Outdoor adventures in the Lost Sierra

Photo by Jessica Murgia-Compton

Get to know the Feather River Watershed

Our preserves offer a diversity of experiences within the Sierra’s largest watershed. Meander flower-filled meadows and oak woodlands, view shorebirds and songbirds in lush wetlands and among rolling sagebrush, or explore hand-crafted barns and walk a neighborhood trail. Each preserve showcases a different aspect of the Lost Sierra. As a local land trust, FRLT owns and manages these lands for diverse uses including nature-based recreation and outdoor education.

Sierra Valley Preserve

Highlights

World-class birding and the only year-round public access to the wetland and meadow ecosystems of Sierra Valley.

Recreation Activities

Birding, Cross Country Skiing, Interpretive Trail, Photography, Picnicking, Road Biking, Walking, Wildflowers

Leonhardt Ranch Learning Landscape

Highlights

An easy interpretive trail out into beautiful American Valley for walking, jogging, and birding right from the town of Quincy.

Recreation Activities

Birding, Cross Country Skiing, Interpretive Trail, Photography, Walking

Heart K Ranch

Highlights

A historic working ranch and biodiversity hotspot in the heart of the Feather River Watershed.

Recreation Activities

Birding, Fall Foliage, Fishing, Photography, Picnicking, Road Biking, Swimming, Walking

Mountain Meadows Gateway

Highlights

Walking access to Mountain Meadows Reservoir, excellent bird habitat in old-growth willow stands along Robbers Creek, and big views of Keddie Ridge.

Recreation Activities

Birding, Cross Country Skiing, Photography, Picnicking, Walking, Wildflowers

Olsen Barn Meadow

Highlights

Access to the North Fork of the Feather River, a 130+ year old barn in a picturesque open meadow, walking paths, wildlife, and views of Lassen Peak and Lake Almanor.

Recreation Activities

Birding, Cross Country Skiing, Fall Foliage, Fishing, Photography, Picnicking, Swimming, Walking

Dogs
Photography
Large Events
Hunting & Fishing
Kayaking & Canoeing
Plants & Collecting
Dogs

Dogs are not permitted at the Leonhardt Preserve or at the Sierra Valley Preserve. At Heart K Ranch, Mountain Meadows Gateway, and Olsen Barn Meadow, dogs must either be on-leash or responsive to voice commands and under your control* at all times. It is not acceptable for dogs to harass wildlife or other visitors on FRLT Preserves. ALWAYS clean up after your pet. There may be times when four-legged friends are not permitted, including at certain events. We reserve the right to close areas and trails to dogs at any time to protect wildlife or livestock.

*Under your control means: Dog is always within view and voice range, dog comes at first calling, and dog may not approach people in a threatening manner or in any way harass people, wildlife, or other animals.

Photography

A picture is worth a thousand words! Photography is a favorite activity at our beautiful preserves. From spring flowers to fall colors to amazing winter wildlife, we love seeing photos from our communities in the Lost Sierra! If you’re a professional photographer and are planning a portrait photo shoot, to teach a photography class, or to bring lights, gear, and/or fly a drone on our conserved lands, please contact us first: info@frlt.org or (530) 283-5758.

We are so grateful to all the photographers who have donated hundreds of amazing images to FRLT over the years.

Large Events

Please follow all State and Local Public Health guidelines for social distancing due to COVID-19.

At this time FRLT is not hosting large, private events or weddings on our preserves. As a non-profit conservation organization these types of activities are not within our current scope of work. We do however encourage low-impact, nature-based events, workshops, and field trips. If you are interested in gathering on our lands please contact us—we’d love to hear from you. An event permit is required for all non-school related events. Fill out the form below to inquire. 

Hunting & Fishing

We value and understand the importance of the human connection to sustainable food resources and wildlife. 

Some of our preserves offer access to fishing on the North Fork of the Feather River, the Middle Fork, and Indian Creek. Please follow our other preserve guidelines and all CDFW regulations. You must have a current fishing license. We strongly encourage a catch-and-release ethic, especially on Indian Creek and its tributaries. For more information about fishing in the watershed please contact Feather River Trout Unlimited

Kayaking & Canoeing

While boating in the wetlands of Sierra Valley has long been a coveted recreation opportunity in the region, the season when there is sufficient water coincides with sensitive bird nesting and migration habitat. Boating from the Sierra Valley Preserve is regulated seasonally, so please check our boating guidelines before planning a trip. If you have questions, please call our office at (530) 283-5758. 

Plants & Collecting

Wildflowers, pollinators, and rare plants thrive on our protected lands. Please do your part by not picking wildflowers so that insects, birds, and other humans can enjoy them.  Think you found something special (or just extra pretty)? Snap a picture, share on iNaturalist, and/or send us an email. We love knowing what flowers are blooming and when. Plants are more than just flowers. Many plants in our watershed have a connection to the human communities that have lived here since the beginning of time. Out of respect for local indigenous people (and sensitive ecosystems) we ask that you do not wildcraft or gather herbs and plants on our lands. As a general rule take only photos.

More Ways to Explore