QUINCY, CA — With weather mellowing from hot to pleasantly warm at lower elevations and a sweet nip in the air up in the mountains, fall weather still offers great recreation opportunities on the Plumas National Forest.
Hiking, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, seeking out fall colors and exploring mountain communities and the surrounding forest are classic ways to spend a brilliant autumn day. For those willing to brave some cold temperatures and the chance of storms, camping can be fun.
Even though Forest recreation staff and concessionaire Outdoors in Plumas are winterizing campgrounds, there are still some sites open this weekend. Some sites that are accessible may be open, only with a reduction in services.
On the Feather River Ranger District, Wyandotte and Sly Creek campgrounds are open through October 15. Golden Trout Campground is open until weather prevents access.
On the Mount Hough Ranger District, Rock Creek, Deanes Valley, Meadow Camp, Brady’s Camp and Red Bridge campgrounds are open until weather prevents access.
Following a challenging season, the Beckwourth Ranger District has sites at Lake Davis and Lakes Basin recreation areas that are remaining open through October 15. This includes Grasshopper Flat, Gold Lake and Lakes Basin campgrounds, and Lightning Tree and Honker Cove boat launches. Crocker Campground and Guard Station are open with fees and services until October 22.
Laufman, Meadow View, Conklin and Ross Camp campgrounds are open until weather prevents access.
At Frenchman Lake Recreation Area, an extensive road paving project is affecting access to recreation sites. Lunker Boat Ramp is open through mid-October, but caution should be used with the ongoing paving project.
Recreation sites at Antelope Lake have closed for the season. The extended culvert replacement and road repair project on Forest Road 29N43, also known as Antelope Lake Road, between Genessee and Antelope Lake Dam, has shifted to seven days a week. The road is impassible and closed as a result. However, the lake remains accessible using alternate routes.
Stage I Fire Restrictions are being lifted today. However, area residents and visitors are asked to continue to use caution with anything that can spark a wildfire. This includes never leaving campfires unattended and making sure they are dead-out and cold to the touch before leaving.
“The 2023 summer recreation season has had a lot of challenges affecting our visitors, employees and recreation concessionaire, but we hope visitors are getting out and enjoying the beautiful fall weather,” said Forest Recreation and Lands Program Manager Erika Brenzovich. “We appreciate the understanding and flexibility from Forest visitors over the past several months while we addressed those challenges and are hoping for a smoother season in 2024.”
For more information on the Plumas National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/plumas or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas.
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