Watersports
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Water sports abound in Plumas County within its more than 100 lakes and 1,000 miles of streams.
Waterskiing, boating, sailing, windsurfing, jet skiing and swimming are among the more popular water sports available at the larger lakes, including Almanor, Bucks, Antelope, Little Grass, Gold and Frenchman. Boats and equipment may be rented from marinas on Bucks, Almanor, and at Lake Davis. (Davis does not allow jet-skiing.)
Swimming is also popular at some of the smaller lakes, including Butt Valley Reservoir, the Lakes Basin area and the Graeagle Mill Pond.
There are many swimming holes to be found in the rivers and streams. There also are a number of public swimming pools located in the major communities.
River Rafting
Experienced kayakers and rafters can find plenty of excitement on the world-class whitewater found along the Feather River in Plumas County. Beginner-level canoeing or float-tubing also is possible along the more gentle eastern stretches, or along some of its tributaries such as Indian Creek.
The rafting season runs from approximately January to April or May, depending on the flow. (Special summer flow releases will be offered on the North Fork Feather) By early July, flows are low enough that inner tubes and air mattresses are the usual mode for short float trips on the upper stretches only.
Adventure Outings (530-898-4011) offers commercial guide service for beginners on Class II and III sections of the North Fork Feather from February through May. Go online for a trip schedule at www.csuchico.edu/as/adventure.
Experienced whitewater enthusiasts can bring their own equipment or rent from Adventure Outings. Tubes also are available for sale at area sporting goods stores and tire shops.
The North Fork of the Feather River along Highway 70 from the intersection of Highway 89 (Greenville "Y") to Twain or Virgilia is suitable for canoes or beginner kayakers, with moderate ratings of Class II and III. The stretch from Virgilia to Rich Bar is recommended for experts only. From Rich Bar to Belden is a popular Class III stretch of about five miles, with take out at the rest area or resort. Below Belden, there are intermediate and advanced runs that are accessible during the special summer flows.
Special Summer Flows
Whitewater enthusiasts take note!
The North Fork of the Feather River will once again have recreational flow releases taking place during the summer and fall on select weekends. During 2008, the flows are tentatively scheduled for May 24, July 26-27, August 23- 24 (Feather Festival with races and party at Belden), Sept. 27-28, and Oct. 25. These dates are subject to change. The flows will create intermediate to advanced runs at the Rock Creek reach only, downstream from Belden along Highway 70.
For more information, call Dave Steindorf at American Whitewater, (530) 343-1871 or check the American Whitewater website at www.american whitewater.org.
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