History, Geology, Astronomy

Each May the Communities of the Lake Almanor Basin and Indian Valley with Lassen Volcanic National Park celebrate the opening of our Museums and present the new season's activities related to Natural History. Discover our Lassen-Feather River History Loop from the Park through the Lake Almanor Basin to Indian Valley and the Feather River Canyon. Beginning in the month of May and throughout the 2018 season there is something for everyone in the family: history buffs, budding geologists, star gazers, birdwatchers and conservationists.

Discover the loop!  ​Drive the scenic highways linking Lassen Park with Highway 70's spectacular Feather River Canyon. You will follow an ancient trail through the land of the Mountain Maidu Indians and pass through the old Gold Rush and lumber towns of Chester, Westwood, Greenville, Crescent Mills and Taylorsville. The mountain landscape, rugged and uniquely beautiful, abounds with Maidu stories. See the park, see the canyon and see the enchanted world that lies between them! 

Lassen-Feather River History Loop Map
Collins Nature Trail
History Walking Tour - Chester

History Walking Tour - Taylorsville
​History Walking Tour - Westwood

Tuesday-Wednesday 10-12, 12:30-5:30
Thursday 12:00-5:00, 5:30-7:00
Friday 10-12, 12:30-5:30
Saturday 11:00-3:00

​Admission Free
Chester Library offers free WiFi 24/7. Free use of public computers, copies available from copy machine or computer at 20 cents/copy.

The Chester Museum adjoins the original 1929 log cabin built for the Chester Library with a photographic history of the original pioneer communities and settlers from the pre-Lake Almanor era of Big Meadows, featuring Native Americans, dairy and cattle ranching, early days logging, gold mining and early tourism. The Museum is open all year long.

​The "Dinky"
Near the museum, on the Collins Pine Co. lawn on Main Street, Chester lies a compact century-old steam locomotive known as the "Dinky".

Lake Almanor
One of the main attractions here is a photographic history of the Lake Almanor Basin. View vintage photos of dairy farming, early days logging, gold mining and even early-day tourist activities.

Maidu Baskets
A fine collection of Maidu Indian basketry and artifacts represent some of the intricate handwork produced by Plumas County's first inhabitants.
Outside, Along the North Fork of the Feather River 
A large collection of artifacts adorn the walls and center of the room while out of doors are various large items, including a vintage privy.

The Museum is located on the Collins Pine Lawn off Main Street at the west end Chester.
May through October, Wednesday through Saturday, 9-5
(530) 258-2111.
​Admission free.

The Collins Pine Company has operated in Chester since 1943, and has been recognized for their sustainable management of the Collins Almanor Forest. The old sawmill building was replaced by a new mill in 2002.This mill at Chester produces White Fir, Ponderosa Pine and Sugar Pine.Collins Pine also has operations in Lakeview, Oregon; Klamath Falls, Oregon; Kane, Pennsylvania; Richwood, West Virginia; and a corporate office in Portland, Oregon.

Outdoor Display

The Collins Museum has an outdoor display of twelve pieces of equipment that were used by Collins Pine Company back in the 1940s, 50s and 60s, including some trucks dating back to the 1930s.

Museum Building
The Museum building, patterned after the old mill that operated in Chester from 1943 to 2002, has Incense Cedar siding and decking, Ponderosa Pine ceiling, railings and interior doors, clear Sugar Pine interior trim around the windows, Douglas Fir posts and beams and a verticle-grain White Fir bookcase.These are all species of lumber that grow in this area.
Inside the building are panels and displays with information on lumbering, forestry and principles of sustainability. A small theater room plays a 20-minute documentary on Sustainable Forestry and a TV screen in the main part of the building plays a silent video of the sawmill operation.

The Cy Hall Memorial Museum burned down in the 2021 Dixie Fire. But, according to Kest Porter, Curator, "The Greenville Cy Hall Memorial Museum is not gone, it is just going through another change. The museum had been located in at least two different buildings since the museum was conceived in 1992. As Greenville rebuilds from its latest fire, we are working to decide where to build next. How soon will we open? We don’t know, but we will be back."

Open May through the last weekend in October, Saturdays, 10 - 4  and Sundays 1-4
Other openings are by special arrangement, with a $10.00 donation per group of 10 or more.

Except for special openings, the admission to the museum is free, but donations are always appreciated. Call for information (530)284-1046 or email ivmuseum@yahoo.com

The Indian Valley Museum in Taylorsville features five rooms of artifacts and photos, highlighting life in the Indian Valley and near-by areas from the 1860's through 1940's, as well as an extensive gem & mineral room. The Hardgrave Stage restoration display is in the Creamery building across the street. 

Mountain Maidu Room
An impressive collection of Maidu Indian baskets, arrowheads, and artifacts, is to be found in the Mountain Maidu Room. The bearskin featured in the local bear dance is on display there when not in use.

​Museum Annex
The large Museum Annex contains exhibits of early logging, farming, blacksmithing, and the tools used in the pre-electric Indian Valley. Also included is the first fire engine in the valley, a 1932 Dodge truck.

​​Gem and Mineral Room
Francis Musser's extensive collection of mineral specimens, fossils, rock carvings, and sculptures, are featured in the Gem and Mineral Room.
The Museum located in Taylorsville, at the east end of Indian Valley. Go through town on Main Street to Cemetery Street and turn right. The main museum is the second building on Cemetery Street. The first building is the museum annex.

In 1884, The Red River Lumber Company was established by Thomas Barlow Walker. When Mr Barlow decided to move his company from Minnesota to California, he selected Westwood, California as the location for his company.  By 1913, the Red River Company was operating a full company town and sawmill at the location. 

In January 1912, the Red River Lumber Company entered an agreement with Southern Pacific to construct the 120-mile Fernley & Lassen Railroad. "Time was of the essence as Red River had entered into an agreement with the Great Western Power Company to log Big Meadows by 1914 as it was to be transformed into a reservoir known as Lake Almanor. On February 21, 1914 the first train reached Westwood." Tim Purdy.

The town's and areas of Westwood, Clear Creek, and Lake Almanor have fascinating and intermingled histories. The Westwood Museum is dedicated to the preservation, restoration and display of items of historical interest to these communities.

The historic Loomis Museum is located at the northwest entrance of Lassen Volcanic National park. This accessible facility offers exhibits, an auditorium, and educational bookstore. Rangers offer summer ranger-led programs, and provide information and park publications. Exhibits include photos from B.F. Loomis who documented Lassen's Peak most recent eruption cycle and promoted the park's establishment. Additional exhibits feature the original equipment Loomis used to photograph the eruptions, and traditional Atsugewi basketry.
May 26-June 11, Friday & Saturday 9-5
June 12 - October 29, DAILY 9-5
Admission Free
(530) 595- 6140

Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center
​The Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center is located one mile north of the park's southwest entrance. This accessible center features exhibits, an amphitheater, auditorium, cafe and gift shop, educational bookstore, dining area, and summer patio.

May 1 - October 31 Open DAILY 9 - 5
November 1 - April 28 Open Wednesday through Sunday 9 - 5
​Admission Free