Recreation
Eastern Plumas County is North of Truckee and surrounded by the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains. Plumas County is the playground for visitors from all over Northern California, Reno, Lake Tahoe, Sacramento and the West Coast. Whether it is for a day, a weekend getaway or a week’s lodging, Plumas County offers you peace, tranquility and adventure in a wonderland of outdoor activities, sports and recreation.
To see the recreation we have to offer in our area, click on the links below
Click below for: 'Welcome to Plumas Recreation'...small town America is alive and well in Plumas County
Click below for 'Explore Plumas County', 'A Wilderness of Wonders'
Click below for Plumas Sierra County Fair
Click below for Plumas County Museum
Click below for Plumas County Tourism, Recreation and Hospitality Council
Click below for information on Graeagle and surrounding areas
Click below for information on 'Play, Stay and Dine'
Antiques and Shopping
GRAEAGLE... Shopping
This unmistakably charming town is known for its little red buildings that today house speciality shops, services, restaurants & galleries. In 1916, Graeagle began as a mill town (known then as Davies Mill ) when the mill and the little red buildings were moved via train from Sardine Valley to their present locations. In 1920 the California Fruit Exchange bought the town and mill to maunufacture fruit boxes. Then in 1958 the town was bought by the West family who currently maintain it today.
Collectors of antiques and old things will love to hunt treasures in the many antique stores. For the avid shoppers, there are many unique and interesting shops in each community. Arts and crafts shows are held in the area throughout the season and during the holidays.Check out our events calendar for year- round events.
Click here for our Antique Brochure
GRAEAGLE... Shopping
This unmistakably charming town is known for its little red buildings that today house speciality shops, services, restaurants & galleries. In 1916, Graeagle began as a mill town (known then as Davies Mill ) when the mill and the little red buildings were moved via train from Sardine Valley to their present locations. In 1920 the California Fruit Exchange bought the town and mill to maunufacture fruit boxes. Then in 1958 the town was bought by the West family who currently maintain it today.
Collectors of antiques and old things will love to hunt treasures in the many antique stores. For the avid shoppers, there are many unique and interesting shops in each community. Arts and crafts shows are held in the area throughout the season and during the holidays.Check out our events calendar for year- round events.
Click here for our Antique Brochure
Antique & Collectibles Faire Hosted and Sponsored by Eastern Plumas Chamber of Commerce
Labor Day Weekend (August/September)
Fire Hall Graeagle, CA 96103
Free to the Public
Labor Day Weekend (August/September)
Fire Hall Graeagle, CA 96103
Free to the Public
Bird Watching & Photography
The Sierra Valley has a wonderful variety of birds to be enjoyed by the bird watcher. The mountain species and scenery, wild flowers, the communities and historical sites are a special delight for the photographer.
Fishing
Some of the best fishing is right here in the Eastern Plumas County area. Frenchman and Davis Lakes present opportunities for trophy size fish year round. The Middle Fork of the Feather River and dozens of streams that feed into itand afford ideal locations for bank and fly fishing enthusiasts. The Guest services at some resorts in the Lakes Basin area offer to even cook your catch!
Horseback Riding
There are three stables located in Plumas County at Gold Lake, Graeagle and Quincy.Each offers different types of riding, trails and pack tours. What's your pleasure? Spectacular horseback views of pristine lakes and the Sierra Nevada range? Take a Special fly fishing pack trip complete with an Orvis-endorsed guide. You can do any or all with the accommodating folks at Reid Horse & Company. From either of two pack stations, one in the Bucks Lake Recreational Area and one in the Lake Basin Recreation Area, you'll travel through terrain of incomparable beauty. The best part is that each trip is custom designed for small groups. You tell us what you'd like to see and when, and we'll tailor a ride especially for you.
Gold Lake Pack Station & Stables (530) 836-0940
Graeagle Stables (530) 836-0430
Reid Horse & Cattle Company
Ranch Headquarters (530) 283-2014 www.reidhorse.com
The Sierra Valley has a wonderful variety of birds to be enjoyed by the bird watcher. The mountain species and scenery, wild flowers, the communities and historical sites are a special delight for the photographer.
