Pretty Plumas County, in the southeast corner of the Shasta Cascade region, is a nature lover’s dream. National forest extends across more than 75% of the county, and it’s located between the Northern California icons of Mount Lassen and Lake Tahoe. Hiking trails follow canyons, cross meadows, continue along lakes, and wind atop ridges with views of the Cascade and Sierra Nevada ranges. Many trails are open to dogs, as are plenty of hotels, campgrounds and restaurants.
Pups visiting Plumas County can walk with their humans on paved paths in Lassen Volcanic National Park, most Pacific Coast Trail routes in Lassen and the Plumas National Forest, and most fire roads in Plumas-Eureka State Park. Up north in Chester, four-legged explorers can stroll on the Collins Pine Trail and Olsen Barn Trail. Nearby, dogs are welcome on the 11-mile Lake Almanor Recreation Trail. Travelers enjoy fishing, kayaking, pontoon boating and paddleboarding on Lake Almanor, which is also a prime place for birdwatching and picnicking.
Leashed dogs are welcome in Rocky Point Campground, along Lake Almanor. For more lakefront camping, head to Butte Lake in the northeast corner of Lassen Volcanic National Park. The small town of Quincy is a southern Plumas County draw. Learn about Gold Rush history at the Plumas County Museum, and then take a photo walk past the well-preserved Victorian buildings lining Main Street. Follow the Barn Quilt Trail to view colorful, country-style public art decorating local century-old barns.
Morning Thunder and Quintopia Brewing dish up dog-friendly bites in downtown Quincy. The Gold Pan Lodge has pet-friendly rooms, and Bucks Lakeshore Resort, located east of town, offers cabin rentals, RV sites and seasonal patio dining for travelers.
For dog owners planning a Plumas County trip, keep a few things in mind. The county’s mountain trails can still have snow patches well into June, so check conditions before heading out on higher-elevation routes. Bring tick prevention for your dog — the forested terrain is home to ticks during spring and early summer. Water is available at most campgrounds, but always carry extra on trail days, since the dry mountain air and elevation can dehydrate dogs faster than you’d expect. And don’t forget layers for yourself — evenings cool down quickly, even in July.
With its mix of volcanic landscapes, alpine lakes, Gold Rush history, and small-town charm, Plumas County rewards travelers who are willing to venture off the beaten path. Your dog will thank you for the fresh mountain air and the miles of trail waiting to be explored.
