Butte: Experience nature, water and culture

North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve sits on an elevated basalt mesa and covers about 3,300 acres. Spring wildflowers, waterfalls and lava outcrops define the landscape, along with the Northern Basalt Flow Vernal Pools, a seasonal pool ecosystem. Extensive unpaved trails offer opportunities for wildlife and bird watching, as well as photography. The pools are a seasonal part of the nature experience.

Outdoor landscapes and trails

The Feather River Scenic Byway offers a different setting. The route runs east to west through Butte and Plumas counties and passes through a rugged mountain gorge with steep granite walls. Along the way, views include waterfalls, rock outcrops, forested slopes and meadows. Road conditions can change, so it’s worth checking the latest updates before setting out.

Oroville Wildlife Area covers about 11,800 acres. Riparian forest along the Feather River makes up most of the area, while grassland surrounds Thermalito Afterbay. Activities there include wildlife and bird watching, as well as nature photography. A driveable loop and the Wetland Discovery Trail add to the options. At Gray Lodge Wildlife Area, the Wetland Discovery Trail leads on a self-guided nature tour to a raised wooden observation platform equipped with spotting scopes.

If you’re planning a longer hike, allow plenty of time for the full round-trip trail to Feather Falls: it is about 8 miles long and usually takes at least four to five hours. Bidwell Park offers many miles of mountain biking trails and is also ideal for hiking. Swimming spots include Sycamore Pool and swimming holes in Upper Park.

Water activities and seasonal viewing

At Lake Oroville State Recreation Area, activities include boating and an extensive network of horseback riding, cycling and hiking trails. Camping is available for families, groups and horseback riders. At Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park, you can fish for salmon, steelhead and shad from the riverbank or a boat; you can also go tubing, canoeing or kayaking. The park protects riparian habitats along the Sacramento River and offers a chance to observe and learn about this river landscape.

At the Feather River Fish Hatchery, you can watch migrating salmon or steelhead through the underwater viewing window from around mid-September through June. Spawning observations have a specific viewing window: they are possible Monday through Friday from mid-September to mid-November. Seasonal viewing times may change, so check the current schedule before your visit.

Museums, history and local insights

Five city museums in historic downtown Oroville preserve, interpret and share local history and cultural heritage. They are no more than a mile apart. The Chico History Museum features rotating and permanent exhibits, including topics related to the Mechoopda, Chico Chinese Temple, Bidwell Park and Chico’s natural features. Historic landmarks are also covered on guided tours, and talks round out the program.

The Patrick Ranch Museum focuses on the agricultural history of the Sacramento Valley. Exhibits, artifacts and guided tours explore the subject in different ways. The permanent garden displays at Gateway Gardens showcase native and edible plants, student projects and wildlife habitats. In Chico, the Chico Certified Farmers Market runs two markets year-round, on Saturdays and Wednesdays. So alongside nature areas and museums, market visits are another option to add to your trip.

Discover more destinations: Chico, Oroville, Forest Ranch, Gridley, Los Angeles, San Mateo, Plumas, Calaveras County.

For the main travel overview: California.