Chester Living

Chester is a census-designated place (CDP) in Plumas County, California, United States.  Plumas County is a county located in the Sierra Nevada. The county gets its name from the Spanish words for the Feather River (Río de las Plumas), which flows through the county. As of 2000, the population was 20,824. The county seat is Quincy.  The only incorporated city in the county is Portola.

The town is located along California State Route 36 and on the shore of Lake Almanor. The US Postal Service ZIP code for the community is 96020.

 The primary industries in Chester are lumber manufacturing and tourism. Lake Almanor has developed as a vacation/tourist destination and Chester serves as the retail center for the area.

The Chester and Lake Almanor Basin is best known as a recreation paradise and the gateway to Lassen Volcanic National Park.  It's also the place where the Sierra Nevada range and the Cascade range meet, and is the southern terminus of....

.....the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, a 360 mile All American Road featuring volcanic and other scenic attractions.  At 4,500 feet elevation and with 52 miles of forested shoreline, Lake Almanor is the county's largest lake, offering year-round fishing and spectacular views of majestic Lassen Peak.

Comfortably nestled in confluence of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountain Range, Lake Almanor’s natural beauty and friendly weather rarely fail to capture the hearts of those who visit her enchanting environs.

The lake is one of the most popular attractions in Northern California, drawing visitors year-round. Summer lake surface temperatures of about 75 degrees make it ideal for water sports, including water-skiing, sailing, sail boarding and.....

.....and jet skiing.  Golfers can enjoy three courses in the Almanor Basin, including 18-hole championship Bailey Creek and two nine-hole courses.  Around the lake, you’ll discover 52 beautiful miles of shoreline and some of the world’s most picturesque hiking trails. In the lake, there’s a wealth of Bass, Trout and Salmon just waiting to be hooked.

A large network of trails offer a myriad of opportunities for hiking and biking and exploring, both around the lake and in the surrounding forest.  The North Fork Feather River, which flows into Lake Almanor, and nearby Yellow Creek, are favorites with catch and release fly-fishermen. Nearby Butt Valley Reservoir is widely known as a great fishery for trout.

The Almanor Basin also is an undiscovered jewel for winter recreation, including snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and downhill skiing at Stover Mountain. The highlight of this wintry season is Winter Fest, held in February, featuring snowmobile drag races, a poker run and sled dog races. Winter visitors can also take in the excitement of observing nearby snowmobile snow-cross racing.

The charming town of Chester, located at the northern end of the lake, offers a full range of amenities. Shoppers can browse Main Street with its unique gift shops, galleries and eateries. Overnight visitors to Chester/Lake Almanor can choose from a wide range of motels, resorts, vacation rentals, bed and breakfast inns and campgrounds. Annual arts shows, a July 4th fireworks display, parade and run, and an annual Street Rod Extravaganza in September are among the special events that are featured each year in Chester.

The Warner Valley, which leads into Lassen Volcanic National Park, offers another scenic side trip. A short drive to Westwood, east of Chester, allows a look at the giant redwood statue of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, and exhibits at a visitors center that is a replica of Westwood's original train depot. Other attractions include a museum, the historic Walker mansion, and the area's only winery, which produces mead, a wine-style beverage made by fermenting honey and water.

There is a new development undergoing construction at Dyer Mountain east of Chester, which will bring a new ski resort, more golf, and vacation rentals to the area in the near future.

Chester / Lake Almanor Demographics

Cost of Living

Quality of Life

Last, but not least, there are plenty of options for shopping, dining and just getting out at night. In and around Chester, you’ll find great service in award-winning restaurants, topnotch markets, quaint boutiques and friendly watering holes. It’s truly a warm and inviting community.

So whether you’re looking to relocate for a weekend or a lifetime, Lake Almanor will keep you as busy as you want to be, while making you feel right at home.

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