activities

Discover a world of year-round activities that cater to every taste and season at our destination. Whether you're an adventure enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking relaxation, our location offers a diverse range of experiences. From invigorating outdoor pursuits like hiking, golfing, boating, and fishing to winter wonders such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, there's something for everyone. Embrace the changing seasons as you explore our scenic surroundings, ensuring that each visit is filled with excitement and tailored to your preferences. With activities that span the spectrum, we welcome you to indulge in a variety of adventures and create lasting memories, no matter the time of year.

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HIKING

There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Almanor area than by exploring it on foot. The area boasts an extensive network of hiking trails that showcase the breathtaking Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges. Approximately 80 miles of the renowned Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) traverse Plumas County, with elevations ranging from 2,400 to 7,000 feet. This iconic trail stretches 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada.

The Almanor Basin also offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities, such as the paved Lake Almanor Recreation Trail, which winds along the lake’s scenic west shore. Additionally, the area is a gateway to remarkable hikes in Lassen Volcanic National Park and the nearby Caribou Wilderness Area, providing endless adventures for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers.

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GOLFING

The Lake Almanor area is home to three exceptional golf courses celebrated for their lush, wooded landscapes and stunning mountain vistas. Lake Almanor West Golf Course, Bailey Creek Golf Course, and Lake Almanor Country Club Golf Course are all nestled along the pristine shores of Lake Almanor and just a short 10-minute drive from The Bidwell House. While tee times are typically easy to secure, it’s a good idea to book ahead during the busy summer months to ensure perfect golfing experience.

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WATER SPORTS

Lake Almanor, with its expansive 53 miles of shoreline, stands as one of Northern California's premier destinations, attracting visitors year-round. In the summer, the lake’s warm surface temperatures of around 75 degrees make it an ideal spot for water activities such as water-skiing, wakeboarding, sailing, sailboarding, kayaking, paddleboarding, and wave running.

Conveniently, several marinas around the lake provide essential services like fuel, storage, and marine maintenance. For those looking to get out on the water, boat, kayak, paddleboard, and watercraft rentals are readily available at various locations, ensuring an unforgettable experience on this beautiful lake.

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CYCLING

Cyclists of all skill levels will find a paradise in the county’s scenic backroads and forest trails. Road bikers can enjoy peaceful rides through charming communities, while mountain bikers can explore rugged trails, abandoned logging roads, and diverse terrain. The 13-mile Lake Almanor Recreation Trail is perfect for families, offering stunning lake views and easy beach access. The Biz Johnson Trail blends history with adventure, following old railroad tracks through tunnels and picturesque landscapes. In spring, cyclists can take on a unique challenge at Lassen Volcanic National Park, riding the snow-cleared highway before it opens to cars. For a serene yet scenic route, the American Valley Chandler Loop in Quincy winds through rustic countryside, passing historic barns and open fields with breathtaking mountain views.

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WILDLIFE

With its vast open spaces, dense forests, and abundant waterways, Plumas County is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Observing animals in their natural habitats is one of the area’s most rewarding (and free!) attractions. Among the most popular and easily spotted species are deer, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and a variety of waterfowl.

For those exploring the fields, hillsides, and oak woodlands near Chester and Lake Almanor area, mule and black-tailed deer are a common sight. Black bears can also be spotted with some regularity, particularly along forested trails and in Lassen Volcanic National Park, offering a thrilling glimpse of the area’s wild side.

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BIRDING

Chester and Lake Almanor area is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with nearly 300 species thriving in the surrounding national forest. The region’s diverse habitats—lakes, meadows, marshes, streams, and towering trees—offer ideal conditions for a wide range of bird species. Many prime birdwatching spots are easily accessible by vehicle, while developed hiking trails provide opportunities for the more adventurous.

The county’s rivers and streams are teeming with riparian bird species, including common mergansers, wood ducks, sandhill cranes, yellow warblers, lazuli buntings, American dippers, and a variety of woodpeckers such as Downy, Nuttall’s, and Lewis’s. Lake Almanor is renowned for hosting the largest population of wintering eagles and osprey in the region. For a truly breathtaking sight, be sure to catch the tundra swans flocking to the meadow across from The Bidwell House. Whether you’re an avid birder or just enjoy observing nature, the Chester and Lake Almanor area provides exceptional birdwatching opportunities all year long!

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FISHING AND HUNTING

The Lake Almanor Basin offers exceptional fishing opportunities for both lake and stream anglers. Local guide services are ready to help you reel in the big one and even share tips on how to prepare your catch. If you’re eager to explore the water, fishing boat rentals are available at many Lake Almanor marinas.

Hunting is a cherished activity in the Lake Almanor area, with archery and rifle seasons available for mule deer. The shallow waters and meadows along Lake Almanor’s north shore offer prime opportunities for waterfowl hunting, making it a popular spot for geese and duck enthusiasts during the season

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LEAF PEEPING

Each fall, the Lake Almanor area transforms into a breathtaking canvas of color, drawing visitors from near and far. Vibrant hues of gold, yellow, red, and magenta blend beautifully with the lush green mountains and clear blue skies, making Chester an irresistible destination for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. From late September to early November, the season offers more than just stunning scenery—it’s a chance to breathe in crisp mountain air, enjoy a slower, more peaceful pace, and partake in the charm of local harvest festivals and seasonal events

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HORSEBACK RIDING

Discover the stunning landscapes of the High Sierra on horseback! The Chester and Lake Almanor Basin area features stables that offer a range of horseback riding experiences for riders of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or trying horseback riding for the first time, guided trail rides provide an incredible way to explore the region’s forests, rolling meadows, and scenic lakeshores. Local stables also offer riding lessons for individuals and families, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Whether you seek a relaxing ride through nature or an opportunity to refine your riding skills, horseback riding in the High Sierra promises an unforgettable outdoor adventure

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WINTER SPORTS

The Lake Almanor area offers a winter wonderland for snowshoeing and Nordic skiing, with virtually the entire forest open for exploration. Options range from beginner-friendly, flat, groomed tracks to challenging peaks and backcountry terrain for advanced telemarking enthusiasts. The interpretive recreation trail on the west shore of Lake Almanor provides stunning scenery and easy access for all skill levels.

For quieter adventures near Chester, consider McGowan Lake, Childs Meadow, Warner Valley Road, or the Caribou Wilderness. Just 35 miles away via Highway 36/89, Lassen Volcanic National Park features over 150 miles of marked and unmarked trails for non-motorized winter sports, offering endless opportunities for exploration.

If skiing or snowboarding is your passion, don’t forget to pack your gear. Coppervale Ski Hill, operated by Lassen Community College and located about 19 miles east of Chester, offers trails for all skill levels, a face, a bowl, and a newly created terrain park, all serviced by a Poma lift. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned adventurer, winter in the Chester area has something for everyone.

HIKING

GOLFING

WATER SPORTS

CYCLING

WILDLIFE

BIRDING

FISHING AND HUNTING

LEAF PEEPING

HORSEBACK RIDING

WINTER SPORTS

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