Trails Around the Lake Project – Progress Update 8/22/25

If you’ve driven along Hwy 89 recently, you’ve likely noticed the progress on the Lake Almanor West segment of the Regional Trail Plan. This new 3.8-mile trail begins at a trailhead just beyond the northwest end of the Lake Almanor Recreation Trail and follows the shoreline adjacent to Hwy 89, where the Diversion Channel flows into the lake. Once completed, we’ll add interpretive and wayfinding signage, along with benches at scenic overlooks to enhance the experience for walkers and cyclists.

Meanwhile, the Almanor Rail Trail Project (First Avenue to A13) is also moving forward. In April 2025, Lumos & Associates delivered a Trail Condition Assessment to ARPD, detailing current conditions, recommendations, and design standards. This work—funded through a Sierra Nevada Conservancy grant—provided the essential due diligence needed to prepare the trail for improvements.

Our biggest challenge? Funding. While we are actively pursuing grants, this is a large, long-term project. Private donations are vital to helping us reach our goals. If you’d like to support the project, please email arpd01@frontier.com and a board member will reach out to you personally.

To learn more,  download the complete Master Plan  by clicking  on Trails Around the Lake Project.

Together, we can make these trails a lasting community treasure!

Another New Trail is in the Works!

The Forest Service Almanor Ranger District, along with ARPD as their partner, submitted a $66,000 planning grant on February 15, 2022 to complete the environmental analysis to construct the 1.4-mile Chester Trail.  This proposed project is located between the end of First Avenue to the “super ditch", through Lassen National Forest land. The project proposal was submitted to the Plumas County Rresource Advisory Committee (RAC) for their consideration and recommendation for funding.   When completed, the Chester Trail will close a critical gap between the Lake Almanor Recreation Trail and the town of Chester.  Completing NEPA is the first step to implementing the project.