Quincy

Northern Sierra mountain town surrounded by Plumas County lakes, streams, and Feather River canyon country.

Quincy is a small mountain town in Plumas County in the northern Sierra Nevada, surrounded by some of California's most pristine wilderness. The county has more than 50 lakes and nearly 1,000 miles of streams, and the Pacific Crest Trail passes through the Bucks Lake Wilderness just to the south.

The Plumas County Museum (500 Jackson St) covers the region's logging, mining, and Maidu Indian history — a good introduction to the area before heading into the backcountry. Lake Almanor, about 30 miles southeast, offers fishing, swimming, and camping in an attractive mountain setting with views of Lassen Peak.

The drive east on Highway 70 through the Feather River Canyon is one of the best in California — the gorge walls rise hundreds of feet, the river runs fast and clear, and the Union Pacific railroad tracks wind along the opposite bank through tunnels and across trestles. Even if you have no other agenda in Quincy, this drive is worth the trip.

Guide

Eating Out

Quincy is a small mountain town and the restaurant scene is modest. Main Street has a handful of reliable options including diner-style breakfast spots that open early for hikers and fishermen, and a few more ambitious dinner options. The local farmers' market (summer Saturdays) is the best source of local produce.

Guide

Getting There

Quincy is about 90 miles northeast of Sacramento via Highway 70, which follows the Feather River Canyon for much of the route — itself a scenic drive worth taking slowly. The drive from Sacramento takes around two hours in good conditions.

From the San Francisco Bay Area, the drive is about three and a half hours via I-80 to Highway 70. There is no public transport to Quincy. The nearest commercial airport is Sacramento International.

Highway 70 is the main access road and can be snowy and icy from November through April. Carry chains if travelling in winter and check road conditions (CalTrans 1-800-427-7623) before setting out.

Guide

Things to do

Quincy is a small mountain town but the surrounding Plumas County has more wild country than most people expect — over 50 lakes, nearly a thousand miles of streams, and a stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail passing through the Bucks Lake Wilderness. The town itself is a practical base; the scenery is the attraction.

Guide

When to Go

The best time to visit is June through October, when the mountain roads are clear of snow and the wilderness is accessible. July and August are warm (daytime highs in the mid-80s Fahrenheit) but rarely oppressive at this elevation. Autumn brings excellent colour in the aspen groves and fewer visitors.

Spring (April-May) can be rewarding for wildflowers and high river flows, but snow remains on upper trails and some forest roads may still be closed. Check conditions before planning backcountry trips.

Winter brings heavy snowfall — Quincy is a real mountain town, not a ski resort, and the infrastructure assumes locals who know how to deal with snow. The skiing at nearby Plumas Eureka State Park is very modest.