Fishing
Some of the best fishing is right here in the Eastern Plumas County area. Frenchman and Davis Lakes present opportunities for trophy size fish year round. The Middle Fork of the Feather River and dozens of streams that feed into itand afford ideal locations for bank and fly fishing enthusiasts. The Guest services at some resorts in the Lakes Basin area offer to even cook your catch!
Horseback Riding
There are three stables located in Plumas County at Gold Lake, Graeagle and Quincy.Each offers different types of riding, trails and pack tours. What's your pleasure? Spectacular horseback views of pristine lakes and the Sierra Nevada range? Take a Special fly fishing pack trip complete with an Orvis-endorsed guide. You can do any or all with the accommodating folks at Reid Horse & Company. From either of two pack stations, one in the Bucks Lake Recreational Area and one in the Lake Basin Recreation Area, you'll travel through terrain of incomparable beauty. The best part is that each trip is custom designed for small groups. You tell us what you'd like to see and when, and we'll tailor a ride especially for you.
Gold Lake Pack Station & Stables (530) 836-0940
Graeagle Stables (530) 836-0430
Reid Horse & Cattle Company
Ranch Headquarters (530) 283-2014 www.reidhorse.com
Greenhorn Guest Ranch
Plan your next Dude Ranch Vacation at their Guest Ranch in Quincy, California, just 70 miles from the Reno Tahoe Airport. Serving up the best hospitality in the west.Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch, a western ranch resort, offers horseback riding, fishing and hiking in rustic ranch setting. Why do their guests say they are their favorite family dude ranch vacation spot? Mostly because of the way they feel when they are here just like family! They have miles and miles of horseback riding trails, all-inclusive rates, cookouts on the trail, campfire sing-alongs, country western line and swing dancing, delicious barbeque. Fun western activities for the kids and real cowboys and cowgirls to teach you about ranch life! This is a family guest ranch, owned and operated by family!
Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch
2116 Greenhorn Ranch Road
Quincy California, 95971
Phone: 1.800.33.HOWDY (800.334.6939)
www.greenhornranch.com
Plan your next Dude Ranch Vacation at their Guest Ranch in Quincy, California, just 70 miles from the Reno Tahoe Airport. Serving up the best hospitality in the west.Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch, a western ranch resort, offers horseback riding, fishing and hiking in rustic ranch setting. Why do their guests say they are their favorite family dude ranch vacation spot? Mostly because of the way they feel when they are here just like family! They have miles and miles of horseback riding trails, all-inclusive rates, cookouts on the trail, campfire sing-alongs, country western line and swing dancing, delicious barbeque. Fun western activities for the kids and real cowboys and cowgirls to teach you about ranch life! This is a family guest ranch, owned and operated by family!
Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch
2116 Greenhorn Ranch Road
Quincy California, 95971
Phone: 1.800.33.HOWDY (800.334.6939)
www.greenhornranch.com
Hiking in Plumas County
Pick up a Plumas National Forest map for a myriad of back road trails that will keep you exploring all day. Be sure to pack a lunch!
Click on the link below for full details on all maps.
Click on the link below for full details on all maps.
Hiking
The nice thing about our area is that you can begin your hike from your doorstep. There are scores of hiking trails for the serious and casual hiker. A great family outing. For a great book on hikes in this area, pick up a copy of Feather River Country Adventure Trails at various local locations or your favorite book store. Eastern Plumas Chamber also has brochures on all hikes in the local area.
The nice thing about our area is that you can begin your hike from your doorstep. There are scores of hiking trails for the serious and casual hiker. A great family outing. For a great book on hikes in this area, pick up a copy of Feather River Country Adventure Trails at various local locations or your favorite book store. Eastern Plumas Chamber also has brochures on all hikes in the local area.
Eastern Plumas/Lakes Basin Recreation Area - Trails
Frazier FallsTrail
Length: Half mile
Effort: Easy
Hike Time: Half hour (round-trip)
Directions: The trailhead is located on Old Gold Lake Road, about five miles from the Highway 89/ Gold Lake Road intersection. About 1.75 miles up the present Gold Lake Road, take the signed, narrow paved access road on the left for about four miles to the trailhead.
