🌊 Lake Almanor: The Ultimate Lassen/Plumas County Getaway 🌲
- Mai Smith-Trau
- Sep 8, 2025
- 2 min read
Lake Almanor is one of the most popular lakes in Lassen and Plumas counties—beloved by locals and a must-visit spot for travelers. With its sheer size, there’s no way to see it all in one trip! My family’s favorite hangout is near Rocky Point and the Plumas Pines area.
📍 How to Get There:
🚗 From Reno, NV: About 170 miles (3 hours)
🚗 From Chico, CA: About 90 miles (1.5 hours)
🚗 From Sacramento, CA: About 170 miles (3 hours)
When we go, we make a full day of it. We pack our two Yeti backpacks with sandwiches and snacks, sometimes swinging by IGA for their famous fried chicken, and load up our paddle boards (ISLE and FunWater are our go-tos). Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced boarder, this lake is perfect for exploring and relaxing on the water.
And when it’s time for a break, you’ve got plenty of food options:🍽️ Plumas Pines Bar & Restaurant – Delicious food with a view, plus a dock for boaters to pull right up for a meal. Service animals only, so plan ahead if you have pets.
🍺 TimberHouse Brewery – A cozy yet upscale vibe, with fantastic beer brewed on-site. I highly recommend the cheese curds and fish tacos (and I don’t even like fish!). Outdoor seating, corn hole, and a hotel make it a great stop.
🥞 Cravings – A quaint breakfast spot serving big flavors with indoor and outdoor seating.
🍦 Pine Shack Frosty – A nostalgic ice cream stand locals love. The seasonal pumpkin flavor is a personal favorite!
⛺ Camping & Adventure:There are 28 campgrounds around Lake Almanor—check out Allstays.com to find one that fits your RV or tent needs. The area also offers hiking trails, stunning views of Mount Lassen’s snow-capped peak (even in summer!), fishing, kayaking, quads, and even day trips to Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend recharge or a weeklong family vacation, Lake Almanor has something for everyone. Bring your paddle board, your camera, your sense of adventure—and maybe a big appetite, too!
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