There’s no doubt that Reno offers a balanced way of life, one that combines the tranquility of the great outdoors with an exciting city buzz, but sometimes it’s nice to really get away and adopt a slower pace. Just two hours from the Biggest Little City, Plumas County provides just that. And while any time of year is a good time to visit, autumn offers cooler weather, scarce crowds, and ever-changing fall colors. Most of the area is made up of unincorporated towns, including the county seat of Quincy. Along State Route 36, the Lake Almanor Basin beckons. Come to enjoy quiet days on the lake, serene backroads and trailheads, and the small town Americana charm this little slice of California has become synonymous with.
Adventure On
Year-round people visit the still waters and rocky beaches of Lake Almanor for boating, fishing, kayaking, and more. Lakeside businesses are bustling whenever it’s warm, including boat rental companies. And while there are several that provide vessels by the hour—and the day—Wake Almanor stands out for its premiere chauffeured service. Instead of getting the keys and hitting the lake on your own, the husband-and-wife owners will drive you around and even offer on-the-go wake surfing lessons and rafting excursions. Sitting back and being able to relax with friends while cruising around the lake is perhaps the best way to enjoy the surrounding evergreen forest and views of Mount Lassen.
Lake Almanor is warmer than lakes closer to home, which makes getting in an enjoyable experience even late into the fall. Choose between setting up on the beach and wading in, diving for crawdads hidden under rocks, or even kayaking across the lake. You’ll even have the opportunity to take your vessel right to lunch or dinner, by stopping off at Plumas Pines Resort or Carol’s Prattville Café (where you must order the fried chicken).
If you don’t have your own gear, never fear, Higher Elevation Rentals offers a full-service rental business including drop-off and pick-up depending on where you’re staying and playing. The company keeps a large inventory of kayaks and paddle boards for people of all ages and sizes, including two-seaters for those who want to explore together. They also rent out mountain bikes in case you want to traverse the roads around the lake and deeper into the forest.
In fact, mountain biking will get you closer to the fall colors, especially along the Lake Almanor Recreation Trail.
And if you’d rather explore on foot, the Olsen Barn Meadow offers a 1.8-mile loop trail with views of Lassen Peak, a 150-year-old pioneer barn, and plenty of vibrant hues showing off along the North Fork of the Feather River (where you can also cast a line). The easy trail is flat and grassy so just about anyone can traverse it and enjoy the fresh air and bursts of orange, red, and yellow.
Make a Weekend of It
It’s better to stay and book a few activities over a couple of days. Chester is alive with small town charm that permeates every corner of the town. While you’re sure to have an adventurous vacation anywhere along the lake, Chester balances the outdoor fun with quaint family-owned businesses, including restaurants, breweries, and more. As an added bonus, the town has gotten quite a few upgrades in recent years.
You won’t want to miss dinner on the lake at Plumas Pines Resort, where you can pull your boat right into the restaurant’s courtesy dock and even leash up your dog on the lawn. The other eateries in town offer their own specialties. At The Elegant Farmer, which is also a gift and home décor shop, it feels like you’re hanging out in the owners’ backyard. Live music plays on the lawn, which doubles as a dance floor, and fire tables and wooden chairs draped with blankets make the perfect spot to cozy up and appreciate the local musical stylings. Pizzas come out hot and fresh from the large pizza oven and the chef on site, Joe, also makes a delicious tri-tip sandwich. The atmosphere is casual but elevated with food to match, and desserts you shouldn’t skip.
Koninkrijk Koffiehuis is a casual Dutch coffeehouse offering savory puff pastry calzones and delicious sweet treats. The quick bites pair well with coffee in the morning and are a great start to the day. Even better, while indoor and outdoor seating on Main Street is cozy and convenient for marveling at the colorful cottonwood trees as they turn, you can easily take your fare to go to the nearest lake or river for fishing. And if you need advice on the most fruitful areas to cast a line, Mark at Sierra’s Fly & Tackle in Hamilton Branch is an expert. Plus, he sells fishing licenses if you’re in need.
Another breakfast option is Cravings, a coffeehouse that shares a building with a local bookstore. You can get fresh pastries and gourmet coffee to go or sit down for a bacon waffle, croissant breakfast sandwich, or spinach and goat cheese scramble. There are a lot of options for both savory and sweet delights, and most include half order options in case you brought a light appetite—or you want to mix and match a few dishes and try it all.
For dinner, Il Lago Pizza & Pasta stays busy, and it keeps the same formula every dining establishment in this story has mentioned: indoor and outdoor seating options. Grab a spot on the wraparound porch or eat at the lively bar. The food is divine, especially the eatery’s pasta options, which include stuffed raviolis, clam linguine, and traditional spaghetti and meatballs. You can also start with fresh salads, heart-warming soupe, or a plate of spicy calamari. Plus, the bar makes a killer—and strong—negroni.
Looking for a nightcap? Like most small towns the sidewalks roll up early, but Waganupa Brewing stays open until 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday (though hours are subject to change with the seasons). Beers may rotate but when the bourbon seltzer slushie is on the menu, it’s a must. The best part is the variety offered; the menu has everything from light beers to stouts to hoppy IPAs, and even an amber ale. And while they don’t serve food, you can order in from a neighboring restaurant, including Il Lago.
When you’re ready to lay your head down at night, consider a room at the Timber House Brewery & Lodge. This iconic Chester business has been around for decades but recently got new ownership and an overhaul. The Lumberjack Suites offers a full kitchen, living room with working fireplace, private bathroom and bedroom with two beds. It gives home rental vibes with puzzles and board games and private keyless entry without lacking the amenities of a resort, like an ice machine and on-site restaurant, brewery, and distillery. Pop across the street to enjoy a meal, throw bags on the lawn, or sip post-hike beers at the bar. Even better? The hotel is walking distance to most of Chester’s gems.
Extend Your Trip
The fall colors stretch past Chester and there are other worthy stop offs nearby. Consider spending a day at Lassen Volcanic National Park where boiling mud pots remind visitors of Yellowstone and the trees offer some of the most gorgeous autumn hues. Or continue into Susanville and visit the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail or take the Lassen Rural Bus fall colors bike ride or shuttle. On select dates, a guided tour of the area’s brightest fall colors takes place along the trail.