Memorial Day weekend is traditionally the start of the summer recreation season. For those looking for an adventure on the Plumas National Forest this weekend, sunny skies and cooler conditions will welcome visitors at several recreation sites opening for the season.
The area had another wet winter, reports PNF, although snow is receding faster than it did during the 2023 season and there have not been the same late-season storms impacting the area. Forest employees and new recreation concessionaire Royal Elk Park Management are working to get sites open as soon as possible.
Beckwourth Ranger District
On the Beckwourth Ranger District, recreation sites at Lake Davis and Frenchman Lake recreation areas fully opened May 24. Crocker Guard Station, Black Mountain Fire Lookout and Crocker, Laughman, Meadowview and Conklin campgrounds are also now open for the season.
Lakes Basin Campground is not expected to open until June 6 due to snow. Other sites in the Lakes Basin Recreation Area, including Gold Lake, Gold Lake 4×4 Camp, Goose and Haven Lake campgrounds, are expected to open June 14.
Feather River Ranger District
For the Feather River Ranger District, Sly Creek, Strawberry and Golden Trout campgrounds officially opened May 24 for Memorial Day weekend. South Feather Water and Power is making repairs and collecting water samples at Strawberry Campground. Visitors at this site need to bring all the water needed for their trip.
The goal is for recreation sites at higher elevations on the Feather River Ranger District, including Little Grass Valley Reservoir near La Porte, is to be open by June 14 for Father’s Day weekend.
Mount Hough Ranger District
On the Mount Hough Ranger District, Long Point, Boulder, Lone Rock, Spanish Creek, Hallstead, Gansner Bar, North Fork, Queen Lily, Whitehorse, Grizzly Creek, Deanes Valley, Rock Creek, Meadow Camp, Greenville and Red Bridge campgrounds all opened May 24. There is still snow at Brady’s Camp. Snake Lake and Silver Lake campgrounds are both accessible, but still have hazard trees.
At Bucks Lake, there are delays opening due to lingering snow and hazard trees. As of this week, it is expected that Haskins Campground will open with reservations starting May 27, with first-come, first-served sites available until then. Mill Creek and Lower Bucks campgrounds are expected to open May 27, Sundew Campground May 29 and Grizzly Forebay June 7. All of these campgrounds will be operated on a first-come, first-served basis. The opening of Hutchins Campground is still uncertain.
Fire concerns
Despite cooler conditions, the Plumas National Forest has already had reports of a few small wildfires this season as fuels are drying. Area residents and visitors are asked to use caution with anything that can spark a wildfire.
There are currently no fire restrictions in place. But campfires should never be left unattended and should be dead-out and cold to the touch before leaving.
“Following Memorial Day weekend, we find numerous abandoned campfires in campgrounds and recreation areas,” said Plumas National Forest Assistant Fire Management Officer Mitch Wilson. “It’s important that campfires be put out before heading home and will help ensure that area is not affected by wildfire and will be available for future recreation.”
Trailer chains should be secured and not dragging, and spark arresters should be functioning properly on motorized equipment, including off-highway vehicles, generators and chainsaws.
“It’s early in the season, but we are already seeing fuel conditions that can carry wildfire and rapid changes in weather and temperature can cause increased strong and erratic winds,” Wilson said. “We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and vigilance in being careful and preventing human-caused wildfires.”
Wet conditions
Several recreation sites and roads still have some snow on the ground or include muddy and wet conditions affecting access. Drivers need to be aware that they may encounter snow drifts or icy or muddy conditions, especially on the northern sides of mountains and in shaded areas.
These areas increase the risk of getting stuck, as well as potentially damaging roads. If tread tracks are visible in the rearview mirror or if there are increased drifts in the road, drivers are asked to park and walk or turn around and find another area to visit.
Hikers should be aware of these same conditions on area trails and are encouraged to avoid hiking on muddy trails.
Early season weather can be widely varied, ranging from warm and sunny during the day to cold at night. Late spring storms can come on suddenly. Being prepared with layered clothing, plenty of food and water, good footwear and the right gear is highly recommended.
PNF also encourages everyone embarking on forest adventures to notify someone where they are going and when they plan to be back, and to start with a full tank of gas.
For more information on the Plumas National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/plumas and follow PNF on social media.
Information provided by Plumas National Forest