Oroville: Cultural History, Lake and Nature

Oroville combines cultural history with activities around Lake Oroville and the Feather River. You can plan your trip around different interests: exhibits and a historic walking tour, a scenic driving tour, or cycling, hiking and nature. The Lake Oroville Visitors Center covers the history of the dam as well as geology, wildlife and hydropower. This lets you tailor your choices to the themes that matter for your stay.

Cultural History in Buildings and Stories

The Chinese Temple was dedicated in the spring of 1863. In the Tapestry Hall, it displays embroidery, ceremonial parasols and a rare costume collection featuring Chinese and American fashion from 1850 to 1930. The textiles and objects on display give the collection a specific cultural and historical focus.

A historic walking tour of Oroville adds stories that visitors can listen to on their mobile phones: about the house built by Olive, the love story of Jesse and Cornelia Lott, and the history of the Chinese Temple. People and stories are thus a focus alongside buildings and collections.

Another historic landmark is the C.F. Lott Home / Sank Park, a house built in 1856 in the Gothic Revival style. Together with the Chinese Temple, dedicated in 1863, it offers a look at the city’s different architectural and cultural themes, though the two buildings do not share the same history.

Lake Oroville: Exhibits and Views

The Lake Oroville Visitors Center features interpretive exhibits on Oroville Dam, the area’s geology, wildlife and habitats, hydropower, and cultural and historical artifacts. The center also has a 47-foot-high observation tower with panoramic views of Lake Oroville and its surroundings. Since operating details can change, check the latest information before visiting the tower.

The Lake Oroville State Recreation Area includes Lake Oroville, which is formed by a 770-foot-high dam above the Feather River riverbed. This combination of lake, river and dam offers a distinct focus alongside the cultural and historical sites. The Greenline Tour is a scenic driving tour of Oroville: at 15 miles long, it is a separate driving option from the designated trails.

Driving Route, Bike Trail and Loop Trail

The Riverfront Bike Trail is three miles long, paved and classified as a Class I bike path; it runs along Bedrock Park. The Riverbend Half-Mile Fitness Trail is a half-mile loop along the Feather River with six outdoor fitness stations. These are different types of routes: a paved bike path along the park and a shorter loop with fitness stations.

For a longer trail option, the Dan Beebe Trail is 14.3 miles long and accessible from the Lake Oroville Visitors Center. The Greenline Tour, Riverfront Bike Trail, Riverbend Half-Mile Fitness Trail and Dan Beebe Trail differ in both activity type and length.

Nature Watching and Water Activities

The Feather River Fish Hatchery raises Chinook salmon and steelhead along the Feather River, just below Lake Oroville. Through an underwater window, you can observe migrating salmon and steelhead from around mid-September to June. Spawning operations can be observed separately from mid-September to mid-November, Monday through Friday. If you plan these observations as a specific part of your trip, compare your travel dates with the respective seasonal windows and check the latest information beforehand.

The Lake Oroville State Recreation Area offers boating as well as an extensive network of horseback riding, biking and hiking trails. Camping options include family and group camping, as well as equestrian camping. Alongside the driving tour and individual trails, water activities and different types of trails are additional trip-planning options.

The Feather River Nature Center includes the Bath House Museum, with nature education programs, exhibits on native wildlife, basalt blocks and paintings. Since the museum program can change, check what is currently on offer before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Gridley, Chico, Forest Ranch.

View the broader travel overview: Butte.