01
Best creek-and-falls ramble
Big Leaf Pool & Lower Deer Creek Falls
Deer Creek Canyon, South Of Butte Meadows • Shady Creek-And-Falls Ramble • Best For A Relaxed Half-Day Outing
A classic Deer Creek walk with clear pools, small cascades, and plenty of shady banks for lingering by the water.
From a signed pullout on Highway 32, a well-used path drops through forest to the creek and then meanders upstream toward falls and deep green pools. The trail is mostly easy-going with a few rocky steps and short scrambles that keep it interesting without feeling extreme. It is a great choice for mixed groups, though you still need to watch footing and creek levels, especially in spring.
02
Best quick swim hike
Deer Creek Rocky Pool
Highway 32 Pullouts Below Butte Meadows • Short Hike To A Deep Swimming Hole • Hot-Day Swim And Hangout Spot
A brief but steep path leads down to a deep, rock-rimmed pool that feels like a hidden pocket of the canyon.
This spot is all about the reward-to-effort ratio: a short, rocky descent brings you to a shaded bend in Deer Creek with a deep pool and sun-warmed boulders. The route is informal and can be loose underfoot, so it suits sure-footed hikers more than families with very young kids. Go early on summer weekends for easier parking and bring sturdy sandals for scrambling around on wet rocks.
03
Best quick climb near town
Cherry Hill Trail
Jonesville Snowmobile Area • Steep Forested Ridge Climb • Best Pick For A Quick Workout With Views
A short, punchy climb from the Jonesville parking area that trades effort for broad views over Butte Meadows and the surrounding high country.
In summer, the signed winter routes at the Jonesville Snowmobile Area become a quiet network of hiking paths, and the Cherry Hill line is the standout for a brisk uphill push. The trail climbs steadily through mixed conifer forest before breaking out onto more open slopes with glimpses toward Lassen and the Deer Creek drainage. Expect a concentrated effort, soft duff underfoot, and lingering snow patches in early season.
04
Most rewarding all-day outing
Butte County High Point via North Trailhead
Ridge North Of Humboldt Road • Longer Summit Hike On An Old Roadbed • Big-View All-Day Adventure
A longer, gradually climbing route to the highest point in Butte County, with big-sky views that make the miles worthwhile.
Reaching the north trailhead usually involves a rougher forest road, but once on foot the route follows an old roadbed and use trails along an open ridge. You gain elevation steadily rather than abruptly, passing through pockets of forest and wide, wind-brushed slopes. On clear days the summit area offers sweeping views toward Lassen, the Sierra crest, and far down into the Sacramento Valley, making this a favorite for experienced hikers who want a full day out.
05
Best high-country ridge walk
Humboldt Summit to Colby Mountain Lookout
Humboldt Summit And Colby Mountain • High-Elevation Ridge And Lookout Hike • Best For Late-Summer Vistas
An airy high-elevation walk along forest roads and use paths toward the old Colby Mountain lookout site, with constant views and big sky overhead.
Starting near Humboldt Summit, this route follows a mix of gravel road and narrower tread along an open ridge toward Colby Mountain. The hiking is not technically difficult, but the elevation, exposure, and lack of shade make it feel like true high country and call for sun protection and plenty of water. When the road is melted out and wildflowers are in bloom, it is one of the most expansive-feeling walks close to Butte Meadows.