The awesome allure of Plumas County California is approximately 300 miles round-trip including some of the most beautiful two-lane roads you’ll ever drive -- loved by motorcycles, cyclists, and all others. Don’t count on GPS or cell phones – timber-lined mountains, valleys, lakes and streams stand in your signal’s way and entice you to slow to a new pace. A map or maps will come in handy. Challenge yourself to explore off main roads to Taylorsville, Greenville, and Genosee.
There’s a reason why the Lost Sierra aka Plumas County is still lost on some people’s radar. Sprawling over the northernmost regions of the Sierra Nevada it seems almost as remote as it did when gold miners christened it. If I say Graeagle or Lake Almanor, some will nod their heads but most locals will shrug and ask, “Where?”
There’s more than one way to get to this recreation wonderland. My preferred approach is Highway 99 north past Chico to Hwy. 32/36 east and up through beautiful Deer Creek Canyon to Chester/Lake Almanor. On the return, loop-back through the Feather River Canyon. Stunning! Less stress which is what Plumas County is all about. It takes slow down you move to fast to a whole new level. But slow doesn’t mean bored. It’s life the way it used to be – incredibly friendly – maybe, just a bit Mayberry R.F.D.
There are a variety of lodging options before the snow flies, but many vacation rentals and other mountain properties close for the season. You’ll be on first name basis with your year-round lodging hosts John and Debbie at Quail Lodge Lake Almanor, Carrie and Bob at Chalet View near Portola, and Mike Nellor at Ada’s 
Place in Quincy – just to name a few. Open seasonally, Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch -- a dude ranch in the truest sense -- is already taking reservations for next spring. Give the gift of Plumas County this holiday season.
With only nine people per square mile, this rural, four-season mountain retreat offers beauty, solitude, blue skies and fresh air, making it the ideal spot for a peaceful vacation. More than 100 lakes and 1,000 miles of rivers – just for starters. You’ll run out of time before you run out of fun – but you’ll be back.
Family recreational opportunities abound in Plumas County or within driving distance and include several tournament golf courses. Numerous lakes and mountain streams create a playground for those who love the water. Framed by mountain ranges and public lands, the area is also a Mecca for hiking, mountain- and road-biking, wildlife viewing, ATVing and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobling and the county favorite of longboard skiing where "Dope" is King!" The list goes on and on. Of course, small town charms include local museums, performing arts, restaurants, festivals and life in the slow lane.
Once you visit Plumas County, you’ll be come back again and again. Trust me.
Find us at www.PlumasCounty.org and Plumas Recreation.
PS - Favorite dining options: Moon's and Quincy Natural Foods,
Plumas Pines overlooking Lake Almanor and Carol's Prattville Cafe
Subaru spoken here!
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