Lassen – Feather River History Loop 2017
April 18, 2017 by: Sharon Roberts
Lassen- Feather River History Loop
Full of Museums and great outdoor adventures.
There is so much to see and do you will want to come back often,each season has something special to offer.
The Lassen – Feather River History Loop covers a large area in North Eastern California. It includes parts of Tehama, Plumas and Lassen counties. The loop includes history, regional stories of diverse geology, fantastic night sky viewing spots, amazing bird watching opportunities, and conservation activities that reflect the passion for the land of those that live here. The loop highlights the rich history of the region and the many activities the area has to offer visitors.
Visit the Mountain Affairs website for more information on the Lassen Feather River Loop events mentioned below and many others that are scheduled throughout the year. www.mountainaffairs.com .
Events and Festival page on St. Bernard Lodge website has many events listed in the region and slightly beyond.
Museums on the Lassen – Feather River History Loop
Westwood Museum
The Westwood Museum kicks off the season on May 7th, 2017. Visit the Museum's facebook page for special events and information on their new cookbook.
Season hours are Wed. – Sat. 11 am – 4 pm through the end of September. The museum may be reached at 530-256-2233.
Greenville Cy Hall Memorial Museum
The Greenville Museum opens on May 6th, 2017. Regular hours of the Museum are Thursday – Sunday 10am – 3 pm. Featured exhibit for 2016 will be the history of Crescent Mills.
The Greenville Museum hosts three seminars each season in May, July and September. This season’s presentations will focus on the 1970’s on May 13th, the 1980’s on July 13th and the 1990’s on September 14th, 2017 Each program starts with a quick overview of the Maidu Indians before 1850, then a short review of each decade starting in the 1850’s.
Questions and interaction with the presenters is always encouraged. The Cy Hall Memorial Museum can be reached at 530-284-0927.
Each presentation is video taped to save or future generations or if you happen to miss one. Tapes may be purchased for $10 for your collection.
Collins Museum
Collins Museum located at Collins Pines Mill in Chester opens May 11th and will be open 9 am – 5 pm Wed- Saturday until Oct. The mission of the Collins Pine Museum is to develop exhibits on lumbering, forestry and principles of sustainability. Terry Collins may be reached at 530-258-4441 or visit their website www.collinsco.com/museum.
Special Sustainable Forest Tour starting at the Collins Museum then touring the state of the art sawmill at Collins Pines. This event is part of the Sierra Institute tours and is scheduled for August 15, 2017. Cost is 50.00 per person. Details available on the Sierra Institute website.
Chester Museum
The Chester Museum stays open year round. Museum hours are Mon, Tue and Wed. 10 am – 5:30 pm and Thursdays from 1 pm – 7 pm. The Chester Museum adjoins the original 1929 log cabin built for the Chester Library. The Chester Library has the distinction of being the only library in California permanently housed in a log cabin built for that purpose.
Indian Valley Museum
Indian Valley Museum opens May 14th. Regular hours are Sat. and Sun. 1 pm – 4 pm through the fall.
Special exhibit this year will be the Hardgrave Stage Coach circa 1906.This stage coach was originally owned and operated by John Hardgrave and regularly ran from Beckwourth through Genesse to Taylorsville and Greenville in the early 1900’s.
It will be a slow process to restore this stagecoach, it is estimated that it will take two or more years to complete. Visit often to watch the transformation, of this stagecoach back to its original condition.
The museum is a central part of Pioneer Day held on June 17th, 2017. The Hardgrave Stage Coach will be on display at the Creamery from 10 am – 4 pm. Pioneer Day has a great small town parade, rib cook-off, western shoot out, and craft vendors. Bring the whole family to take part.
The Indian Valley Museum is well known for its large collection of gems. A special dealer will be on site with gems and beads July 2, 3 and 4th from 10 am – 4 pm.
July 4th is always a big day for such a small town. The museum will be hosting the 46th annual Cowboy Breakfast from 7 am – 11 am. All you can eat. The world famous Silver Buckle Rodeo always brings a crown and has been held in Taylorsville since 1949.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Park will be turning 101 years old on August 9, 2017, making the park sixteen days older than the National Park Service.
The Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center located near the southwest entrance to the park is open daily from April 1 through November 30 from 9 am – 5 pm. Park film and exhibits highlight the natural and cultural history of the park. Rangers available to provide park information.
The Loomis Museum is located at the NW entrance to Lassen Park. The museum will be open Fri- Sun from Memorial Weekend through June 12. From June 13 through the end of October the museum is open daily from 9 am – 5 pm. Exhibits include photos from B.F. Loomis who best documented the eruptions of Lassen Peak in the early 1900’s.
Historic Olsen Barn
photo by: Jan Davies
The Feather River Land Trust took on the task of purchasing 107 acres on the eastern edge of Chester. The property is best known for its 130 plus year old barn, known as the Olsen Barn. The property is also has significant ecological value particularly for birds. Several pairs of endangered Willow Flycatchers breed on the property and it has one of the highest densities of Yellow Warblers. Osprey and Bald Eagles are often seen from the property.
There will be a guided bird walk on the Olsen Barn property from 7:30 am – 10:30 am the morning of May 27th, followed at 1:00 pm that afternoon a history walk of the barn itself. Historian Marilyn Quadrio will provide a historical perspective of the Olsen family and ranch.
New event for 2017 is planned for July 22. Float trip down the north fork of the Feather River from Chester Park to the Olsen Barn property. Picnic and music by Rickety Bridge at Olsen Barn. Visit FRLT website for updates on this event.
2nd Annual Grebe Festival is scheduled this summer Aug. 18th -20th by the Plumas Audubon Society. The Grebe Festival will have birding, boating, hiking, art, culture, current research, beer stroll, movies and lots of free activities at this 3 day event. Visit the Plumas Audubon website to sign up for special field trips and presentations.
Tours, Trails & Treasures
Take time to enjoy the self-guided historic walking tours in each community.
Two great driving tours in the region are; Plumas County Barn Quilt Tour. The Plumas County Barn Quilt tour is one of only three Barn Quilt Tours in California. The Maidu Auto Tour, known as the World Maker’s Trail, is about 67 miles long and takes 2 hours to drive with many special spots to stop along the way.
Historical Markers in Plumas County, Lassen County, and Tehama County.
If you have any questions on the area please call 530-258-3382 and we will be glad to help. When in the area please consider staying with us at the St. Bernard Lodge.