Nordic Skiing/Snowshoeing

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 forest ranger, friend or relative) where you're headed.

For a list of suggested trails and directions, contact the Plumas County Visitors Bureau at (800) 326-2247. For maps and more details on the areas listed below, call the Plumas National Forest (530) 283-2050 or the Lassen National Forest (530) 258-2141.

Lassen Park/Almanor Area 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 hikes and ski tours are held Saturdays during the winter. Contact Lassen Park (530) 595-4444 for details.

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 Ski Gold Mountain downhill ski area, and more advanced terrain suited for telemarking leads to Eureka Peak.

Intermediate and advanced unmarked routes are featured in the Lakes Basin Recreation Area south of Graeagle, which also is open to 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.

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; and The Sports Nut, 208 Main St., (530) 258-3327. In Eastern Plumas, Mountain Hardware, Bonta St., Blairsden, (530) 836-2589. In Quincy, Sierra Mountain Sports, 501 W. Main Street, (530) 283-2323.

Snowshoes may be rented at Mountain Hardware in Blairsden, Bodfish in Chester and Sierra Mountain Sports in Quincy.