Recreation

A RV at a campground in the Feather River Canyon on the Plumas NF

Backcountry Discovery Trail

The view from the top of Little Volcano, elevation 5801 feet.

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 can use 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)

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Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Current Recreation Conditions

Area Name	Status	Area Conditions
Accessing Rangeland	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Antelope Lake / Taylor Lake Trail	Open	This trail has recently been impacted by wildfires. Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Antelope Lake Nature Trail	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Antelope Lake Recreation Area	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Bachs Creek Trail	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at *Alerts and Notices* on the Plumas National Forest website.
Bear Cub Trail	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Bear Lakes Loop Trail	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Beckwourth Ranger District	Open	District Recreation Staff and concessionaires are working on opening sites for the 2024 summer season. Many facilities are still closed for the season. Some sites that remained open during the winter are still available with reduced services. Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Berry Creek Trail	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Big Cove Campground	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Big Cove Overflow	Open	Campground is available when all area campgrounds are full. Campers should be aware of Food and Trash Storage Rules. Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Black Mountain Lookout	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Black Rock Walk-in Tent Campground	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Boulder Creek Campground	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Brady's Camp Campground	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Bucks Creek Loop Trail	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Bucks Lake Area Grizzly Forebay Trail	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website
Bucks Lake Grizzly Forebay Gauging Station Trail	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Bucks Lake Recreation Area	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Bucks Lake Wilderness	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website
Butterfly Valley Botanical Area	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Butterfly Valley Trail	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Camp 5 Boat Launch Facility	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Cascade Trail	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Chambers Creek Trail	Open	The bridge on Chambers Creek trail has been heavily damaged by fire. While the trail is accessible to visitors, the bridge cannot be crossed. Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Chilcoot	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Cleghorn Bar	Closed	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Cold Stream Trail	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Conklin Park Campground	Open	This campground sustained severe damage in the 2021 Dixie fire. Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Cottonwood Springs Campground	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Crocker Campground	Open	Bears are active in this area. Campers should be aware of Food and Trash Storage Rules. Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Crocker Guard Station	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Day Use at Frenchman Lake	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Day Use at Lake Davis	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Deanes Valley Campground	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Deer Trail	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Feather Falls National Recreation Trail	Closed	Recreation site is closed due to fire damage per Forest Closure Order 05-11-03-22-01 through March 29, 2024, unless can be lifted earlier. Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Feather Falls Trailhead Campground	Closed	Recreation site is closed due to fire damage per Forest Closure Order 05-11-03-22-01 through March 29, 2024, unless can be lifted earlier. Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Feather River Canyon Recreation Area	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Feather River Ranger District	Open	District Recreation Staff are working on opening sites for the 2024 summer season. Many facilities are still closed for the season. Some sites that remained open during the winter are still available with reduced services. Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Fireline	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Flume Trail	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Frazier Falls Trail	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Frenchman Boat Launch Facility and Day Use Area	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Frenchman Campground	Open	Click Here for important information you should know about the 2024 season before planning your stay here. Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Frenchman Recreation Area	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Gansner Bar Campground	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Gold Lake 4x4 Campground	Open	2024 Recreation Season - Reservations are required at least 3 days in advance on Recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777. There is an $8 service charge for online reservations, $9 for phone reservations. All visitors must pack out all solid human waste. Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Gold Lake Campground	Open	For 2024 Recreation Season Gold Lake Campground is first come, first serve and will not be accepting reservation. Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Gold Lake Staging Area	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Gold Lake in Lakes Basin	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Goose Lake Campground	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Granite Gap Trail	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website
Grasshopper Flat	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Gray Eagle Creek Trail	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Greenville Campground	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Grizzly Campground	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Grizzly Creek Campground	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Hallsted Campground	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Haven Lake Campground	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Honker Cove Boat Launch Facility	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Honker Cove Overflow	Open	This campground is available when all area campgrounds are full. Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Horse Camp	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Hutchins Group Campground	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Indian Springs Trail	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Indian Valley Area	Closed	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Jamison Creek Trail	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Lake Davis	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Lake Davis Dam Picnic Area	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Lake Davis Recreation Area	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Lake Davis Trail	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Lakes Basin Campground	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Lakes Basin Group Campground	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Lakes Basin Recreation Area	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Lightning Tree Boat Launch Facility	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Lightning Tree Campground	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Little Beaver Campground	Closed	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Little Grass Valley Recreation Area	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Lone Rock Campground	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Long Lake Trail	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Long Point Campground	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Long Point Group Campground (25 people per site)	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Lost Cabin Springs Trail	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at *Alerts and Notices* on the Plumas National Forest website.
Lost Cove Boat Ramp	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Lower Bucks Campground	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Lunker Point Boat Launch Facility	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Mallard Cove Boat Launch Facility	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
McCarthy Bar Trail	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Meadow Camp Campground	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at *Alerts and Notices* on the Plumas National Forest website.
Meadow View Equestrian Campground	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Middle Creek Trail	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Middle Fork Trails - Access from La Porte Rd	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at *Alerts and Notices* on the Plumas National Forest website.
Middle Fork Trails-Access from Bucks Lake Road	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Mill Creek Campground	Open	Vault toilets were damaged in the Dixie Fire, so this campground is outfitted with porta-potties. Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Mill Creek Trail	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at .Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website
Milsap Bar Campground	Closed	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Monument Peak Trail	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Mt. Elwell Trail and Loop	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Mt. Hough Ranger District	Open	District Recreation Staff and concessionaires are working on opening sites for the 2024 summer season. Many facilities are still closed for the season. Some sites that remained open during the winter are still available with reduced services. Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Mt. Hough Trail	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at *Alerts & Notices* on the Plumas National Forest website.
No Ear Bar Trail	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
North Fork Campground	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
North Fork Fishing Trail	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Oddie Bar Trail	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)	Open	Detailed information is available at Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Peninsula Tent Campground	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Peter's Creek Trail	Closed	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Queen Lily Campground	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Red Bridge Campground	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Red Feather Campground	Closed	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Ridge Trail	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Rock Creek Campground	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Round Lake Trail and Loop	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Round Valley Lake Nature Trail	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Round Valley Reservoir Day Use	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Running Deer Campground	Closed	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Sandy Point Day Use Area and Boat Launch	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Silver Lake Campground	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Silver Lake and Mud Lake Trails	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Sly Creek Campground	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Smith Lake Trail	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Snake Lake Campground and Equestrian Camp	Closed	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Spanish Creek Campground	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Spanish Creek Group Campground	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Spanish Ridge Trail	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Spanish Traverse	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Spring Creek Campground	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Stag Point	Closed	Recreation site is closed due to fire damage per Forest Closure Order 05-11-03-22-01 through March 29, 2024, unless can be lifted earlier. Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Strawberry Campground	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Sundew Campground	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Three Lakes PCT Tie	Open	This trail is open but inaccessible at this time. Detailed information is available at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website. When open, the Three Lakes via the PCT is not currently recommended for horses. The Forest Service road leading to Three Lakes PCT tie-in is for 4WD vehicles only.
Three Lakes Trail	Open	This trail is open but inaccessible at this time. Detailed information is available at Alerts & Notices on the Plumas National Forest website. Currently, the Three Lakes trail via the PCT is not recommended for horses. The Forest Service road leading to Three Lakes PCT tie-in is for 4WD vehicles only.
Tooms RV Campground	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Whitehorse Campground	Open	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Wyandotte Campground	Closed	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Yellow Creek Trail	Open	Visitors should always check for additional information at Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.

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

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

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.