Bucks Lake Quincy2

Bucks Up!

Kayak and Picnic at Bucks Lake in Plumas County

Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens. The 1,827-acre lake, set at at 5,200 feet, has 14 miles of shoreline, and was once a massive meadow inhabited by the Mountain Maidu people, for whom this place remains important.

Just 17 miles from the charming town of Quincy, you can drive up to it by entering The Bucks Lake Wilderness, home to an excellent section of the famous Pacific Crest Trail, among other hikes. You’ll also find lakeshore cabins and camping, like Haskins Valley Campground.

Day-use areas make a great way to spend an afternoon here. The water is welcoming to swimmers, kayakers, boaters, and stand-up paddlers. For a scenic picnic area with a beautiful beach and a shallow, crystalline entrance to Bucks Lake, head to Indian Rock Beach. This day-use area has forest-shaded picnic tables, a roomy beach, and hulking boulders just steps away in the water.

Bow-wow bonus: Most beaches and trails at Bucks Lake are dog-friendly.

Rent boats or kayaks at Bucks Lake Marina or Lakeshore Resort (which we recommend for lunch or dinner). Lakeshore Resort also has a good store for provisions, with everything from souvenirs and camp supplies to first-aid, toiletries, and an array of food and drinks.

STAY & EAT: The nearby town of Quincy delights throughout its hassle-free streets. Parking is easy (and free), and you can easily walk to most places to explore Main Street artisan shopping.

Quincy Featherbed Inn is a quiet B&B that’s a short walk or bike ride from the heart of town, has charmingly appointed rooms, and nice patios for enjoying some fresh air. The hospitality is super friendly and helpful, and the old-school red phone booth next to the front entrance is a throwback novelty… it’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a Featherbed!

Across the street from Featherbed Inn, Quintopia Brewing Taproom has an outdoor patio, trivia nights on Thursdays, and plenty of craft brews on tap. It’s also got really delicious food. Definitely try the {Not Your Mother’s} deep fried brussels sprouts. For main dishes, the cold noodle bowl and fried chicken sandwich are Weekend Sherpa favorites.

Afterwards, head over to Europe… make that the European aesthetic of Quincy’s The Drunk Brush Wine Bar. Set in Grover Alley just off of Main Street, and artistically lit by string lights over a small courtyard with a winding stairway up to balcony rooms at Quincy Courtyard and Suites, the wine bar itself is filled with photographs by local artists and—of course—an outstanding selection of wines. There are non-alcohol beverages too. Live music features a rotation of solo singers, violinists, and bands.

The breakfast mainstay in Quincy is Patti's Thunder Cafe (557 Lawrence St.)

VISIT: The Toy Store may have a straightforward name, yet this store is anything but straightforward, and we mean that in the best possible way. It’s a must-stop in Quincy, with friendly, welcoming owners, and an unparalleled curation of toys and games, from new to nostalgic. It’s a local treasure that's been around since 1977. Their fresh hand-scooped ice cream is the real deal. The peppermint candy cane flavor easily tops our unicorn list of true delicacies, but they’ve got all kinds of delicious choices. Pacific Crest Hikers take note: The Toy Store treats all through-hikers to a free ice cream.

Dubbed the sweetest spot in the Sierras, Carey Candy is located on Bradley Street and serves homespun pastries like bear claws and cinnamon twists, along with fudge and other sweets. It’s also got fantastic coffee (evidenced by the locals in line for a specialty order) thanks to BREW haha beans. And it’s probably one of the best artisan gift stores in Plumas County, with all kinds of unique handcrafted housewares, body products, jewelry, and greeting cards. Local bands play here in late afternoon.

Find more great places to stay in Plumas County.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: In episode "56. The Secluded Sierra" Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss their explorations of Plumas County and Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Photo of the East Brother Light Station in the San Francisco Bay Area

    Oh, Brother!

    Spending the night on a tiny island in the Bay? Intriguing. Spending the night in a lighthouse perched on that island? Sound the foghorn! East Brother Light Station Bed & Breakfast sits on a small patch of land in the strait that separates San Francisco and San Pablo Bays.

    View
  2. Mill About Lakeside

    Bucks Lake Recreation Area near Quincy in Plumas County has plenty of beautiful hiking trails. For an easy hike with beautiful spots for sunning, swimming, and lounging on sand beaches or giant rock slabs, do the Mill Creek Trail.

    View
  3. Camping at Chewing Gum Lake Emigrant Wilderness

    High Sierra Lake Hop

    Situated just north of Yosemite is a High Sierra wonderland that gets a fraction of the crowds and is a fantastic destination for backpacking. The Emigrant Wilderness is 113,000 acres of granite ridges, wildflower-strewn meadows, and cobalt lakes.

    View
  4. The Secret Big Blue

    Set at 4,500 feet, surrounded by 52 miles of shoreline, and with sparkling sapphire hue, Lake Almanor is the other big blue. The secret one. This huge lake—idyllic in spring through fall for all kinds of water adventures—is a gem of Plumas County where you can relax without crowds.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Hot As (Bumpass) Hell

    So you like going to all the hot spots when you visit places? Well, in Lassen Volcanic National Park there’s a place so hot it gets downright steamy. Bumpass Hell is the largest hydrothermal area in the park, with sputtering mud pots, sulfur vents, and boiling pools. It’s California’s Yellowstone.

    View
  2. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View
  3. Starcrossed Stairway?

    Built into the hillside next to the Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood Heights delights with historic homes, steep and narrow (mostly carless) streets, and enchanting city views. Best of all, it features a network of walkways and staircases that makes it super fun to wander and explore.

    View
  4. Lunch at the Lakes

    Pack your own picnic and head for a lakeside lunch at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Then take your pick from a lovely trio of lakes accessed from the same trailhead. Follow it all up with a visit to Manzanita Lake on the other side of the park.

    View