GRAEAGLE TO CHESTER – 117 MILES

Bring your A-game leaving Graeagle, as this section includes rocky and faint two-track and steep climbs through burned out forest. Use extra care reading the primitive grass-covered roads and watch for fallen trees and hanging branches.

Relax with a quick spin up to Argentine Rock Lookout (7,209’) with views of Sierra Buttes, Lassen Peak and the town of Quincy. Another short trek leads to Mt. Hough Lookout (7,232’), followed by a winding descent to the hamlet of Taylorsville, which lacks fuel but features a wonderful general store with great burgers, shakes, sundries, and espresso, and has been serving the community for over 100 years.

After passing Round Valley Reservoir, the landscape turns ominous and enters the aftermath of the 2021 Dixie Fire that consumed almost one million acres of Northern California forests.

Dirt roads through a deep canyon take you past the ghost town of Seneca, site of one of the largest gold nuggets found in California. Fun flowing two-track roads through burned forests (be mindful of tree branches sticking out on the trail!), bring a smooth finish to the town of Chester on the banks of Lake Almanor.