Nestled in the high Sierra of Plumas County, Plumas‑Eureka State Park lies just west of Blairsden, California. A captivating blend of Gold Rush relics, serene mountain lakes, vibrant trails and alpine forest, this multifunctional park offers authentic historical immersion and multi-season outdoor adventure.
What Makes Plumas‑Eureka State Park Unique
The park was established in 1959 to preserve both its gold-mining heritage and natural beauty. It is home to the historic Mohawk stamp mill, miners’ cabins, a blacksmith shop, and a bunkhouse museum. It also boasts a blend of ecosystems—from mixed-conifer forests and riparian zones along Jamison Creek to granite ridges and high-alpine lakes like Madora and Eureka. Notably, the park hosts the world’s oldest longboard ski races held annually on Eureka Peak and winter snowshoe and cross-country ski trails — a rare Sierra combo of mining and ski culture.
Top Activities & Amenities
Camping & Group Sites
The Upper Jamison Creek Campground features 67 tent and RV sites (up to 28 ft) equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, metal food lockers, piped drinking water, restrooms, hot showers and an RV dump station. Group camping is available by permit for youth or special-interest groups during summer months. The campground operates Memorial Day to Labor Day, reopens around Memorial Day the following year.
Hiking & Nature Trails
A network of trails leads from the campground through forest, meadow and streams. Popular loops include the Museum Trail (1.2 mi boardwalk through forest and wetlands) and Jamison Mine Trail ascending to alpine lakes and the Pacific Crest Trail corridor. Madora Lake Loop is ideal for families, while serious hikers can tackle Eureka Peak for impressive Sierra views.
Fishing & Swimming
Jamison Creek is stocked with trout and supports native rainbows. Nearby alpine lakes (Eureka and Madora) offer excellent shore fishing and refreshing summer swims.
Museum & Interpretive Programs
The restored bunkhouse serves as a visitor center and mining museum open summer-season year-round. Exhibits include mining artifacts, a working stamp-mill model, and interactive displays. Docents deliver blacksmith‑shop and woodshop demonstrations, and summer “Gold Discovery Days” bring living history to life.
Picnicking & Visitor Center
Picnic tables are located near the museum and campground. The visitor center sells snacks, firewood, ice, guidebooks and souvenirs. Restrooms, bottled water and seasonal potable water are available.
Wildlife & Bird Watching
Set within Sierra conifer forests and riparian areas, the park hosts black bears, mule deer, bobcats, foxes, martens and golden eagles. Bird enthusiasts can expect chickadees, nuthatches, western tanagers and warblers along creekside vegetation.
Photography & Seasonal Sports
Wildflowers in summer, autumn color along Jamison Creek, and alpine snow provide year-round photo opportunities. In winter, several groomed cross‑country ski loops and snowshoe courses—including historic longboard race tracks—come alive after snowfall.
Biking & Horseback Riding
Gravel fire roads such as Jamison Mine Road welcome biking and horseback riding. Motor vehicles are restricted to designated roads only.
Visitor Tips
- Operating Seasons: Campground open Memorial Day–Labor Day; day-use, museum and trails are open year-round.
- Fees & Reservations: Camping reserved via ReserveCalifornia; day-use and museum entry are free.
- Pet Policy: Leashed dogs allowed on fire roads only—not permitted on most trails or in the museum.
- Food Storage: Bear-proof lockers mandatory for food, toiletries and trash.
- Fishing: Requires valid California license; creek open year-round, alpine lakes via hiking.
- Winter Access: Snow covers roads and trails—chains or 4WD recommended; check for grooming updates.
- Safety: Mountain weather can shift rapidly—bring layers and check forecasts.
- Cell Service: Limited; download offline maps and bring extra supplies for remote areas.
Local Insight & Seasonal Tip
For an unforgettable sunrise, hike to Madora or Eureka Lake early on a summer morning—mist over pine-studded lakes makes for magical stillness. Visit in winter for historic longboard ski races on Eureka Peak and snowshoe loops under vaulted fir canopies. And in late spring, wildflowers bloom in meadows along Jamison Creek, creating colorful frames for both photographers and creekside picnickers. Don’t miss the gold‑rush-era living‑history demonstrations during summer weekends—clad in period clothing, docents revive mining life with tools, tales and blacksmith sparks.