Red Fir Nature Trail
Length: Quarter mile
Effort: Easy
Hike Time: Fifteen Minutes (round-trip)
Directions: The trailhead is located on the dirt road leading to Mills Peak Lookout. Look for a sign to Mills Peak located on the East Side of Gold Lake Road just south of Gold Lake. Continue your drive to the lookout for a fantastic view of the Mohawk Valley.
Mills Peak Lookout
Distance: 6 miles (one way) Effort: Moderate Average Ride Time: 2 hours Directions: From Highway 89 south of Graeagle, take the Gold Lake Highway to the junction of Mills Peak Road (County Roads 721/822). Park across from this intersection at the turnout. Bike 1.5 miles on County Road 721, then turn north on County Rd 822 for 4.5 miles to the lookout
Long Lake Trail
Length: Three-quarters to 2.75 miles
Effort: Moderate
Hike Time: Half hour to 1.5 hours
Directions: This trail takes off from either Lakes Basin Campground or Gray Eagle Lodge, both located off Gold Lake Road south of Graeagle. The Lakes Basin Campground is off Gold Lake Road about 6.5 miles from Highway 89, with paved roads leading to the trailheads. Head straight-ahead (avoid the side trails). The Gray Eagle Lodge turnoff is about 5 miles up Gold Lake Road from Highway 89: turn right and continue a bit over a quarter mile to the signed trailhead turnoff. Parking is available. The trail climbs gradually nearly 3 miles past the Lily Lake Trail and Grassy Lake Trail intersection and Long Lake to the Mount Elwell and Mud Lake Trails.
Round Lake Loop Trail
Length: 3.75 miles
Effort: Moderate
Hike Time: About 3 hours (one-way)
Directions: The trailhead is at the parking of Gold Lake Lodge off Gold Lake Road. Take Highway 89 just south of Graeagle to Gold Lake Road and travel south 7.5 miles to Gold Lake Lodge.
Eastern Plumas/Plumas Eureka State Park - Trails
Grass Lake/Little Jamison Creek Trail
Length: 3.8 miles
Effort: Moderate
Hike Time: About 3 hours (one-way)
Directions: The trailhead is at the Jamison Mine. Travel up Johnsville Road (A-14) off Highway 89 in Graeagle approximately 4.5 miles to the unimproved Jamison Mine Road. Look for a sign on the left that reads Jamison Mine/ Grass Lake Trail. Continue 1.5 miles to the trailhead and parking area. The trail climbs steadily 3.8 miles to the Pacific Crest Trail past Smith Lake, Grass Lake, Jamison Lake and Rock Lake trail junctions. Continue up Little Jamison Creek you will leave the park, passing a waterfall and the east shore of Grass Lake, elevation 5,842 feet.
Eureka Peak Loop Trail
Length: 3 miles
Effort: Moderate
Hike Time: About 3 hours (round trip)
Directions: Follow the dirt road from the Johnsville Ski Area parking lot (top of Johnsville Road.) The road, which ends at Eureka Lake about 1.5 miles up, is open to vehicles only Monday through Thursday. The trailhead is located at the dam next to the parking area, which has restrooms. The trail divides to make a loop. Staying left, the trail winds to an ascent to the crest of the saddle between the false peak (left) and Eureka Peak (right).
Madora Lake Nature Walk
Length: 1.5 miles
Effort: Easy
Hike Time: About 1 hour (round trip) Directions: The trailhead is located off Johnsville Road (Country Road A-14) about 3.5 miles west of Highway 89 at Graeagle. There is a signed turnoff into a paved parking area with picnic tables and restrooms.
Lake Davis Recreation Area
Lake Davis Loop - Mountain Bike Riding
Distance: 18 miles Effort: Easy Average Ride Time: 2 hours Directions: From Highway 70 in Portola take West Street approximately seven miles to the Lake Davis Dam and park at the information kiosk. Bike 1.7 miles west to Forest Service Road 24N10, travel on that for 8.1 miles until you reach the junction with County Road 112. Then turn east and continue around the lake, past the Grizzly Campground a half mile, turn South on Country Road 126 and continue back to the dam.
Frazier FallsTrail
Length: Half mile
Effort: Easy
Hike Time: Half hour (round-trip)
Directions: The trailhead is located on Old Gold Lake Road, about five miles from the Highway 89/ Gold Lake Road intersection. About 1.75 miles up the present Gold Lake Road, take the signed, narrow paved access road on the left for about four miles to the trailhead.
