For much of my childhood, summers were spent in the Plumas National Forest. I have such fond memories of waking up in our favorite campground, earning Junior Ranger patches, and fishing in creeks recently stocked with so many fish that the stream bed was obscured by wriggling tails.
And yet, when out exploring as an adult, I've spent almost no time in the Sierra, much less the Plumas National Forest. So, it was with great anticipation that we set out to wind our way through on the Plumas National Forest Backcountry Discovery Trail. Like a BDR, we figured this would be a great way to get a lay of the land and see a few interesting spots along the way - hopefully setting the foundation for future trips to the area.
What we found was something altogether different than we expected. A forest ravaged by fire. Points of interest that have succumbed to the forces of nature. Vistas that won't recover in our lifetime.
Still, while I'm not sure either of us would recommend running this trail while the forest recovers from the Claremont and Dixie Fire, there were bright spots as well - memories from my childhood, remnants of California's Gold Rush, and little surprises here and there that lit up our faces or filled our nostrils with the smells of spring. These are the secrets of the Sierra.
Hard Times at Poker Flat | Plumas 1 - For much of my childhood, summers were spent in the Plumas National Forest. I have such fond memories of waking up in our favorite campground, earning Junior Ranger patches, and fishing in creeks recently stocked with so many fish that the stream bed was obscured by wriggling tails. And yet, when out exploring as an adult, I've spent almost no time in the Sierra, much less the Plumas National Forest. So, it was with great anticipation that we set out to wind our way through on the Plumas National Forest Backcountry Discovery Trail. Like a BDR, we figured this would…
Everything, Burned | Plumas 2 - As wonderful as it was to be able to stop by and see my uncle on the outskirts of Quincy, neither of us slept very well through the night. It wasn't the temperatures - though they were warm - or the positioning of the Tacoma - which was nice and flat on the lawn; it was the noise. I think our bodies were looking forward to the quiet of sleeping in the forest, and rebelled at the sounds of civilization that echoed, even from this small town. Knowing we had a lot of ground to cover, we were up before…
Where can I buy a copy of the guide (62 pages)? I live in Reno. I can buy online or at a store. Let me know! Thanks!
Hi Gitte, If you read into the first part of this story, you can find a link to the guide. Are you looking for something different than that?
Hi - thank you for writing back. I found the pdf - there are links to it all over. I am looking for where to actually purchse the actual paper guide and hold it. As you know, there is no cell reception out there and I hate looking at my tiny phone. I want a paper copy to hold, circle, mark up etc. Where can I buy a copy? (Love your site by the way - super awesome info - thanks!)
Gotcha - thanks for clarifying. We are actually the same way with certain guides/books, and I think this was one of them! We printed the PDF on our printer before heading out, which was great because it meant there was plenty of room for our notes as we went along.
If you don't have a printer, you can also take the PDF (on a USB stick or even on your phone) to a copy shop (FedEx Office, UPS Store, etc.) and they can print one for you there.
If you don't want to print it, but still want a physical copy, I'm not sure where to get one, but page 56 of the PDF lists the offices and phone numbers that I'd start with!
Yup, I was thinking about going to Staples and printing it out. I am just a map-junkie and love my files and mapping-materials (I'm only 54! LOL). I am calling the USDA and Forest Service tomorrow to search some more. 'Mark Fore and Strike' on Kietzke is the best map/paper store I have found so far. I like to see the topo features of where we are. I just read your whole trip report of the Poker Flat route. Super cool photos - bookmarking your page for sure. Thanks for sharing your tips. Very inspirational for us novice 4-Wheelers.