A portion of California State Route 70 goes right through the Plumas National Forest. On this particular stretch of State Route 70, you’ll pass many tiny mountain towns, as well as historic sites. It’s a scenic route in Northern California you’ll want to take! The full State Route 70 starts just north of Sacramento and goes all the way to the Nevada border, winding through Plumas National Forest and some rural areas along the way. Also known as the Plumas National Forest Scenic Drive, it’s an adventure you won’t want to skip.

For this drive through Plumas National Forest, you’ll start in Blairsden and drive about 35 miles northwest on winding roads until you reach Paxton.
Jonathan Fischer/Google Images
This drive takes 50 minutes without stopping. Of course, you’ll want to stop along the way to see all the sights! Quincy is the only town along this stretch of road. There are also several census-designated areas and landmarks on this route.
Route 70 runs next to Middle Fork Feather River. Overall, the Middle Fork Feather River is pretty wild, but there are some places where the river is slow enough to dip your feet in.
Daren Howard/Google Images
Along the way, drivers along this route will pass by resorts, RV parks, restaurants, and buildings located right on Route 70.
Stop for a bite at Martha’s Kitchen in Cromberg. This Mexican restaurant located in a log cabin-style building fits perfectly with the surrounding mountains and forest.
pedro hernandez/Google Images
Martha’s Kitchen is popular for its excellent Mexican food, as well as its top-notch customer service. You won’t miss this place– it’s located right next to State Route 70.

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Next, you’ll start coming into Quincy. But before you reach the town, travelers will come across Williams Loop. This rail spiral loop was built in 1914 and allows the train to quickly gain elevation.
Nick Boppel/Google Images
Just up the road from Williams Loop is a rest stop. There are restrooms, picnic tables, and a short trail to stretch your legs while breathing in fresh mountain air.
Continuing on State Route 70, you’ll pass East Quincy and Quincy. This beautiful town has Victorian buildings, cute shops, and lots of outdoor tours.
Alvin Gilbert/Google Images
After Quincy, travelers along this route will see a lot of beautiful nature and have several opportunities to pull off the road to take pictures of the mountains, streams, and a river flowing next to the route. Plus, there is another train site to see: Keddie Wye, a railroad junction north of Quincy.
Once you reach the ghost town of Paxton, your tour of State Route 70 through Plumas National Forest has ended. This stopping point is a good place to relax by the river.
Donald Carlisle/Google Images
Plumas National Forest is at the north end of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Plumas National Forest is 1,146,000 acres of forested terrain. The forest was established in 1905 and was made a national forest in 1907. Approximately 127,000 acres have been determined to be old-growth mixed conifer forests (think various pine and fir trees).

Explore this scenic byway in California from your couch in this wonderful 4K drive video:

Let’s bring back the Sunday drive. For one, it’s nearly free– just the cost of fuel and a picnic lunch, if you don’t want to stop somewhere to eat. Additionally, you’ll see parts of California that you might not have otherwise visited.

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Plumas National Forest Scenic Drive

Tori Jane | August 25, 2023
  1. What are some of the best scenic drives in Northern California?

California is a huge state with thousands of miles of highways and byways to choose from, all of which have their own beautiful qualities. It’s California, after all, and some of the best scenic drives in Northern California are drives like:  

  • U.S. Route 395 – This 557-mile drive can be an epic adventure if you want it to be. It’s easily one of the longest scenic drives in California, and it’s absolutely jaw-dropping.  
  • U.S. Route 199 – See the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park like never before on this amazing ride that extends up into Oregon.  
  • California Route 89 – Lovers of forest roads will appreciate this wondrous ride from Lake Tahoe all the way to Lassen Volcanic National Park and beyond.  

Learn more about these amazing drives in Northern California and pick your favorite!  

  1. What are the best scenic byways in California?

So, how about the rest of the state? All of California is the perfect place for just about anyone who enjoys the great outdoors and, especially, scenic drives. Some of the best scenic byways in California are:  

  • Bigfoot Scenic Byway – This awesome drive leads you through NorCal’s most beautiful forests and also apparently has the highest number of Bigfoot sightings in the United States.  
  • Yuba Donner Scenic Byway – This 175-mile route is outrageously beautiful and worthy of a day trip (or longer). This drive is the Sierra Nevadas at its most beautiful.  

Learn more about the most scenic byways in Northern California.  

  1. How long is the Plumas National Forest Scenic Drive?

The Plumas National Forest scenic drive is known more popularly as the Feather River Scenic Byway. In total, it’s an impressive 344 miles in length and offers plenty of awesome opportunities for scenic views, state parks, and more. If you were to drive it in its entirety, you’d be driving for about seven hours – given that you don’t stop at all, which would be silly because the drive goes through some awesome small towns! Take your time and enjoy... it’s worth it. Learn more about other scenic drives in California.  

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Plumas National Forest, California 95983, USA