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As visitors travel through the towns of Eastern Plumas County, they notice the friendliness and hospitality, and the true sense of rural mountain living. Towns far enough apart to have their own characteristics are close enough to share each others services and interests. It doesn't matter if you visit Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Clio, Cromberg/Sloat, Blairsden, Graeagle, Johnsville, Portola, Vinton, or somewhere in between, you will find something unique and different.
Portola Railroad Museum
The Western Pacific Railroad Museum at Portola is home to North America's largest and most complete collection dedicated to telling the story of one railroad. It is also one of the few places where you can experience rail history in a truly "hands-on" way. Come sit in the cab of the world's largest and mightiest diesel locomotive, climb aboard passenger cars from the California Zephyr, and take the throttle of a real locomotive under your control. click here for map of Portola
(530) 832-4131), email: wpliveshere@wplives.com or visit the web site |
Williams House Museum
The little town of Portola, Ca. would love to share this historical monument with you! Find the Williams House at 424 East Sierra Ave., Portola, Ca. 96122. During your next visit to their quaint town you must add to your schedule Portola Visitors Center/The Williams House Museum. It is a historical point of reference, located at the east entrance to Portola on Highway 70.
Step into this old log house and learn about Portola`s early history including pictures and artifacts. Walk through the home that for many years belonged to The Williams Family. Donated to the City of Portola, the State of California has recognized it in the California Historical Landmark Registry. |
Beckwourth Cabin Museum
Located on Rocky Point Road, East of Portola (530) 832-4888). Open by appointment. The cabin has been recently restored to capture the legend of this explorer, trapper, Indian Chief, storyteller and scout. Plumas County pioneer Jim Beckwourth's refurbished hotel and trading post, circa 1852. Beckwourth, who was one of the few pioneer leaders of African-American descent. Beckwourth discovered one of the lowest passes over the Sierra. Beckwourth Cabin is one of the earliest buildings related to African American history in California, and also the last remaining building in this State that was built by the early mountain men.This authentic 1850's log cabin trading post and "hotel", is the home of the Jim Beckwourth Museum. The "V" notch log cabin is indicative of the area where Beckwourth grew up. Oral history has it that the hand-hewn log building was built by him. It was relocated from its original site nearby in 1985.
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Beckwourth Trail Route
Jim Beckwourth's Road left the main California Trail (Truckee Route) at the confluence of Steamboat Creek and the Truckee River. It crossed the Truckee near Rock Park, followed by the Highway 395 route north to California Highway 70, where it turned west through Beckwourth Pass. From the pass it continued west through Sierra Valley to Big Grizzly Creek which it crossed north Grizzly Valley. From there the trail crossed Grizzly Ridge to Spring Garden and followed the creek to American Valley; crossed Emigrant Hill to Meadow Valley; climbed to Bucks Lake Summit and followed the route of the Oroville Quincy Highway to Lake Oroville, which covers the site of Bidwell's Bar.
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Plumas Eureka State Park
Perhaps the best kept secret within the California State Park System, the park is steeped in history and rich with recreation and natural resources. Located six miles from Graeagle on the Johnsville Road (County Road A-14) the 6,700-acre park features 67 sites first come first serve campgrounds set along Jamison Creek. The park features an indoor-outdoor museum of early mining equipment; (it takes you back to reliving the gold mining days with relics and living history reenacted by costumed docents.) www.plumas-eureka.org
Plumas County Museum
The concept of an active "living museum" is evidenced by the dozens of different exhibits, events, meetings and functions held at the Plumas County Museum. Permanent exhibits include an outstanding collection of baskets woven by the area's original Mountain Maidu Indians. The Industrial History Wing features Railroads of Plumas County, Gold Mining on the Feather River, and TIMBER!, an exhibit about the lumber industry of the county. Other developing collections include natural history specimens, audio-visual resources, the Chinese influence, historical competitive ski racing known as "longboarding," medical exhibits, and children's toys. Click here for their website
Maps
County of Plumas Map
Courtesy of: Feather Publishing Company Click on the map for a printable version 
Lakes Basin Recreational Map
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Plumas Eureka Ski Bowl
Above Johnsville, attracts history buffs as well as Nordic and downhill skiers. The site is the oldest recorded ski racing area in the Western Hemisphere and hosts an annual Historic Longboard Ski Revival series of races.The first generation of longboarders continued the sport sporadically during the 1870s and 1880s, slumped, then revived in the late'90s and went full blast until the last race in 1911. During the 1930s there was a small revival, then a much stronger one in the 1950s, another hiatus, and now the present revival, started in 1990. In the spirit of the 19th century racers, three longboard races are now held annually at the Plumas Eureka Ski Bowl at Johnsville. The racers must be dressed in period style clothing, and only dope from authentic recipes and ingredients may be used on the skis. As in the original races, they are gender based, and participants must climb the hill on foot to the starting line. Once a squad of three to four racers is lined up and poised, the gong is sounded and the race is on. The strongest start and the straightest line generally determines the winner.
Fall Colors
Graeagle/Lakes Basin/Portola/Lake Davis & Beckworth areas have some of the most spectacular fall colors on the planet. The leaves begin to turn in late September and usually peak in middle to end of October each year. Our foliage ranges from; California Black Oak, Mountain Dogwood, Bracken Fern, Big Leaf Maple, Quaking Aspen, Indian Rhubarb, Willow and Black Cottonwood. Bring your camera and stay in our beautiful area and you are guaranteed a memorable journey. Click here for a Fall Color brochure
FREE (or almost free) Things to Do in Plumas County
Eastern Plumas Area Map courtesy of:
Donna Mills Click on the map for a printable version 
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