Snowshoeing

Plumas Country

More and more people are discovering the fun of snowshoeing. Pack your snowshoes and head into the forest for a winter adventure! Don’t forget to bring a camera. Who knows what kind of wildlife and other winter treasures you’ll spot!

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. 

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

The new Lakes Basin Ski Trail takes off from the Gold Lake Staging Area south of Graeagle in the Lakes Basin Recreation Area. Open only to non-motorized users, the marked and groomed moderate trail continues 1.5 miles, paralleling Graeagle Creek. Intermediate and advanced unmarked routes are featured elsewhere in the Lakes Basin, which is also a popular destination for 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.

If you don’t have your own snowshoes, they can be rented at Bodfish Bicycles and Quiet Mountain Sports in Chester.

For more information about winter recreation opportunities and hosted snowshoe walks, contact the following: Almanor Ranger District (530) 258-2141 or Plumas National Forest (530) 283-2050.

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