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Virtually every roadway in Plumas County offers beautiful scenery, which changes with the seasons. No matter what direction you come from, you’ll also be treated to some outstanding natural beauty on the drive up and back. There are two routes through Plumas County that have been given official national scenic byway designations. These routes link cultural, historic, scenic and natural resources with communities and services found along the way. The quiet Scenic Byways of Plumas County make for a great road trip. The byways have reflec70, at the confluence of Indian and Spanish Creeks in a spot tive signs along the route illustrated with colorful logos. known as the Greenville “Y” 10 miles northwest of Quincy. The Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway All American Road. Chester- route between the “Y” and Canyon Dam is roughly 18 miles and takes about a half hour or longer with stops. Lake Almanor is the southern terminus of this byway, considered one of the top 20 scenic drives in the nation. Feather River National Scenic Byway. This 130This 500-mile byway begins at the southern end mile route travels east-west across Butte, Plumas of Lake Almanor, and proceeds north on both sides and Lassen counties on State Highway 70, following of the lake (via Highways 89 and 147) to Chester, the north and middle forks of the Feather River. located on Highway 36. It continues through Lassen Total estimated driving time is about 3.5 hours, one Volcanic National Park and Highway 44, linking volway. canoes, small towns and other attractions stretching Few California highways feature such natural to Crater Lake, Oregon. beauty and diversity in terrain, landscape, wildlife Travelers intending to drive the entire All American and elevation as this one. It also highlights Road can begin or end their journey at Chester-Lake mankind’s feats of hydro-electric power, railroad Almanor, which offers year-round amenities. and highway construction along the steep, rugged Details on the entire route are available online at canyon walls. www.volcaniclegacybyway.org. The drive is particularly stunning in the spring, A free map of the All American Road is available at when vibrant green surrounds nearly 100 watervisitor centers in Quincy and Chester, and from falls, and in the fall the steep mountainsides are merchants along the byway. ablaze with orange and red oak trees. The route can Drivers can take in just the loop around Lake Albe taken in either direction. manor, going in either direction, starting from Chester on the From the west, it starts eight miles north of Oroville on Highnorth end or from Canyon Dam on the south end. The views of Lake Almanor and Lassen Peak are the highlight way 70, winds through the magnificent Feather River Canyon, of this trip, which takes in about 38 miles and a couple of hours connects with Highway 89 on through Quincy to BlairsdenGraeagle, resumes as Highway 70 through Portola, drops down with stops. There are many opportunities to stop for lunch, to shop, take onto the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada and cuts through the fantastic expanse of the Sierra Valley, the western edge of a walk, and enjoy a swim or boat trip on the lake. the Great Basin. A self-guided driving tour brochure and map of the Feather The Scenic Byway Link. This equally scenic route joins Plumas County’s two Scenic Byways, taking you through stun- River National Scenic Byway is available. The tour highlights 17 natural, historic and manmade features along the route. ning pastoral mountain meadows of the Indian Valley. A more detailed regional map of the Feather River Scenic Follow Highway 89 through the towns of Canyon Dam, Greenville and Crescent Mills. At its southern end, it follows In- Byway also is available for sale from local visitor centers on dian Creek and joins the Feather River Scenic Byway, Highway page 10. Carl Raymond Piesch
S C E N I C B Y W AY S
take a road trip
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2012 - 2013 PLUMAS COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE