This Quiet California's Sierra Nevada City Is An Underrated Gem For Nature Lovers
The community of Quincy rests deep in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Northern California. Housing just over 1,600 residents, the town is undoubtedly a quiet spot within the most populous state in the United States, and an idyllic destination to find solitude in. Its remote location and rugged terrain have led it to stay fairly compact over the years since its founding in the 1850s, yet it's home to a surprising amount of worthwhile attractions.
The forested hills surrounding Quincy have done much in keeping this location an underrated secret, while also making way for a wide selection of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed by visitors and residents alike. Today, we will cover what makes this Californian town such a gem for nature lovers and outdoor explorers alike, from the best nearby parks to the most exciting adventures you can embark on while visiting.
Must-Visit Parks and Greenspaces Near Quincy
The Sierra Nevadas are jam-packed with iconic landmarks and state/national parks, like Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, Kings Canyon, and many more. The area around Quincy, on the other hand, is near the far northern end of this range and sees fewer visitors to its lesser-known yet equally scenic wildlands. Take a look at these uncrowded and highly recommended parks you should check out while in the area.
Plumas National Forest
Plumas National Forest surrounds Quincy with well over a million acres of diverse landscapes. The forest features numerous picturesque landmarks, like deep river canyons, alpine lakes, and dense pine forests, providing a variety of outdoor experiences for all who come.
Containing year-round recreational opportunities, from snowshoeing in winter to wildflower hikes in spring, Plumas National Forest is a key reason why Quincy is an ideal base for exploration in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Bucks Lake, located within the federally protected forest, is a prime spot for fishing, paddling, and camping, while the Feather River Scenic Byway provides a collection of easily accessible viewpoints over the rugged terrain and various waterfalls. Hikers can explore segments of the Pacific Crest Trail that pass nearby, or visit Indian Falls for impressive views of a mountainous cascade.
The area is also home to abundant wildlife, including black bears, bald eagles, and mule deer, so be sure to bring along your bear spray while exploring.
Cascade Trail
The out-and-back Cascade Trail is a moderate hiking route known for its scenic Cascade waterfalls and lush forest setting. About 6-miles in length, the trail follows the meandering Spanish Creek through a shaded canyon, featuring rocky outcrops, wooden bridges and a variety of pine and fir forests along the way.
Its seasonal cascades flow strongest in spring with the high levels of local snowmelt, making it a good time for landscape photographers looking for fast-moving water to shoot. Regardless of the season, it is ideal for hikers seeking a peaceful escape ,as the Cascade Trail does a great job of highlighting the diverse natural beauty surrounding Quincy.
The trailhead is situated just under 7 miles north of town and contains parking spaces for your vehicle, as well as a public restroom.
Spanish Creek Campground
Spanish Creek Campground is an incredibly scenic and accessible campground along the banks of Spanish Creek. If you're looking to spend the night under the stars during your visit to Quincy, this is among the best options for you.
The creek’s clear waters attract anglers and swimmers in the warmer months of the year. Nearby trails lead to scenic overlooks and swimming holes, like the local favorite Butterfly Swimming Hole.
Towering pines and oaks offer shade and privacy for many of the campsites, while the campground features picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, making it a well-equipped yet rustic retreat.
Spanish Creek Campground's proximity to Quincy, just a 15-minute drive north along Highway 70, allows for easy access to supplies while still feeling secluded enough in the wilderness.
Mount Hugh
This rugged nearby mountain is a hotspot for hikers, sightseers, and cyclists. Being the home of the renowned Huff and Puff backcountry bike route, it is a particularly renowned hotspot for mountain bikers in need of a lengthy and challenging yet highly rewarding route.
Leading to the Mt. Hough fire lookout at the summit, this 24.5-mile ride offers a plethora of gorgeous viewpoints that sit high above Plumas County. Be sure to spend some time at Crystal Lake, a secluded alpine lake resting just below the peak that makes for an idyllic rest stop.
The trail starts at Quincy Junction, which is located just a few miles northeast of downtown Quincy.
Downtown Attractions and Other Areas of Interest
Downtown Quincy is just as worthy of a deep dive as its surroundings landscapes. Its historic streets, which used to be the home to the miners who originally settled the area during California's Gold Rush, retain much of their Wild West vibes to this day, and are now full of modern amenities and other interesting destinations.
Main Street
The tree-lined Main Street of downtown Quincy is home to a mix of locally owned businesses, eateries, cozy city parks, and other fun amenities. Locales like the Dame Shirley Plaza, a small greenspace, not only offers a comforting touch of greenery to the town but hosts the Saturday Morning Market every weekend between June and September. This event features over 40 unique vendors and is a great way to get a true taste of the community all in one spot.
Further down the street, you will find joints like Quintopia Brewing Co., a top spot for a refreshing beverage, Midtown Coffee, an excellent locally-run stop for coffee and freshly baked goods, and other shops and eateries housed within picturesque, old-timey flatfront buildings. Just around the corner is Morning Thunder, another highly rated local favorite for breakfast and a great place to fuel up before a day in the great outdoors.
Plumas County Museum
The Plumas County Museum provides a detailed look at the region’s history, from its Indigenous Maidu inhabitants to the Gold Rush and logging eras, It is also a great resource to learn about the wildlife that has called the area home since eons before.
Exhibits include artifacts from 19th-century mining camps, a restored pioneer cabin, a working stamp mill, and a collection of taxidermied animals. The museum’s archives also feature historical photographs, documents, and genealogical records. Certain displays located outside feature antique logging equipment and period-accurate wagons.
Located in downtown Quincy on the corner of Jackson and Coburn Street, the museum is a key stop for those interested in knowing more about the area’s past. With well-curated exhibits and knowledgeable staff, it offers valuable insight into the people and industries that shaped Plumas County. The Plumas County Museum features a very well stocked book shop as well.
Elizabethtown Historical Landmark
Sitting a short journey north of Quincy is the remnants of Elizabethtown, a former mining settlement that was founded in 1852 after gold was discovered in nearby Tate's Ravine. Today, the site features a short trail that loops through the now wooded area, passing by a number of landmarks such as foundations belonging to some of the former town's buildings and a stone monument dating back to 1927. It is one of California's lesser-known ghost towns and one that will give you an accurate window into the boom-and-bust reality of many of the Sierra Nevada's earliest American communities.
Make New Memories In This Little-Known Community
Quincy is a top-notch destination for outdoor adventurers and a fascinating locale for those looking to uncover California's early history. Whether strolling down its cozy downtown streets or venturing around the surrounding hills and parklands, this tiny town in the magnificent Sierra Nevadas is a highly recommended spot for anyone in search of something off the beaten path this year.
Whatever season you decide to go, be sure to visit Quincy before the word gets out, and it, too, becomes yet another Golden State gem, beloved by the millions of tourists that come to this iconic region every year.
