Chester, California

Chester, California is a top outdoor getaway for outdoor adventurers. From scenic trails to must-visit attractions, there are plenty of top activities to explore in and near the area. Hike the Pacific Crest Trail for a stunning view of the surrounding mountains and valleys, or take a kayak trip down the Feather River to enjoy the abundant wildlife. For a more leisurely activity, you can enjoy a picnic at the beautiful Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park. For those looking for a thrill, there's the Skydive Lodi Parachute Center, where you can take a tandem jump and experience the rush of freefall. There are also several golf courses, fishing spots, and other activities to explore in and near Chester, California.

Top Spots in and near Chester

  • Chester, California

    Lassen Volcanic National Park Scenic Drive

    4.0
    62.7 mi / 5387 ft gain
    Lassen Volcanic National Park Scenic Drive is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near Chester, California.
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  • Plumas County, California

    Camp at Last Chance Creek Campground on Lake Almanor

    This PG&E campsite is located on the northern most inlet of Lake Almanor and is slightly more remote than the other sites around Lake Almanor. The campground offers spectacular views and easy access to great fishing. To get there, head east out of the town of Chester on Highway 36. After cros...
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  • Pacific Crest Trail, California

    Devils Kitchen Trail

    5.0
    5.06 mi / 525 ft gain
    Your hike to Devils Kitchen will start from Warner Valley Campground. The hike starts out thorough the valley and eventually winds through the forest and ends at the top of the Devils Kitchen site. You'll then hike down the hill a bit and get to explore the area! There are pretty specific walkin...
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  • Pacific Crest Trail, California

    Camp at Warner Valley

    Warner Valley Campground is at the end of Warner Valley Road. It's 16 dollars a night at a first come first serve basis. As far as the campground it self, there are a few bathrooms and each site has a fire ring and a picnic table. There are 17 sites which isn't a ton but since it's a fairly unuse...
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  • Plumas County, California

    Boiling Springs Lake Loop

    2.38 mi / 449 ft gain
    The hike to Boiling Springs Lake starts at the Warner Valley Trailhead and is only a 3 mile roundtrip hike. It's a fairly easy hike that starts through the valley and then winds up through the forest and eventually opens up to the lake.  First thing you'll notice as you approach the lake is the ...
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  • Plumas County, California

    Drake Lake Trail

    4.6 mi / 840 ft gain
    The hike starts at the Warner Valley Trailhead and winds up the mountain until you reach the lake. The first 2 miles or so are very pleasant walk through the woods until you reach the last portion which is essentially straight up the mountain side.  This portion of the trail can be very slippery...
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  • Lassen County, California

    Backpack the Caribou Wilderness Lakes Loop

    12 mi
    The caribou lakes loop is very laid back, making it a great start for first time backpackers and kids. Word of caution: in the summer the mosquitos are plenty, I'd recommend this loop for the fall. From the parking lot there is a visible sign pointing you in the direction of the trailhead near Ca...
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  • Shasta County, California

    Kings Creek Falls Trail

    4.0
    2.49 mi / 495 ft gain
    Kings Creek Falls Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Old Station, California.
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  • Shasta County, California

    Seven Lake Loop in Lassen Volcanic NP

    11.54 mi / 1545 ft gain
    This hike is one of my favorites for when I only have a weekend to get my nature fix. To start off, visit either the Loomis Museum, Loomis Ranger Station, Butte Lake Ranger Station, Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, Warner Valley Ranger Station, or Juniper Lake Ranger Station and pick up a wildern...
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  • Tehama County, California

    Explore Deer Creek Falls

    5.0
    0.5 mi
    This extremely short hike starts just off of Highway 32. From Chester, head southwest on 32 for roughly 21 miles. There is a turnout and a sign where the trail starts. This waterfall is best viewed in the spring when there is still a large amount of snow melt off. This waterfall is definitely not...
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  • Old Station, California

    Bumpas Hell to Cold Boiling Lake

    4.0
    5.32 mi / 1007 ft gain
    Bumpas Hell to Cold Boiling Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Old Station, California.
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  • Tehama County, California

    Brokeoff Mountain Trail

    4.0
    6.93 mi / 2474 ft gain
    Peaking above the volcanic valley at 9235 ft, Brokeoff Mountain is only second in height to Mt. Lassen in the national park they share. Brokeoff was once a part of a larger volcano called Mt. Tehama that erupted, eventually leading to its collapse. The event left a rugged volcanic rim, now con...
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  • Old Station, California

    Hike to Cinder Cone

    5.0
    4 mi / 846 ft gain
    Cinder Cone Trail For 1.2 miles, the trail gently slopes up through a forest. The Fantastic Lava Beds form a wall to your left. The Fantastic Lava Beds were formed by several eruptions of lava from Cinder Cone. The trail is mostly cinder erupted from Cinder Cone. Walking on cinder is similar to w...
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  • Old Station, California

    Hike to Snag Lake via the Cinder Cone

    12.5 mi / 2000 ft gain
    Start from the Butte Lake trailhead, off Highway 44 at the north end of Lassen Volcanic National Park. From the parking lot walk past the little boat launch and the trailhead is obvious in front of you.  Be mentally prepared to be walking in loose sand for most of this trip (and bring ankle or kn...
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  • Shasta County, California

    Lassen Peak

    4.4
    4.66 mi / 1936 ft gain
    One of my personal favorites and a hidden gem of California that keeps circling my mind is the Lassen Peak Trail. Don't let the trail map (2.5 miles one way) deceive you and make you think this is a short trail. The elevation gain is is 2000 feet from the parking lot to the end of the peak. The a...
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  • Shasta County, California

    Bumpass Hell Trail

    4.7
    2.71 mi / 502 ft gain
    Due to hazardous snow and ice, Bumpass Hell Trail closes during the spring and may not open until July. From the Bumpass Hell Parking Area, the trail traverses the rocky slopes of Bumpass Mountain. The trail slowly ascends 200 feet with views of the valley to the west and Lassen Peak to the nort...
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Camping and Lodging in Chester

Almanor
Canyondam, California

Almanor

Gurnsey Creek
Tehama County, California

Gurnsey Creek

Juniper Lake Stock Corral
Chester Juniper Lake Road

Juniper Lake Stock Corral

Juniper Lake Group
Chester Juniper Lake Road

Juniper Lake Group

Summit Lake South
Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway

Summit Lake South

Lost Creek Group
Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway

Lost Creek Group

Guides, Insights and Stories from Chester

The perfect 3-day road trip through Lassen Volcanic National Park & Crater Lake National Park

The perfect 3-day road trip through Lassen Volcanic National Park & Crater Lake National Park

Gwyneth and Amiana Manser

Explore Lassen Volcanic National Park in 360 Degrees

Explore Lassen Volcanic National Park in 360 Degrees

Shana Nunez