Hotel Spotlight: Quincy Feather Bed Inn

The front of the Quincy Feather Bed Inn brochure reads: Escape from your daily hustle, Relax in our luxurious accommodations.

That’s fine and all , but where is Quincy?

 You’ve all heard of Sierra Nevada locations such as Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, and Mammoth Lakes. Quincy lies at the center of all activity within Plumas County, just north of Sierra County and is one of the best-kept secrets of California. Nicknamed The Lost Sierra, Plumas County is surrounded by Plumas National Forest, Tahoe National Forest, and Lassen National Forest. This alpine wonderland of 8,500-foot peaks enjoys a much less crowded experience than its tourist ladled cousins. Much of the area lies within the federally protected Lakes Basin Recreation Area that has 50 plus glacially carved lakes. There are many lakes to choose from within Plumas County, where you can rent boats, fish, swim, paddle board, water ski, kayak, hike, mountain bike, pan for gold. Sardine Lake is a personal favorite of the Inn’s owners. Stunning views beg you to hike to the upper Sardine Lake and pack a picnic for a memorable experience. Or enjoy lakeside dining at Sardine Lake Resort.

From the Quincy Feather Bed Inn, you can make day trips to any one of the lakes, streams or rivers to enjoy your favorite activity. Silver Lake and Gold Lake are stunning, and just a short drive away. At Bucks Lake, only 17 miles from the Inn, you can picnic, hike, bike, fish, swim, boat and enjoy lunch on the deck at Bucks Lake Lodge. You can take off on foot or bike direct from the Inn and enjoy beautiful scenery, hiking, and biking trails. Peddle right back to the Inn, or stop at the brewpub for a pint.

 Lover’s Leap is a favorite swim hole for those in-the-know. Reached by bike or car from the Inn, it’s a short hike from an unmarked spot off Bucks Lake Rd. The swimming hole was once a mining location, which has since carved out a deep swimming hole, of which daring souls like to leap into from the side of a cliff. It consists of terraced pools and beautiful greenery, you couldn’t possibly landscape anything more beautiful than this. As was once said by a niece of the owners, “If you’re not here every day, you’re not doing it right!”

Driving there is one of the most enjoyable drives you will experience, once you’re past Oroville. The drive up the Feather River Canyon on Hwy. 70, is where the scenic route starts, the highway crisscrosses the Feather River over bridges and through tunnels. The Western Pacific Railroad runs alongside the highway and up the canyon. This was the last railroad to be built across the Sierra, connecting California to the rest of the nation. You’ll surely want to pull over and snap a few photos. Find yourself starving because you didn’t get something to eat along the way? Cross a one-way red bridge to Belden for lunch and dine (pub food) out on the deck overlooking the Feather River. The Pacific Crest Trail crosses at Belden, which brings in a colorful array of hikers that add to the eclectic vibe.

Quincy’s local dining establishments are but a stroll away from the Inn. Extended summer hours at Moon’s makes for a lively dinner, 7 days a week. Or catch some live music and a glass of wine at the Drunk Brush Wine Bar. Wine bar not your thing? Quincy has a sports bar, dive bar, and brewpub to choose from as well. Enjoy bakeries, coffee, and art in the quaint historic downtown.

Quincy Feather Bed Inn was built in 1894 by a prominent Englishman named Edward Huskinson. The rooms are named, not numbered, after the original owner’s family members. There are five guest rooms, all accessible outside, on the second story.  Or you can choose one of two adorable cottages that accommodate up to four people, all available for rent year-round. All rooms feature European pillow-top beds. Rooms and cottages also include air conditioning, refrigerator, microwave, coffee & tea, and organic bath amenities. Many rooms are outfitted with claw foot tubs where you can soak your tired muscles.

The current owners, Shelley Hunter and Colin Birdseye, husband and wife, purchased the Inn in May of 2017. Originally from San Rafael, just north of San Francisco. After Shelley was laid off from her job as a senior graphic designer at a local university, the couple decided the time was ripe for making a change. They lived in Marin County for 30+ years and raised two children in San Rafael. Their combined skills from a multitude of jobs held over the years lent themselves to being the perfect Innkeepers. They get a kick out of making the guests happy and take delight in what the guests have to say about their stay.

So if you’d like to relax and escape from your daily hustle, check out Quincy Feather Bed Inn at quincyfeatherbed.com where you can book online, or phone 530-283-3000 for a reservation. Quincy can get busy during the summer, as there are a limited number of decent rooms available, so it’s always best to book in advance.