Recreation

Backcountry Discovery Trail

The Plumas Backcountry Discovery Trail (BDT) invites exploration of the remote areas of the Plumas National Forest. You can expect rough road conditions on gravel and dirt roads and a slow pace of travel, maybe only 30-50 miles a day. Be prepared for downed trees or rocks on the road, rough and rocky surfaces, and brush encroaching on the road-way. Much of the route is under snow in the winter and early spring. There are no restaurants, grocery stores, or gas stations along the main route and cell phone coverage is intermittent. Then on-paved roads are currently maintained for travel by sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and high-clearance vehicles.

This guide book describes the various routes and makes some recommendations on what types of vehicles canuse them. Alternate routes, which are best traveled in a 4-wheel-drive vehicle, are high lighted as well.

• Download the BDT guide (PDF, 16.4MB)

View more information on:

• Recreational Opportunities
• Community and forest campgrounds run by our wonderful partners

Recreation Conditions Report

Spotlights

Butterfly Valley Botanical Area

Designated as a botanical area in 1976, the Butterfly Valley is named for its resemblance to a butterfly shape as seen from aerial photos.  Located 3.5 miles north of Quincy on Hw 70/89 off of Blackhawk Road, this area includes a Nature Study of 5 species of plants including the California Pitcher Plant, a rare and unusual insect eating plant that only grows in scattered boggy areas from southern Oregon down through northern California.  Peak blooming season is May through July.  There are also 4 other species of insectivorous plants; 12 species of orchids, 24 species of plants in the Lily family, 9 species of ferns, as well as poppy, buttercup, wild rose and lady slipper. 

Indian Valley Area

Campgrounds managed by Outdoors in Plumas   

Just north of Quincy in Plumas County, the Indian Valley includes fishing, hiking, swimming, picnicking and camping in the Plumas National Forest. This portion of Highway 89, just north of Quincy connects two major scenic highway routes. Plumas County's "Scenic Byway Link" travels through the quiet, historic communities of Canyon Dam, Greenville, Crescent Mills, and Taylorsville and is a connection between "Feather River National Scenic Byway" on Hwy 70, just north of Quincy and the “Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway", which begins at the northern boundary of the Plumas National Forest. This route makes for great scenic driving throughout the year, but is widely known for its spectacular full fall splendor. Also located in the Indian Valley is the Round Valley Reservoir located three miles above Greenville, which is a warm water fishery containing bass and bluegill.   It’s a popular place for fishing and picnicking, and is nearby to the Greenville campground. The area is also great for bicycling.

Valley Creek Trail

This trail is closed due to fire hazards in the area. Please see fire use, camping, fire closure area and other restrictions that apply to this site at:  Notices & Alerts

 

The Valley Creek Botanical Special Interest Area contains one of the few remaining examples of Sierra Nevada mixed conifer old growth forest in the Northern Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is located on the Plumas National Forest in southern Plumas County, at an elevation of 4500 to 5000 feet. Bob Cermak, a Forest Service District Ranger in the 1960s, recognized its unique beauty and ecological value, and began the process of designating it as a Special Interest Area. His vision was realized in 1961, when it was officially preserved. In 2011, a 2.5-mile hiking trail was completed, providing access for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The trail is gentle with a few moderately steep sections.

The old growth Douglas-fir and Sugar pine provide habitat for many local wildlife species, including the sensitive California spotted owl and Northern goshawk. They also provide dwellings for small mammals. Valley Creek, which runs through the Special Interest Area, has been recognized as habitat for the sensitive foothill yellow-legged frog and the Federally Threatened red-legged frog.

Gold Lake Staging Area

This is the Plumas National Forest facility for accessing the Lakes Basin snowmobile trail system. The location includes a large parking area for vehicles and trailers, two vault toilets and seasonal access to groomed snowmobile trails. During heavy snow the parking area is plowed by Plumas County. This is not a snow park and does not offer play areas for families. A comprehensive brochure of the snowmobile trails system is available at  

• https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5129881.pdf
• Click Here for a Recreation Guide

Frazier Falls Trail

This paved mile long accessible trail passes through glacially carved granite terraces to a spectacular viewpoint across the canyon from Frazier Falls. Thanks to our wonderful volunteers at the Lions Club for trail maintenance, repair and clean-up.

This is an accessible trail for foot traffic and accessible vehicles such as wheelchairs and scooter only. Bicycles and all motorized vehicles are not allowed.

• Click Here for a recreation Guide