Chester, CA

Tucked along the northern shore of Lake Almanor, Chester serves as the welcoming hub for the surrounding mountain basin. Home to around 2,000 residents, the town offers a quiet, relaxed setting while keeping everyday essentials close at hand. Daily routines naturally flow along the Main Street corridor on Highway 36, which is lined with grocery stores, local diners, coffee spots, and supply shops. The historic Collins Pine sawmill continues to operate on the edge of town, keeping Chester connected to its timber roots alongside the area's thriving outdoor recreation culture.

ATTRVeloocodger / CC BY-SA 4.0

For families, local schools like Chester Elementary and Chester Junior/Senior High keep the community tightly knit. Moving here means having Lake Almanor right down the road and Lassen Volcanic National Park just a short drive north. Throughout the seasons, residents gather for favorite local traditions, including the Fourth of July parade and lakeside fireworks, downtown trick-or-treating, and winter ice skating at Chester Park. It is a scenic four-season mountain community where life moves at an easy pace and wilderness is always right outside your door.