Communities : Lake Almanor and surrounding

Lake Almanor Geological History

You know you're nearing Lake Almanor when you spot Mt. Lassen, the most recent active volcano in the United States until Mt. St. Helens erupted in 1980. Named after the Danish explorer and pioneer, Peter Lassen, its last official eruption was in 1917. It has since become a national park where you can spend the day seeing sulfur hot springs or climb to the top of the 10,448-foot volcano to look out over Lake Almanor and its communities.

In the 1880's, Julius Howells, a geology student from Harvard University, visited the area. He returned in 1901, after convincing Edwin and Guy C. Earl to finance the building of a hydroelectric dam on the Feather River, which was completed in 1914. The lake is named for Guy Earl's three daughters Alice, Martha, and Eleanor.

Lake Almanor Communities

Lake Almanor features 52 miles of scenic shoreline, bass, trout and salmon fishing, boating and wake boarding, as well as a variety of other recreational water activities. The surrounding area offers beautiful hiking trails, horseback riding, biking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and a number of golf courses.

Located on the northern shores of Lake Almanor near Mount Lassen are the small but diverse neighborhoods of Chester.

Located off Highway 36 and Feather River Drive is Martin Ranch. Homes here are placed in a pristine meadow with Mt Lassen as a backdrop and bordered by the Feather River on the west.

Lake Almanor West is on the west shore of Lake Almanor on Highway 89. This neighborhood features a golf course, driving range and tennis club. The highlight of this neighborhood is the spectacular views of the Peninsula and Mt Lassen.

The Forest and Hidden Lakes neighborhoods are located off Watson Road and Highway 36 which stretches from the airport to the High School.

The Lake Almanor Country Club was the area's first gated community. The Lake Almanor Country Club boasts a fine golf course, driving range, tennis club and other amenities, which are open to the public. Two member only recreational features are a private beach and boat launch.

The Peninsula is a neighborhood located just outside Lake Almanor Country Club's gates. The neighborhood features shopping, recreational facilities, resorts and restaurants.

Pratville is located on the extreme west shore of Lake Almanor and is home to many family cabins, a public beach and boat launch, as well as campsites.

Located at the junction of A-13 and Highway 37 is Hamilton Branch. "The Branch" features private schools, fire services, and restaurants.

Indian Valley is located in beautiful Plumas County, one of the most desirable areas to live in Northern California. Plumas County is often referred to as Northern California's best kept secret. The beautiful mountainous terrain filled with evergreen trees and crystal clear lakes attract many tourists each year.

The Indian Valley area includes the small mountain communities of Greenville, Canyon Dam and Genesee, Taylorsville, Crescent Mills and Indian Falls.

Greenville, the largest community in Indian Valley, traces its history back for more than a century. As the commercial center for the entire valley, it offers a full range of business and services. Greenville boasts a permanent population of roughly 2,000 residents and has a museum, hospital, elementary, middle and high school, a library, sheriff's substation, volunteer fire department, and numerous churches, clubs and organizations.

Canyon Dam is the most westerly town of Indian Valley and serves as the southern gateway to Lake Almanor. Located on the edge of Indian Valley, the tiny town of Genesee is just gorgeous. The town is also a gateway to Antelope Lake and other areas of the Plumas National Forest.

Located on the far side of Indian Valley is Taylorsville, which traces its heritage to Job Taylor, who settled there in 1852. A picturesque community that has changed little over the years, it possesses a charm that many find irresistible.

Crescent Mills is the first community that travelers encounter when approaching Indian Valley from the Feather River Canyon area. Named for the sickle-shaped flat upon which the town is located, Crescent Mills grew around a 30-stamp crushing mill that started operation during the early 1860s.

Located just north of the Junction of Highways 70 and 89 is the small town of Indian Falls. The town features a favorite swimming spot of the local residents. Indian Falls is also home to the Dawn Institute, a nonprofit organization that promotes organic gardening and education. The institute features a community center, a horticultural center, and sales organic produce each Saturday morning.