Birding
Plumas County offers some of the best birding opportunities in Northern California with everything from waterfowl, waders, songbirds, and raptors. Spring is THE time to visit if you are a bird enthusiast. Plumas County is located along the Pacific Flyway and has a diversity of habitats including expansive wetlands and meadows that are filled with bird life each spring.
by Vanessa Vasquez
by Mike Nellor
by Vanessa Vasquez
Spring Wildflowers
Colorful shows of wildflowers can be seen along roads, lakeshores, craggy canyons, and creekside trails in late Spring. Plumas County hosts a tremendous diversity of wildflowers due to the range in elevation and varied landscapes types. From carnivorous plants to memorable mountain peonies, Plumas County probably has a flower you haven’t met yet.
Rafting North Fork Feather River 
photo by Jeff Titcomb
Photo by FRC Outdoor Rec Leadership
Kayaking and Whitewater
The kayaking and rafting season in Plumas County runs approximately from January to April or May, depending on the flow. Spring snowmelt and rain swells creeks and rivers making it an ideal time for whitewater enthusiasts.
Spring Hiking
Plumas County’s beautiful shoulder seasons and long dry summers mean hiking can be enjoyed most months. Spring is a lovely time to hike trails in the Feather River Canyon and lower elevation trails if there is still snow. Expect verdant green meadows, snow-capped mountain views, and great wildlife watching. Here are our favorite spring hikes
Visit a Museum (rainy day idea)
Plumas County is a wonderful destination for those interested in California’s history. From trains to natural history, to indigenous heritage, the museums across the County are rich in interesting exhibits. If the weather isn’t ideal for hiking, or if you have a curious kid, stop by one of these wonderful museums to learn and explore.
- Indian Valley Museum
- Chester Lake Almanor Museum
- Collins Pine Museum
- Portola Railroad Museum
- Plumas County Museum
- Plumas-Eureka State Park Museum
Photo by Carrie Hawthorne
Plumas-Eureka State Park museum 
Photo by Samantha Rose
Spring Skiing
Because snow in the Sierra is precious, we always hope for a good Spring ski season. If you are a backcountry skier or snowshoe hiker, some of the higher elevation locations in Plumas County can make for very fun spring trips. Try the Bucks Lake Wilderness, Plumas-Eureka State Park, the Lakes Basin Recreation Area, and Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Places to Stay
Destination lodging for you summer vacation in the Lost Sierra
Your perfect basecamp in charming old town Chester, centraly located to Lake Almanor and Lassen Volcanic NP.
Beautiful treed park with great internet tucked away from Highway 70 in Quincy, with rivers, lakes, and recreation areas not far outside of town.
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
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.
Magical home with gorgeous lake and sunset views. Sleeps 10. Located in the Lake Almanor Country Club with all the amenities.
Lakefront cabin, sleeps 12, near historic Hamilton Branch Powerhouse.
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.
Greenhorn Ranch is a premier guest ranch in California’s Northern Sierra offering traditional & contemporary ranch activities.
Lake View Condominium in Peninsula Village with dock & boat slip. Sleeps 6.
Rocky Point is a PG&E operated Campground Located on the West Shore of Lake Almanor just North of Canyon Dam
Ada’s Garden Cottages are a gorgeous oasis hideaway in the center of historic downtown Quincy with full kitchens and cozy-custom-artful-architecture.
Full hook-up RV spaces located in downtown Quincy along the beautiful Feather River quietly amongst the riverbank and tress.
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.
Has a small-town atmosphere that will refresh your spirit. Enjoy watching the sunset over Spanish Peak from your own porch.
Step into our uniquely designed rooms in the heart of Chester.
Just steps from the Feather River, Family Friendly Campground w/ everything you need for a relaxing & exciting vacation. Bring the family, toys & pets
A family owned/operated resort since 1928, featuring 9 cabins, 25 RV sites, marina, cafe and a commitment to providing an amazing vacation experience
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.
Quaint, beautiful, family-friendly and pet friendly cottages in the Feather River Canyon with access to the Feather River.
Lakefront home set in a quiet cove with a private dock.
Enjoy the outstanding views and tranquil atmosphere at Butt Valley Reservoir when you set up camp at Cool Springs Campground in Northern California.
Antlers Motel is in the best location in Chester close to shopping, restaurants, parks and trails. Best value in the Lake Almanor area.
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.
The Dorado Inn is a waterfront boutique resort, retreat and healing center located on the east shore of Lake Almanor, California.
Located in the heart of Plumas County, Quincy California. Easy to find right off the highway with beautiful mountain views. Open 24/7!
Quincy Feather Bed Inn is nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mt. range, in the heart of historic downtown Quincy. Steps to restaurants & watering holes.
Set in a quiet cove, off Peninsula Drive, this lake access home sleeps 10.
We’re not a five star accommodation but we are the jewel of the Sierra Mountains. Clean, comfortable and with many amenities.
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.
Lake Almanor Country Club Log Cabin near Recreation Area 2 & Golf Course.
Lakefront condominium on the Lake Almanor Peninsula with boat slip.
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.
Wonderful Lake Almanor Cabin on a deep water parcel with gently sloped lawn to sandy beach, waters edge, and dock.
Set among the beautiful pine trees in a cove at the south end of Bucks Lake, Haskins Valley Campground is a popular vacation spot.
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
Experience glamping in the Lost Sierra! Our spacious sites and safari-style tents offer the perfect place to rest, renew, and reconnect!
Caribou Café and Store Postal Service Laundry, Bathroom, and Showers Cozy Cabin Komfort RV
Big Springs Resort is among the tall pines with a quiet serene atmosphere. Family and pet friendly near Hamilton Branch.
This home is located in the heart of Chester. Minutes to Lake Almanor, for boating, water sports, swimming, kayaking, 40 minutes to Mt. Lassen.
KEEP PLUMAS COUNTY CLEAN, GREEN & WILD
We love welcoming visitors to create lifelong memories on our beautiful lands and in our unique communities. Take the Plumas Pledge to help us care for the health of our natural places and the well-being of our communities while visiting Plumas County.
take the plumas pledge!
- Prioritize wildfire prevention
- Leave places as you found them
- Pack out all of your trash—bonus points if you pick up trash left by others!
- Stay on designated trails and camp in designated areas
- Check the weather before heading out
- Be mindful of your energy and resource usage
- Ditch plastic bottles and drink our mountain fresh tap water instead
- Choose locally made products and services from local businesses
- Slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of life in Plumas
