Antiques and Shopping
Collectors of antiques and old
things will love to hunt treasures in the many antique stores. For the
avid shoppers, there are many unique and interesting shops in each
community. Art and craft shows are held in the area throughout the
season and during the holidays.
Places to Shop for
Antiques
The Hummingbird Antiques & Collectibles - Specializing in California and other Pottery. They also have a selection of glassware, vintage kitchenware, Rockingham glazed pottery, buttons, sewing paraphernalie and miscellany. They are open Thursday thru Sunday most weeks May thru September. Other times by chance or appointment. Located west of Portola, across from Chalet View Lodge. 71993 Hwy 70 Portola, CA 96122 (530)832-0104
Connie's Place- 72850 Hwy 70 3 mi. west of Portola. Portola,
CA 96122 (530) 832-4998
Maybe Antiques
Collectibles- 71573 Hwy 70/ P.O. Box 445, Blairsden CA 862103 (530)
836-0130
Bird Watching & Photography
The Sierra Valley
has a wonderful variety of birds to be enjoyed by the bird watcher. The
mountain species and scenery, wild flowers, the communities and
historical sites are a special delight for the
photographer.
Cross Country Skiing
Miles and miles of
nature trails on the valley floor, at the lakes and throughout the
mountain forests offer a level of skiing for everyone. Check out the groomed trail out of Plumas Eureka State Park. They also offer trail for you avid snowshoers. This has become a
wonderful family sport and one of the best aerobic exercises. Experience
great fun and enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature's winter
wonderland.
Downhill Skiing
Eureka Ski bowl in Johnsville has annual Longboard skiing and races, that was pioneered here and are again an event that will bring back the
past.
Fishing
Some of the best fishing is right here in the
Eastern Plumas County area. Frenchman and Davis Lakes present
opportunities for a trophy size fish year round. The Middle Fork of the
Feather River and dozens of streams that feed it have various locations
ideal for bank and fly fishing enthusiasts. The Lakes Basin area offers
a variety of types of fishing, as well as resorts that will cook your
catch.
Jazz
This has continued to be a popular attraction.
The Feather River Jazz Society has grown each year, enticing name bands
to Graeagle. Spring through Fall, Jazz concerts are held monthly in
Graeagle. A weekend Jazz Festival is held at the end of July. Don't miss
it.
Hiking
The nice thing about our area is you can
begin your hike from your doorstep. There are scores of hiking trails
for the serious and casual hiker. A great family
outing. For a great book on hikes in this area, pick up a copy of Feather River
Country Adventure Trails at various local locations or your favorite book store.
Eastern Plumas/Lakes Basin Recreation
Area
Frazier Falls
Trail
Length: Half mile
Effort:
Easy
Hike Time: Half hour (round-trip)
Directions:
The trailhead is located on Old Gold Lake Road, about five miles from
the Highway 89/ Gold Lake Road intersection. About 1 3/4 miles up the
present Gold Lake Road, take the signed, narrow paved access road on the
left for about four miles to the trailhead.
Red Fir Nature
Trail
Length: Quarter mile
Effort: Easy
Hike
Time: Fifteen Minutes (round-trip)
Directions: The
trailhead is located on the dirt road leading to Mills Peak Lookout.
Look for a sign to Mills Peak located on the East Side of Gold Lake Road
just south of Gold Lake. Continue your drive to the lookout for a
fantastic view of the Mohawk valley.
Long Lake
Trail
Length: Three-quarters to 2.75 miles
Effort:
Moderate
Hike Time: Half hour to 1.5
hours
Directions: This trail takes off from either Lakes Basin
Campground or Gray Eagle Lodge, both located off Gold Lake Road south of
Graeagle. The Lakes Basin Campground is off Gold Lake Road about 6.5
miles from Highway 89, with paved roads leading to the trailheads. Head
straight-ahead (avoid the side trails). The Gray Eagle Lodge turnoff is
about 5 miles up Gold Lake Road from Highway 89: turn right and continue
a bit over a quarter mile to the signed trailhead turnoff. Parking is
available. The trail climbs gradually nearly 3 miles past the Lily Lake
Trail and Grassy Lake Trail intersection and Long Lake to the Mount
Elwell and Mud Lake Trails.
Round Lake Loop
Trail
Length: 3.75 miles
Effort: Moderate
Hike
Time: About 3 hours (one-way)
Directions: The trailhead is
at the parking of Gold Lake Lodge off Gold Lake Road. Take Highway 89
just south of Graeagle to Gold Lake Road and travel south 7.5 miles to
Gold Lake Lodge.
Eastern Plumas/Plumas Eureka State
Park
Grass Lake/Little Jamison Creek Tail
Length:
3.8 miles
Effort: Moderate
Hike Time: About 3 hours
(one-way)
Directions: The trailhead is at the Jamison Mine.
Travel up Johnsonville Road (A-14) off Highway 89 in Graeagle
approximately 4.5 miles to the unimproved Jamison Mine Road. Look for a
sign on the left that reads Jamison Mine/ Grass Lake Trail. Continue 1.5
miles to the trailhead and parking area. The trail climbs steadily 3.8
miles to the Pacific Crest Trail past Smith Lake, Grass Lake, Jamison
Lake and Rock Lake trail junctions. Continue up Little Jamison Creek you
will leave the park, passing a waterfall and the east shore of Grass
Lake, elevation 5,842 feet.
