Wintertime in Plumas County is serene and beautiful, as snow covers the landscape and things relax. This tranquil season offers a terrific way to view nature’s landscapes while getting great exercise and having some inexpensive winter fun. 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. For a list of suggested trails and directions, contact the local visitor centers on page 10. For maps and more details on the areas listed below, call the Plumas National Forest (530) 2832050 or the Lassen National Forest (530) 258-2141.
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 nonmotorized winter sports. Ranger-led snowshoe walks are held Saturdays and Sundays during the winter. Contact Lassen Park (530) 595-4480 for details. In the Chester-Lake Almanor Area, the Lassen National Forest also leads various snowshoe tours for the public as snow
Mason Werner
S N O W S H O E I N G & S N O W P L AY
s n ow s h o e i n g & n o r d i c s k i i n g
The trail to the top of Mt.Washington leaves the Little Jamison Creek Trail near its junction with the Pacific Crest Trail.
permits. Call (530) 258-2141 for a current schedule. An interpretive recreation trail on the west shore of Lake Almanor provides miles of great scenery and easy access. The Mc-
groomed trails. Vehicles are excluded on the Bucks Summit
Gowan Ski Area, Colby Meadows, Childs Meadow, Warner Valley
Loop Trail, and within the Bucks Lake Wilderness Area, includ-
Road and the Caribou Wilderness all afford quiet excursions
ing the trail to Spanish Peak. Skiers share the remaining trails
near Chester.
with snowmobilers.
In Indian Valley, several unplowed roads and trails offer ex-
Other areas near Quincy include Snake Lake and Argentine
cellent routes for snowshoers and skiers. A favorite is the road
Ridge. The La Porte Area also offers good winter sports terrain
leading out to Antelope Lake, beginning just past Genesee.
and staging areas. During winter, La Porte is generally accessi-
In the eastern portion of the county, beginner ski trails are of-
ble only from the southern route (from Marysville/Oroville, via
fered in Plumas-Eureka State Park, including the 2.5-mile
Highway 20 and County Road E-21). Skiers and snowshoers can
groomed Jamison Canyon Ski Trail that takes off from the park
follow groomed snowmobile trails along Little Grass Valley
museum parking lot. Other trails begin at the Eureka Bowl ski
Reservoir and can find other shared trails at Lexington Hill.
area, and more advanced terrain suited for telemarking leads to Eureka Peak. Ranger-led snowshoe nature hikes are held on weekends during the winter. The 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 un-
86
2013 - 2014 PLUMAS COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE
Equipment Rentals Cross-country ski equipment may be rented at the following locations: In the Chester area, Bodfish Bicycles and Quiet Mountain Sports, 149 Main St., (530) 2582338; and Childs Meadow Resort, (530) 595-3383. In Eastern Plumas, Mountain Hardware, Bonta St., Blairsden, (530) 836-2589; and Howling Dogs Bike and Ski, 120 Hwy. 89, Graeagle, (530) 836-2SKI (2754) Snowshoes may be rented at Bodfish in Chester, and Mountain Hardware in Blairsden and Howling Dogs Bike and Ski in Graeagle.