Chester (formerly Big Meadows) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Plumas County, California, United States.

[2] Chester is located on Lake Almanor, 30 miles (48.3 km) north-northwest of Quincy.

Chester serves as the retail center for the Lake Almanor region of California, and derives a significant portion of its economy from the tourist trade, and to a lesser degree from construction to new residents and businesses.

[4] According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 10.1 km2 (3.9 sq mi).

Chester is near several areas of interest for outdoor activities, within a 50-mile radius the town has numerous CDF and USFS trails and campgrounds, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Drakesbad and Lake Almanor are other areas of interest for vacationers and tourists with outdoor hobbies.

The Boy Scouts of America's Nevada Area Council also operates Camp Fleischmann in the region.

Lake Almanor is a popular hunting, fishing and boating destination.

The lake is home for a variety of fish and bird species, many of which make for good sport and game.

The winter tourism tends to be quieter, the town is often a way point for people traveling to ski resorts at Mount Shasta and Lake Tahoe.

[citation needed] Collins no longer maintains the distinction of Chester's dominant employer, though it remains the single business with the most employees.

[citation needed] Other logging companies operating in the area are Roseburg Forest Products, and Sierra Pacific Industries.

[26][27] Lake Almanor has developed as a vacation/tourist destination and Chester serves as the retail center for the area.

[29] Federally, Chester is in California's 1st congressional district, represented by Republican Doug LaMalfa.