Plumas County History Tour
Expiration: 365 days after purchase
Included Venues
See locations on an interactive map.
Site of the First Permanent Residence in Indian Valley
Built by Jobe T. Taylor in February 1852
This marker made from the millstones brought around Cape Horn in 1856 for the first flour mill in the pacific northwest.
A cozy, century‑old watering hole where locals and travelers swap stories over a cold one. Established in the late 1800s, it has hosted community events, rodeo crowds, and the annual Christmas Light Parade. A living piece of Indian Valley history that still thrives today.
The spot where Plumas House once stood (1853–1923)—a lively hub for miners and travelers. Though the building burned down decades ago, a marker commemorates its foundational role in Quincy’s downtown development.
A self-guided tour through Quincy’s 19th-century heart: historic residences, churches, and civic halls that tell stories of Gold Rush settlers, courthouse politics, and evolving community life. Grab a brochure at The Visitors Center, Plumas Museum, or Carey Candy.
Tucked beneath tall pines along Highway 36, the Chester Cemetery offers a quiet reflection of the community’s roots. Established in the early 1900s, this peaceful site is the final resting place for many of the region’s pioneer families, veterans, and longtime residents who helped shape the Almanor Basin. The headstones here tell stories of rugged mountain life, resilience, and love for this corner of the Lost Sierra. A visit offers not only a moment of serenity, but also a connection to the generations that came before.
Abandoned since the 1940s, Seneca was a bustling gold‑rush settlement founded in 1851. Though most of the town is gone, the Gin Mill bar site remains—scarred by fire but brimming with ghost-town aura. Ideal for history lovers and explorers.
A naturally carbonated, mineral-rich spring cherished by Mountain Maidu for millennia, used for spiritual rituals and medicine. Now a hidden natural wonder—a living echo of Indigenous heritage.
This restored narrow-gauge steam engine once hauled supplies during dam construction (1910–14). Raised from Butt Valley Reservoir and now lovingly displayed—a vivid relic of regional industry and engineering.
Built in the 1920s, this mountain‑charming lodge served early travelers to Lassen Park and Lake Almanor. Still family‑run, its knotty‑pine interiors and farm‑to‑table hospitality reflect a century of rustic elegance.
Founded in 1946 by the Ayoob family, this classic Western-style hardware store provided supplies across Plumas County for decades. Its post-war era façade still speaks of community spirit and frontier commerce. Celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2026!
This one-room wooden stake-jail from Chester’s early days is now repurposed as a quaint library at North Shore Campground. Once home to unruly miners and town drunks, its rugged timber walls now host books instead of cellmates.
The Chester Store, known for years as the Corner Store, was built in 1912.
Step back in time at the Bidwell House, a beautifully preserved 1900s-era bed-and-breakfast and former home of Chester’s founding family. Built by Arthur W. Bidwell, son of pioneer settler William Bidwell, the house is filled with period furnishings, vintage photographs, and rich family history. Wander the serene gardens, admire the craftsmanship of a bygone era, and soak in stories of Chester's early days. It’s a must-see stop for history lovers and fans of old-fashioned charm.
Built in 1909, this 1,005-foot-long and 172-foot-high railroad trestle is the longest and tallest on the Feather River Route.
A unique railroad junction where two legs of the wye are on bridges that meet in a tunnel. It's a marvel of early 20th-century engineering.
Founded in 1852 during the Gold Rush, Elizabethtown was named after Elizabeth Stark. A historical marker denotes the former town's location.
Completed in 1921, this classical courthouse features interiors adorned with Tuolumne and Tennessee marble. It remains in official use today.
Home to a museum, historic buildings, and interpretive trails, this park showcases California’s gold mining history and is considered the birthplace of downhill skiing in the state.
Site of one of the first major gold discoveries in Plumas County, Rich Bar was a booming gold camp in the 1850s.
The heart of Plumas County history.
This is the county’s flagship museum, housing thousands of artifacts, photographs, and archives from the Gold Rush, Maidu culture, and early logging/railroad days. The building itself includes a charming Victorian home next door, plus access to the Pioneer Schoolhouse and restored courthouse.
All aboard for adventure!
Climb aboard real trains, operate a locomotive, and dive into the legacy of railroading in the Sierra. Visit during Railroad Days for extra fun and festivities!
Explore wild landscapes with a story.
Join a guided bird walk, attend the annual Grebe Festival, or explore preserved wildlands once inhabited by Maidu families.
Birdwatching meets conservation.
Wander scenic meadows and wetlands at this preserved site, home to migrating birds and a historic 1800s barn with epic mountain backdrops.
A gateway to volcanic wonders.
This iconic stone museum sits at the entrance of Lassen Park and features rare photographs, geologic exhibits, and stories of the 1915 eruption.
Discover artifacts and archives from Chester's early days, from pioneer ranching to fire service memorabilia. Pick up a Walking Tour Map of historic Chester here!
This beautiful museum showcases forestry practices, local wildlife, and logging history with engaging displays inside a timber-frame structure. Don’t miss the Collins Park 40 Trail and Nature Loop nearby.
Where Native culture, pioneer grit, and mountain life converge.
Step inside this beloved museum and explore Native Maidu artifacts, gold rush memorabilia, and the stories of early settlers who shaped Indian Valley.