Red Fir Nature Trail
Length: Quarter mile
Effort: Easy
Hike Time: Fifteen Minutes (round-trip)
Directions: The trailhead is located on the dirt road leading to Mills Peak Lookout. Look for a sign to Mills Peak located on the East Side of Gold Lake Road just south of Gold Lake. Continue your drive to the lookout for a fantastic view of the Mohawk Valley.
Mills Peak Lookout
Distance: 6 miles (one way) Effort: Moderate Average Ride Time: 2 hours Directions: From Highway 89 south of Graeagle, take the Gold Lake Highway to the junction of Mills Peak Road (County Roads 721/822). Park across from this intersection at the turnout. Bike 1.5 miles on County Road 721, then turn north on County Rd 822 for 4.5 miles to the lookout
Long Lake Trail
Length: Three-quarters to 2.75 miles
Effort: Moderate
Hike Time: Half hour to 1.5 hours
Directions: This trail takes off from either Lakes Basin Campground or Gray Eagle Lodge, both located off Gold Lake Road south of Graeagle. The Lakes Basin Campground is off Gold Lake Road about 6.5 miles from Highway 89, with paved roads leading to the trailheads. Head straight-ahead (avoid the side trails). The Gray Eagle Lodge turnoff is about 5 miles up Gold Lake Road from Highway 89: turn right and continue a bit over a quarter mile to the signed trailhead turnoff. Parking is available. The trail climbs gradually nearly 3 miles past the Lily Lake Trail and Grassy Lake Trail intersection and Long Lake to the Mount Elwell and Mud Lake Trails.
Round Lake Loop Trail
Length: 3.75 miles
Effort: Moderate
Hike Time: About 3 hours (one-way)
Directions: The trailhead is at the parking of Gold Lake Lodge off Gold Lake Road. Take Highway 89 just south of Graeagle to Gold Lake Road and travel south 7.5 miles to Gold Lake Lodge.
Eastern Plumas/Plumas Eureka State Park - Trails
Grass Lake/Little Jamison Creek Trail
Length: 3.8 miles
Effort: Moderate
Hike Time: About 3 hours (one-way)
Directions: The trailhead is at the Jamison Mine. Travel up Johnsville Road (A-14) off Highway 89 in Graeagle approximately 4.5 miles to the unimproved Jamison Mine Road. Look for a sign on the left that reads Jamison Mine/ Grass Lake Trail. Continue 1.5 miles to the trailhead and parking area. The trail climbs steadily 3.8 miles to the Pacific Crest Trail past Smith Lake, Grass Lake, Jamison Lake and Rock Lake trail junctions. Continue up Little Jamison Creek you will leave the park, passing a waterfall and the east shore of Grass Lake, elevation 5,842 feet.
Eureka Peak Loop Trail
Length: 3 miles
Effort: Moderate
Hike Time: About 3 hours (round trip)
Directions: Follow the dirt road from the Johnsville Ski Area parking lot (top of Johnsville Road.) The road, which ends at Eureka Lake about 1.5 miles up, is open to vehicles only Monday through Thursday. The trailhead is located at the dam next to the parking area, which has restrooms. The trail divides to make a loop. Staying left, the trail winds to an ascent to the crest of the saddle between the false peak (left) and Eureka Peak (right).
Madora Lake Nature Walk
Length: 1.5 miles
Effort: Easy
Hike Time: About 1 hour (round trip) Directions: The trailhead is located off Johnsville Road (Country Road A-14) about 3.5 miles west of Highway 89 at Graeagle. There is a signed turnoff into a paved parking area with picnic tables and restrooms.
Lake Davis Recreation Area
Lake Davis Loop - Mountain Bike Riding
Distance: 18 miles Effort: Easy Average Ride Time: 2 hours Directions: From Highway 70 in Portola take West Street approximately seven miles to the Lake Davis Dam and park at the information kiosk. Bike 1.7 miles west to Forest Service Road 24N10, travel on that for 8.1 miles until you reach the junction with County Road 112. Then turn east and continue around the lake, past the Grizzly Campground a half mile, turn South on Country Road 126 and continue back to the dam.