Eureka Peak Loop
Trail
Length: 3 miles
Effort: Moderate
Hike
Time: About 3 hours (round trip)
Directions: Follow the
dirt road from the Johnsonville Ski Area parking lot (top of
Johnsonville Road.) The road, which ends at Eureka Lake about 1.5 miles
up, is open to vehicles only Monday through Thursday. The trailhead is
located at the dam next to the parking area, which has restrooms. The
trail divides to make a loop. Staying left, the trail winds to an ascent
to the crest of the saddle between the false peak (left) and Eureka Peak
(right).
Madora Lake Nature Walk
Length: 1.5
miles
Effort: Easy
Hike Time: About 1 hour (round
trip) Directions: The trailhead is located off Johnsonville Road
(Country Road A-14) about 3.5 miles west of Highway 89 at Graeagle.
There is a signed turnoff into a paved parking area with picnic tables
and restrooms.
Horseback Riding
There are two stables located at
Gold Lake and Graeagle. Each offers different types of
riding trails, pack tours, sunset. What's
your pleasure? Spectacular horseback views of pristine lakes and the
Sierra Nevada range? Special fly fishing pack trip complete with an
Orvis-endorsed guide? You can do any or all with the accommodating folds at
Reid Horse & Company. From either of two pack stations, one in the
Bucks Lake Recreational Area and one in the Lake Basin Recreation Area,
you'll travel through terrain of incomparable beauty. The best part is
that each trip is custom designed for small groups. You tell us what
you'd like to see and when, and we'll tailor a ride especially for
you.
Gold Lake Pack Station & Stables (530)
836-0940
Graeagle Stables (530) 836-0430
Ranch Headquarters (530)
283-2014 or check out their web page at www.reidhorse.com
Reid Horse & Cattle Company
Hunting
There is a excellent variation of
hunting opportunities starting with deer hunting. Waterfowl hunting may
be found at Lake Davis in Portola, Frenchman Lake in Chilcoot, in the
Sierra Valley, and along the Middle Fork of the Feather River. Mountain
and Valley Quail, Chukar, Sierra and Ruffed Grouse, Grey Squirrel,
Rabbit, and Bear are also hunted in this region. Check out Sierra Valley Gun Club for their events and shooting range availability. 530-832-4186
Mountain
Biking,
From backcountry roads to rugged trails, there is room to
ride
Eastern Plumas
Mills Peak Lookout Distance: 6 miles (one way)
Effort: Moderate Average Ride Time: 2 hours Directions: From Highway 89
south of Graeagle, take the Gold Lake Highway to the junction of Mills
Peak Road (County Roads 721/822). Park across from this intersection at
the turnout. Bike 1.5 miles on County Road 721, then turn north on
County Rd 822 for 4.5 miles to the lookout
Lake Davis Loop Distance: 18 miles Effort: Easy Average Ride Time: 2 hours Directions:
From Highway 70 in Portola take West Street approximately seven miles to
the Lake Davis Dam and park at the information kiosk. Bike 1.7 miles
west to Forest Service Road 24N10, travel on that for 8.1 miles until
you reach the junction with county Road 112. Then turn east and continue
around the lake. Past the Grizzly Campground a half mile, turn south on
Country Road 126 and continue back to the dam.
Dixie
Mountain Distance: 15.6 miles Effort: Difficult Average Ride Time: 2
hours Directions: From Highway 70 at Chilcoot, go north on Highway 284
for eight miles to Frenchman Dam. Proceed straight on 25N11 for six miles to the junction with 24N02Y. Signs say Dixie Mountain Lookout. Bike west from that junction to mile post 6.4 at Dixie Trail, then northeast on 25N03 to 25N11. Take 25N11 two miles back to starting point. A side trip to the end of 24N02Y (.3 miles) provides a spectacular view from Dixie Mountain Lookout.
Crystal Peak Distance: 10.5 (one-way) Effort: Moderate Average Ride Time: 2 hours Directions: From Highway 70 at Chilcoot, go north on Highway 284 approximately five miles to the junction of 24N44. Parking is available at the Chilcoot Day Use Area a mile further up Highway 284. Begin the ride at the 24N44 junction with Highway 284, proceed northeast on 24N44 to 24N12X, then north on 24N12X to Crystal Peak. For an alternative return route, take 24N02 off 24N12X at mile post 9.8 and go seven miles to Frenchman Reservoir.
Husky Mountain Dog Sled Tours Tours are on a reservation basis only. Call (775)-335-5024.
Snowmobiling
Hundreds of miles of natural
trails, forests, meadows, unplowed roads and frozen lakes offer
excellent sledding. Roads leading to Frenchman, Davis, and Gold Lakes
make access convenient and easy. The view of the snow covered Sierra
Buttes, Valley and mountain ranges make this an unforgettable and
challenging sport.
Rafting
With the Feather River running through Sierra Valley, Portola, Clio, Graeagle and onto Cromberg/Sloat, there is alot of area for inner tubing. You can rent tubes from various businesses in the area. Or how about rafting the local rivers. Check out Tributary Whitewater Tours for trips in the area.
And More Recreation
Enjoy activities like
tennis, miniature golf, softball, basketball, soccer, swimming, water
skiing, snow play, gold panning, and bicycling. Take fun classes such as
dancing, martial arts, and crafts. Educational classes are also offered
locally through the College.
