At the northern end of the county is the small town of Chester and nearby Lake Almanor, the county's largest and most popular lake. It caters to camping and a variety of water sports and provides year-round fishing, and a paved shoreline trail. With an impressive view of Lassen Peak, the lake serves as the gateway to Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Several tiny communities are situated in the Indian Valley area, which is dotted with old barns, grazing cattle and a stunning mountain backdrop. A number of bicycling events are held along its quiet roadways and at nearby Round Valley Reservoir.

The former gold mining town of La Porte and the adjacent Little Grass Valley Reservoir attract visitors for fishing, camping, and winter sports.

The quaint town of Graeagle, a former lumber mill, has become a popular recreation and retirement area known for golf, fine dining and excellent hiking, fishing and camping in the nearby Lakes Basin Recreation Area.

Rail buffs are drawn to Portola, Plumas County's only incorporated town and home to the Portola Railroad Museum, where visitors have the opportunity to drive a diesel locomotive. Portola's new Riverwalk meanders a short distance along the north bank of the Middle Fork of the Feather River.

East of Portola is the Jim Beckwourth Museum, a log cabin trading post once owned by the famous African-American pioneer (see above). Farther east, the Sierra Valley is an Audubon Society nationally-designated Important Bird Area. The 130,000-acre valley, largest in the Sierra Nevada, is home to more than 260 species.

Fishing remains one of Plumas County's biggest draws, especially at Lake Almanor. Lake Davis and Frenchman Lake in Eastern Plumas and Bucks Lake outside of Quincy are known for trophy rainbow trout. Antelope Lake is also popular for bass and trout. The Feather River and its tributaries are popular with fly-fishermen.

Plumas County has also become a renowned mountain golf destination, with 10 golf courses. Three are located on the pristine shores of Lake Almanor, and six more lie in high mountain valleys along the river near Graeagle.

Gold panning and mining have been popular activities in Plumas County since the 1800s. Panning for gold remains a popular activity in Plumas County, where streams still contain some glittering flakes. Plumas Eureka State Park near Graeagle offers supervised gold panning programs during the summer months, along with numerous trails, campsites and ranger programs.

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