Frenchman Lake Recreation Area
Dixie Mountain- Mountain Biking
Distance: 15.6 miles Effort: Difficult Average Ride Time: 2 hours Directions: From Highway 70 at Chilcoot, go north on Highway 284 for eight miles to Frenchman Dam. Proceed straight on 25N11 for six miles to the junction with 24N02Y. Signs say Dixie Mountain Lookout. Bike west from that junction to mile post 6.4 at Dixie Trail, then northeast on ATV and 25N03 to 25N11. Take 25N11 two miles back to starting point. A side trip to the end of 24N02Y (.3 miles) provides a spectacular view from Dixie Mountain Lookout.
Crystal Peak - Mountain Biking Moderate Average Ride Time: 2 hours Directions: From Highway 70 at Chilcoot, go north on Highway 284 approximately five miles to the junction of 24N44. Parking is available at the Chilcoot Day Use Area a mile further up Highway 284. Begin the ride at the 24N44 junction with Highway 284, proceed northeast on 24N44 to 24N12X, then north on 24N12X to Crystal Peak. For an alternative return route, take 24N02 off 24N12X at mile post 9.8 and go seven miles to Frenchman Reservoir.
Hunting
There is an excellent variety of hunting opportunities starting with deer hunting. Waterfowl hunting may be found at Lake Davis in Portola, Frenchman Lake in Chilcoot, in the Sierra Valley and along the Middle Fork of the Feather River. Mountain and Valley Quail, Chukar, Sierra and Ruffed Grouse, Grey Squirrel, Rabbit and Bear are also hunted in this region. Check out Sierra Valley Gun Club for their events and shooting range availability. 530-832-4186
Mountain Biking
From backcountry roads to rugged trails, there is room to ride. Mountain biking is a favorite pursuit for many visitors to Plumas County.
Rafting
With the Feather River running through Sierra Valley, Portola, Clio, Graeagle and on to Cromberg/Sloat, there are areas for inner tubing. You can rent tubes from various businesses in the area. Or how about rafting the local rivers? Check out Tributary Whitewater Tours (800) 672-3846 or 530-346-6812 www.whitewatertours.com for guided trips in the area.
And More Recreation
Enjoy activities like tennis, miniature golf, softball, basketball, soccer, swimming, water skiing, snow play, snow shoeing, cross country skiing,
gold panning, mountain climbing, rock climbing and bicycling. Take fun classes such as dancing, martial arts, and crafts. Educational classes are also offered locally through the Feather River College in Quincy. 530-383-0202
Dixie Mountain- Mountain Biking
Distance: 15.6 miles Effort: Difficult Average Ride Time: 2 hours Directions: From Highway 70 at Chilcoot, go north on Highway 284 for eight miles to Frenchman Dam. Proceed straight on 25N11 for six miles to the junction with 24N02Y. Signs say Dixie Mountain Lookout. Bike west from that junction to mile post 6.4 at Dixie Trail, then northeast on ATV and 25N03 to 25N11. Take 25N11 two miles back to starting point. A side trip to the end of 24N02Y (.3 miles) provides a spectacular view from Dixie Mountain Lookout.
Crystal Peak - Mountain Biking Moderate Average Ride Time: 2 hours Directions: From Highway 70 at Chilcoot, go north on Highway 284 approximately five miles to the junction of 24N44. Parking is available at the Chilcoot Day Use Area a mile further up Highway 284. Begin the ride at the 24N44 junction with Highway 284, proceed northeast on 24N44 to 24N12X, then north on 24N12X to Crystal Peak. For an alternative return route, take 24N02 off 24N12X at mile post 9.8 and go seven miles to Frenchman Reservoir.
Hunting
There is an excellent variety of hunting opportunities starting with deer hunting. Waterfowl hunting may be found at Lake Davis in Portola, Frenchman Lake in Chilcoot, in the Sierra Valley and along the Middle Fork of the Feather River. Mountain and Valley Quail, Chukar, Sierra and Ruffed Grouse, Grey Squirrel, Rabbit and Bear are also hunted in this region. Check out Sierra Valley Gun Club for their events and shooting range availability. 530-832-4186
Mountain Biking
From backcountry roads to rugged trails, there is room to ride. Mountain biking is a favorite pursuit for many visitors to Plumas County.
