Project at a Glance

• Year conserved: 2015

• Acres: 102

• Project partners: Feather River Land Trust

• Owned by: Feather River Land Trust

• Things to do: Birding, cross country skiing, fishing, swimming, picnicking, photography, walking

Conservation History & Values

As the last remnant of Big Meadows—which was submerged when Lake Almanor was created for power generation in 1914—this montane meadow is culturally significant to the Mountain Maidu people, who used these lands for generations prior to western colonization. Today this property continues to be important to local Maidu families. The iconic Olsen Barn was built between 1860 and 1880 by Peter Olsen, a Norwegian immigrant who raised dairy cattle here during the Gold Rush. One of the oldest structures in Plumas County, with its massive hand-hewn timbers, the cathedral-like Olsen Barn stands today as a testament to Peter Olsen’s master craftsmanship.

Recreation & Restoration

FRLT, with guidance from local members of the Olsen Barn Management Committee, cares for the Olsen Barn Meadow. FRLT has worked with local youth crews and volunteers to remove hazards and old fencing and to clean up the riverside forest for better walking and fishing access.

Just a stone’s throw from downtown Chester, the Olsen Barn Meadow Preserve is open to the public for low impact recreation. With ample parking right off of Highway 36, the preserve offers a peaceful setting for year-round activities including walking, birding, practicing photography, viewing fall colors, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and picnicking. With panoramic views of Lassen Peak and Lake Almanor, and a glimpse into the past with one of Northern California’s oldest standing barns, this property is worth a visit in any season. 

Within a short walk of Chester schools, Olsen Barn Meadow is also an outdoor classroom for FRLT’s Learning Landscapes program—connecting local teachers and students to natural environments and opportunities for place-based learning. The entire property is the classroom, with an inviting outdoor seating area on the south side of the barn.