Best in Snow

Winter Getaway to Plumas County

Plumas County is a northern Sierra Nevada dreamland year-round, with vast outdoor spaces, places, and races! In winter, snowshoe Lassen Volcanic National Park, downhill ski at charming Coppervale Resort, have a blast at the quirky Longboard Races, and warm up to winter with the uber-tasty Chilly Chili Cook-off festival—including music, s’mores by the fire, ice skating, and a crazy hat contest.

Winter in Lassen Volcanic National Park

winter adventure in Lassen

Mount Lassen in winter

Winter adventure in Lassen

See the forest for the trees in Plumas County! Add in peaks, lakes, and wowing Sierra Nevada views. Plumas National Forest and Lassen National Forest offer all kinds of snowshoe treks and cross-country glides—from beginner friendly and sweetly groomed, to more advanced backcountry adventures for the skilled adventurers. Check out Plumas County’s top cross-country and snowshoe hikes and trails.

It’s one of California’s less-traveled national parks, and in winter it’s a snowy wonderland. Visit Lassen Volcanic National Park for snowshoe and cross-country ski adventures. Head out on a snowshoe hike around Manzanita Lake or go on a ranger-guided snowshoe adventure amid the park’s majestic red fir forest. Check out Lassen’s Winter Activity Guide.

Find your perfect lodging in Plumas County

Blast from the Past!

winter longboard race

historic winter longboard

winter longboard race

Ever raced 88 miles per hour on two old-school pieces of wood? Plumas County’s infamous Longboard Races are good old-fashioned frivolous fun. Originally known as “Norway Skates” these unique long skis were used in the 1800s for faster travel in winter wilderness.

Today, speed demons strap onto longboards up to 15 feet long and made from Douglas fir, and race! The wild and quirky fun happens every third Sunday through March at Johnsville Historic Ski Bowl (also known as the Eureka Ski Bowl). This is where the western hemisphere’s first downhill skiing competition was held, in 1861. Or you can strap on downhill skis or a snowboard and take to the scenery and slopes at charming and quaint Coppervale Ski Hill.

BONUS: Advanced backcountry adventurers can check out the Eureka Peak route.

Bucks Lake offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and backcountry skiing. An easy three-mile ski gets you to Lakeshore Lodge with a view of Bucks Lake. If you’re seeking more backcountry adventure skiing or snowshoeing, head into the Bucks Lake Wilderness and adventure along the Pacific Crest Trail.

Find your perfect lodging in Plumas County

When It's Chilly, Chili!

Chili cook off

outdoor ice rink

I’m not chilly, I’m eating chili! Warm up to winter at Plumas County’s famous Chilly Chili Cook-off—President’s Day Weekend, February 18, at Chester Park. This isn’t just any chili event: It’s a full-on afternoon festival with music, ice carvings, s’mores by the fire, and—yep—a crazy hat (toque) contest! 15 tasty chilis will be served to sample and savor.

Good glidings: The Chilly Chili festival supports the brand-new outdoor Ice Rink at Chester Park.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Hiker taking a photo of sunset at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve

    Sunshine and Skyline

    Head to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve for a 4-mile out-and-back hike on the Bay Area Ridge Trail that offers a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

    View