Virtually the entire forest is
open for snowshoeing and Nordic skiing, with
options ranging from beginner-level flat,
groomed track to challenging peaks and
backcountry calling for more advanced
telemarking skill. Before venturing off,
especially in an unmarked area, make sure to
check weather conditions, bring adequate
clothing, gear, food and water, and let someone
know (a park ranger, friend or relative) where
you're headed.
Click here to view and/or download a
self-guided trip planner entitled
"Winter Fun on Foot in Plumas County"
 Lassen
Volcanic National Park is just 35 miles
from Chester on Highway 36/89. Lassen
Volcanic National Park boasts over 150 miles
of marked and unmarked trails for
non-motorized winter sports. Ranger-led
snowshoe hikes and ski tours are held on
Saturdays during the winter. Contact Lassen
Park (530) 595-4444 for details.
In the Chester-Lake Almanor Area, the
Lassen National Forest also leads various
weekday snowshoe tours beginning in January.
Call (530) 258-2141. An interpretive
recreation trail on the west shore of Lake
Almanor provides miles of great scenery and
easy access. McGowan Lake, Childs Meadow,
Warner Valley Road, and the Caribou
Wilderness all afford quiet excursions near
Chester.
In Indian Valley, several unplowed roads and trails offer excellent
routes for snowshoers and skiers. A favorite is the road leading out to Antelope
Lake, beginning just past Genesee.
In the eastern portion of the county, beginner ski trails are maintained in
Plumas-Eureka State Park, one of which takes off from the state park museum
parking lot. Other trails begin at the Eureka Bowl downhill ski area, and
more advanced terrain suited for telemarking leads to Eureka Peak.
The new Lakes Basin Ski Trail takes off from
the Gold Lake Staging Area south of Graeagle in
the Lakes Basin Recreation Area. Open
only to non-motorized users, the marked and
groomed moderate trail continues 1.5 miles,
paralleling Graeagle Creek. Intermediate and
advanced unmarked routes are featured elsewhere
in the Lakes Basin, which is also a popular
destination for snowmobilers.
 The
Bucks Lake Area near Quincy is a popular winter sports staging area that
offers skiers and snowshoers a marked loop trail as well as miles of backcountry
groomed and ungroomed trails. Vehicles are excluded on the Bucks Summit Loop
Trail, and within the Bucks Lake Wilderness Area, including the trail to Spanish
Peak. Skiers share the remaining trails with snowmobilers. Other areas near
Quincy include Snake Lake and Argentine Ridge.
The La Porte Area also offers good winter sports terrain and staging
areas. During winter, La Porte is generally accessible only from the southern
route (from Marysville/Oroville, via Highway 20 and County Road E-21). Skiers
and snowshoers can follow groomed snowmobile trails along Little Grass Valley
Reservoir and can find other shared trails at Lexington Hill.
For more information
For maps and more details on the areas listed, call the Plumas National
Forest (530) 283-2050, the Lassen National Forest (530) 258-2141 or the Tahoe
National Forest (530) 994-3401.
Equipment rentals
Cross country ski equipment may be rented at the following locations:
In Chester,
Bodfish Bicycles and Quiet Mountain Sports, 152 Main St.,
(530) 258-2338 (Snowshoes available for rent also)
Childs Meadow Resort, (530) 595-3383.
In Eastern Plumas,
Mountain Hardware, Bonta St., Blairsden, (530) 836-2589 (Snowshoes available
for rent also)
Lost Sierra Adventures
7512 Hwy. 89 #121,
Graeagle (530) 836-1708
Snowshoes, cross-country ski and back country
equipment rentals
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