Nestled in the heart of Northern California’s Sierra Nevada, Plumas County, known as “The Lost Sierra,” isn’t the kind of destination that boasts celebrity sightings or luxury mega-resorts selling themselves with glossy images of ocean views or desert sunsets. It doesn’t have to. What it prides itself on instead is much rarer in today’s golfing world – pure tranquility, genuineness without crowds or hype, rugged beauty, and a sense of timeless escape that only crisp mountain air and towering pines can provide.
Situated at 4,500-5,000 feet elevation a few hours’ drive from the San Francisco Bay Area, not only does Plumas County serve as base-camp for Lassen Volcanic National Park, it is one of the most underrated golf destinations in the West with a variety of uncrowded mountain courses sculpted into the landscape made up of 120,000 acres of wetlands, meadows, and forest. Toss in over 100 lakes and more than 1,000 miles of streams, creeks, and rivers, it is also a dream recreational area year-round for anglers and a treasure chest of outdoor activities.
With a diverse collection of ten public golf courses, from beginner-friendly nine-courses to 18-hole championship layouts, golf in Plumas County is about more than scorecards and where birdies are less important than the breeze through the trees. The bonus: they all provide top-tier conditions at a value half the price of green fees compared to nearby Lake Tahoe or the SF Bay Area.
Located in the northern part of Plumas Co. near the shores of Lake Almanor with Lassen Peak in the view, this thoughtfully-designed (Homer Flint) 18-hole, 6,996-yard track features traditional mountain characteristics: pine-lined fairways, elevation changes, creeks, waterfalls, and four lakes integrated into play. In 2001, it was nominated “Best New Public Course in America” by Golf Digest and it still maintains that reputation. www.baileycreek.com
Another Homer Flint design, Plumas Pines GC (1980) planted along the Feather River in Graeagle treats golfers with a resort feel without the resort pricing. Often praised for its conditioning and hospitality, the 6,004-yard course blends open wetland play on the front nine with tight, forest-lined holes on the back nine with water hazards, wetlands, and elevation shifts to keep players engaged while favoring accuracy over power. www.plumaspinesgolf.com
- Graeagle Meadows Golf Course
Only an hour away from Lake Tahoe or Reno but worlds apart from the crowds, this alpine gem located in the quaint town of Graeagle, is nestled in the Mohawk Valley near the Feather River where it meanders through meadows and pines. Designed by Ellis Van Gorder in 1969, the 18-hole, 6,572-yard course is enhanced with elevated tees offering dramatic views that make you pause before you swing. www.graeaglemeadows.com
- Whitehawk Ranch Golf Club
Carved from nearly 1,000 acres of former cattle ranch land just outside Graeagle, this Dick Bailey design captures the essence of Plumas County golf. At 6,983 yards, the routing flows organically like a river through pines and meadows and is crisscrossed by seven streams that form ponds and waterfalls, making strategy and aesthetics inseparable. This serene Sierra retreat has always been hailed for its expert conditioning, a reflection of its planning sensitivity and preservation efforts. www.golfwhitehawk.com
Framed by the evergreen vastness of the Plumas National Forest, Grizzly Ranch sits in a gated community in Portola with minimal homes on property, surrounded instead by protected meadow and forest land. Designed by Bob Cupp (2005) and acclaimed as one of the “Top 100 Public Courses in the U.S.” by Golf Digest, holes drift in and out of canyon folds and valleys with a 7,411-yard layout (forward tees at 5,374 yards) that rewards good shots rather than penalizing mistakes. www.grizzlyranchliving.com
- The Dragon at Nakoma Resort
With a clubhouse situated inside a 23,000 square foot Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired lodge, The Dragon is a course that dares! Tucked into the forested ridges above Portola, architect Robin Nelson’s design has been tweaked to soften the initial fearsome reputation as an extremely difficult course when opened n 1998. The 6,908-yard layout can still be humbling with tight fairways, carries that are real, and fast greens full of subtle breaks. But it’s never unfair. It asks you to think. To adapt. www.nakomaresort.com
Where To Stay
Plumas County doesn’t have five-star resorts or matching nightlife but rather, lodging options that pair superbly with a golf getaway – from lakeside resorts to rustic riverside retreats and cozy mountain inns. Wherever you stay, authenticity is king and nature is the luxury.
The locally-owned and operated Antlers Inn is located in Chester close to Lake Almanor and Mt. Lassen and also just minutes away from Bailey Creek GC and Lake Almanor CC. With a 70-year history, the rustic boutique property was rebuilt in 2008 with all 20 rooms featuring a modern lodge theme and fireplaces. Just down Main St. (Hwy 36) is the Timber House Restaurant & Bar which still retains its vintage log-based architectural charm.
On the other end of the lodging vibe is The Inn at Nakoma, a 42-room boutique hotel adjacent The Dragon. Another option is the Taliesen-designed Villas (studio, 1- and 2-bedrooom) alongside the 10th fairway. At either place, resort guests have access to the Altitude Recreation Center to enjoy a heated outdoor pool and spa, fitness center, climbing wall, family game room, and a 20-seat theater.
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