Rafting
With the Feather River running through Sierra Valley, Portola, Clio, Graeagle and on to Cromberg/Sloat, there are areas for inner tubing. You can rent tubes from various businesses in the area. Or how about rafting the local rivers? Check out Tributary Whitewater Tours (800) 672-3846 or 530-346-6812 www.whitewatertours.com for guided trips in the area.
And More Recreation
Enjoy activities like tennis, miniature golf, softball, basketball, soccer, swimming, water skiing, snow play, snow shoeing, cross country skiing,
gold panning, mountain climbing, rock climbing and bicycling. Take fun classes such as dancing, martial arts, and crafts. Educational classes are also offered locally through the Feather River College in Quincy. 530-383-0202
Cross Country Skiing
Miles and miles of nature trails on the valley floor, at the lakes and throughout the mountain forests offer a level of skiing for everyone. Check out the groomed trail out of Plumas Eureka State Park. They also offer trails for you avid snowshoers. This has become a wonderful family sport and one of the best aerobic exercises. Experience great fun and enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature's winter wonderland.
Downhill Skiing
Eureka Ski bowl in Johnsville has the annual Historic Longboard Revival Series World Championships. Staged here on the third Sundays of January, February and March, depending on snow. These colorful races highlight pioneer longboard skiing and the birthplace of ski racing and ski clubs in America dating back to the 1850's. Spectators are welcome.
Click here for more information on Plumas Ski Club and the Longboard Races
The Eastern Plumas Recreation District (EPRD) is actively moving forward with the Johnsville Historic Ski Bowl project. This project will revitalize our economy by providing a destination ski area for locals, tourists and those seeking a unique, family-oriented winter recreation experience. The EPRD has taken significant steps forward over the past six months including securing a long-term Operating Agreement with State Parks, securing private funds to purchase the “Main-Line” chairlift from Squaw Valley Ski Corp. EPRD has also made tremendous progress on developing a business plan and an organizational structure for planning, construction and operation of the ski hill.
click here for the latest information on the Ski Bowl
Miles and miles of nature trails on the valley floor, at the lakes and throughout the mountain forests offer a level of skiing for everyone. Check out the groomed trail out of Plumas Eureka State Park. They also offer trails for you avid snowshoers. This has become a wonderful family sport and one of the best aerobic exercises. Experience great fun and enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature's winter wonderland.
Downhill Skiing
Eureka Ski bowl in Johnsville has the annual Historic Longboard Revival Series World Championships. Staged here on the third Sundays of January, February and March, depending on snow. These colorful races highlight pioneer longboard skiing and the birthplace of ski racing and ski clubs in America dating back to the 1850's. Spectators are welcome.
Click here for more information on Plumas Ski Club and the Longboard Races
The Eastern Plumas Recreation District (EPRD) is actively moving forward with the Johnsville Historic Ski Bowl project. This project will revitalize our economy by providing a destination ski area for locals, tourists and those seeking a unique, family-oriented winter recreation experience. The EPRD has taken significant steps forward over the past six months including securing a long-term Operating Agreement with State Parks, securing private funds to purchase the “Main-Line” chairlift from Squaw Valley Ski Corp. EPRD has also made tremendous progress on developing a business plan and an organizational structure for planning, construction and operation of the ski hill.
click here for the latest information on the Ski Bowl
ATV and Snowmobiling
Hundreds of miles of natural trails, forests, meadows, unplowed roads and frozen lakes offer excellent sledding. Roads leading to Frenchman, Davis, and Gold Lakes make access convenient and easy. The view of the snow covered Sierra Buttes, Valley and mountain ranges make this an unforgettable and challenging sport.
Check out our Directory for your ATV and Snowmobile experts.
Hundreds of miles of natural trails, forests, meadows, unplowed roads and frozen lakes offer excellent sledding. Roads leading to Frenchman, Davis, and Gold Lakes make access convenient and easy. The view of the snow covered Sierra Buttes, Valley and mountain ranges make this an unforgettable and challenging sport.
Check out our Directory for your ATV and Snowmobile experts.
