N AT I O N A L F O R E S T S
Michael Beatley - Meadow Valley Design Photography
CALLING Beautiful vistas abound including this view from Spanish Peak.
The beauty and solitude of nature is what Plumas County is all about. There is plenty of quiet, open space and fresh air. You won’t find it crowded with tourists. More than three-quarters of Plumas County’s 2,618 square miles is national forest land. The Plumas National Forest encompasses the majority of that, while the Lassen National Forest takes in part of the northern end of the county, and the Tahoe National Forest
touches into the south and east. The Plumas National Forest occupies 1.2 million acres of scenic mountain lands in the northern edge of the Sierra Nevada, just south of the Cascade Range. Known for its high alpine lakes and thousands of miles of clear-running streams, the forest sits at the top of the watershed that supplies water to many California citizens. Trees within the forest are mostly grand conifers, which reach high into the sky and
Suzi Brakken
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Over a million acres of well-maintained Forest Service roads beckon as with this trek to Upper Sardine Lake.
are beautifully latticed with snow during winter, and various hardwoods that turn brilliant colors in the fall. Outdoor enthusiasts are attracted year-round to the national forest and its waterways, beautiful deep canyons, rich mountain valleys and lofty peaks. There are hundreds of maintained campsites and numerous picnic spots to choose from. Recreational opportunities are available in every season.
Some 500 miles of trails are maintained throughout the forest, including the nationally treasured Pacific Crest Trail. The forest and the sparsely populated rural communities that surround it provide a feeling of seclusion and tranquility. If you need to rest, reflect and get away from it all, this is the place. Visit Forest Service offices listed on page 10 of this guide.
Sport utility vehicle owners take note! Plumas County has thousands of miles of well-maintained, unpaved Forest Service roads that lead to lakes, fishing spots, lookouts and picnic sites. The roads access some 1.2 million acres of public land that can keep intrepid explorers happy for days on end. Brochures have been developed featuring four popular backcountry road adventures, designed with SUVs in mind. If you’re looking for more rugged off-highway adventure, head for one of the 4x4 routes, staging areas or campgrounds developed specifically for off-highway vehicles. The Plumas National Forest visitor map is available for sale to help guide off-highway users. To avoid fines, stay on designated roads and trails. Contact visitor centers to request maps, brochures or more information. Or contact the various forest service offices listed on page 10 of this guide.
2017 – 2018 PLUMAS COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE