Seasons Come and Seasons Go
Plumas County has enjoyed the awe of Mother Nature this fall with stunning colors from vibrant yellows to scarlets and purples. Now the area is beginning to enjoy the change from golden colors to leaves wafting in the breeze and falling to the ground in preparation for the area’s winter wonderland.
Lots of holiday preparation is going on in the rural towns starting with finding the perfect Christmas tree. Cutting permits for $10 at:
Plumas County tree cutting permits
Lassen County tree cutting permits
On November 24 join the community of Chester for a tree lighting ceremony, the opening of the ice-skating rink and the annual Merchant’s Night Out. Streets are filled with shoppers enjoying the warmth of bonfires in front of all the stores while having a bite to eat and a holiday libation.
On December 2, the 52nd annual Sparkle in Quincy is reminiscent of a country Christmas with lighted parade, live music and shopping. Learn about more events here.
A Tale of Two Creeks
- Chico (197′) – Near Peak (50-75%) Go Now.
Transitioning in Plumas
Autumn has been spectacular in Plumas County and it’s not over yet!
The cottonwoods have finally decided to turn yellow behind Chester’s Olsen Barn Meadow along the banks of the North Fork Feather River.
Betty Bishop, who lives near the meadow, captured some “Cottonwood colors” just this week. There is a flat, two-mile loop trail around the barn adjacent to the river to get up close to take in the lovely colors.
The splendor of Indian Valley also continues to shine with this week’s rainbow appearing during a storm over the yellow-orange cottonwoods. Jake Edwards of Scenescapery was there to capture the scene.
Additionally, the oaks along La Porte Road are still looking lovely. You can drive up La Porte Road to Pilot Peak Road and take a lovely hike to Pilot Peak for some lovely views.
Finally, as fall slowly fades into winter in this area, preparations are underway for the opening of the ice skating rink on November 24. With cold temperatures and a recent dusting of snow you should GO NOW! to this area.
Shasta County Steals the Show
Color spotter Philip Reedy has done it again, going the extra mile to capture fabulous fall color photos.
Fall Foliage Still An Eyeful in Plumas
Downtown Quincy is past its peak but still quite lovely especially if you like to shuffle through fallen leaves for that crunching, fall feeling, according to color spotters in Plumas County. The surrounding area is still covered with oaks that have turned beautiful shades of orange and yellow.
It’s an excellent time for mountain biking on the South Park trails maintained by Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship. We still recommend the Cascades Trail for hiking, which is 5.1 miles from the Quincy airport to the road marked Old Highway. Turn right and follow the paved road 0.7 miles east past several homes. Then turn left onto a rough dirt road and go 0.4 miles to the parking area and trailhead.
Mount Hough Trail
Driving north on Highway 89 from Quincy to Indian Valley (Taylorsville and Greenville), Michael Beatley, one of our favorite leaf peepers, stopped by Indian Falls to check out fall colors last weekend and wasn’t disappointed. He said Indian Creek is lined with colorful wild grape, willows, big leaf maples, and grasses. Still at 100% peak.
Victor at Pine Aire Resort in the Feather River Canyon says around each bend in the road the oaks are lovely. He mentioned that the construction stops weren’t too bad—15 minutes or so. Now is definitely the time to explore the Feather River Canyon!
In the Northwest part of Plumas County, Chester is still very showy with golden cottonwoods along the North Fork of the Feather River near First Avenue. Although the cottonwoods behind Olsen Barn aren’t as colorful this year, it is still a nice place to stop and explore the barn and walk the loop trail.
Leaf peeper Jake Edwards (@Scenescapery) reports that Deer Creek off of Hwy 32 is at peak.
Along Highway 32 plenty of colorful trees remain though they are getting close to peak, about 95%. A perfect place to stop for a picnic lunch is Dog Patch. The sights will not disappoint.
Remember that fall is more than beautifully colored landscapes. There are many varieties of apples in Quincy, Meadow Valley, and Indian Valley—some planted years ago by pioneers. When visiting these areas look to participate in the popular fall activity of apple juicing.
Plumas Peaking Everywhere
Color spotter Michael Beatley took a drive over the weekend to Indian Falls and Indian Creek on Hwy 89.
“The creek is lined with wild grape, willows, big leaf maples and grasses,” he described. “On the west edge of Quincy is the West Ranch with cottonwoods and old farm implements and black oaks. Plumas County is peaking everywhere.”
GO NOW!
Stunning in Siskiyou
Treats for the Eyes and Tastebuds in Plumas
Color spotters in Plumas County are just getting into the meat of color season. We rounded up the following happenings from this week.
In Eastern Plumas County, there are still beautiful aspens in higher elevations, such as the hikers in the image below found along the Jamison Creek Trail.
The Quincy area, as mentioned earlier this week, is at 100% peak! Just about everywhere you look, the town is bursting with awesome autumn color.
The oaks are starting to turn along Highway 70 in the Feather River Canyon and will continue to be showy for a few weeks. Highway 89 along Indian Creek is looking quite lovely despite burn scars from the Dixie Fire.
In Indian Valley and Genesee, maples and dogwood are still looking lovely and the oaks are starting to turn. Stop by the Genesee Store (open Friday-Sunday), nestled in the valley for a gourmet meal while you’re out leaf peeping.
Chester, on Hwy 36, is peaking with some amazing colors captured by Jake Edwards, Scenescapery. While you are there, make sure you take in some fall treats at the popular Cravings, or stop in to visit American Interiors in its historical building framed by fall foliage currently at peak.