Northeastern California's Plumas County is characterized by rugged canyons, crystal clear lakes, grassy meadows, trout-filled streams, brilliant star-filled skies, and tall pines as far as the eye can see. At the nexus of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges, Plumas is home to more than 100 lakes, 1,000 miles of rivers and streams and more than one million acres of national forest. With a population of just eight people per square mile, Plumas County offers beauty, an unhurried pace, and an abundance of year-round recreation.

Plumas County's original inhabitants were the Mountain Maidu Indians. The Feather River was named in 1820 by Captain Louis Arguello as the "Rio de las Plumas" (River of Feathers) after the Spanish explorer saw what looked like bird feathers floating on the water. The spring of 1850 brought a flood of gold miners into the canyons and valleys of the region in search of a fabled "Gold Lake." That same year, famed mountain man James P. Beckwourth discovered the lowest pass across the Sierra Nevada through Plumas County.

Quincy, the county seat, is nestled against the western slope of the Sierra Nevada range. Its Main Street is known for attractive downtown historic buildings, featured on a self-guided walking tour. Quincy's county courthouse building is a magnificent, four-story structure, with huge marble posts and staircases. Shopping is fun in historic downtown Quincy, with its antique and gift stores and restaurants.

The mining, timber and farming industries contributed greatly to the development of Plumas County, and many aspects of them remain a big part of contemporary county life. The Plumas County Museum in Quincy honors this heritage with its Industrial Heritage Wing. Other museum collections include Maidu Indian basketry, pioneer weaponry, and period rooms depicting early Plumas County life. A mezzanine gallery features work of contemporary local artists and artisans.

The Plumas-Sierra County Fair is one of California's oldest, held each August at the county fairgrounds in Quincy. The fair features bull riding, auto racing, and numerous 4-H and FFA exhibits, including a livestock auction. The fairgrounds also host the High Sierra Music Festival each July.

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