01
Best springtime showcase
North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve
North Of Oroville • Wildflower-Studded Basalt Mesa • Sweeping Open-Plateau Hiking
A broad lava plateau with seasonal waterfalls, wildflower blooms, and off-trail wandering just north of Oroville.
In a good bloom year, North Table Mountain feels like one continuous wildflower garden, with informal paths fanning out across the basalt. Most hikers make a loose loop from the Cherokee Road parking area to see waterfalls like Phantom Falls and Ravine Falls, picking their own route across open grassland. Expect little shade, seasonal mud, and no services on-site, so bring plenty of water and be ready for wind on the exposed rim.
02
Most versatile trail network
Upper Bidwell Park
Northeast Chico • Expansive City Park With Rugged Foothills • Best Mix Of Easy And Rugged Trails
A huge park on Chico’s eastern edge, offering everything from mellow creekside strolls to rocky rim hikes with big valley views.
Upper Bidwell’s singletrack web lets you dial in exactly the kind of hike you want, from a quick out-and-back above Horseshoe Lake to longer loops on the North Rim and Guardian trails. Basalt outcrops, blue oak woodland, and views toward the Sutter Buttes make it feel far wilder than its city-park label suggests. Summer afternoons can be brutally hot, so locals stick to early starts, evening laps, or cooler days after a front passes through.
03
Waterfall classic
Feather Falls Scenic Trail
Plumas National Forest East Of Oroville • Forest Canyon Waterfall Hike • Iconic All-Day Outing
A longer, leg-testing hike through mixed conifer forest to a dramatic overlook of one of California’s tallest waterfalls.
Starting from the Feather Falls trailhead past Lake Oroville, this loop-style route climbs and drops through shaded forest before reaching a cliff-edge platform with a head-on view of the falls plunging into the Middle Fork Feather River canyon. The mileage and rolling elevation make it a true outing rather than a quick jaunt, but the payoff and sense of remoteness are hard to beat. Check recent conditions before you go, and pack enough water and snacks for a solid half-day in the backcountry.
04
Long-distance sampler
Pacific Crest Trail near Belden
Feather River Canyon Near Belden • High-Country Through-Trail Segment • Best For Seasoned Hikers
Steep canyon walls and big climbs define this Pacific Crest Trail segment above the tiny riverside outpost of Belden.
From Belden along Highway 70, you can pick up the Pacific Crest Trail in either direction for a demanding out-and-back that climbs quickly away from the river. Switchbacks lead through dense forest and occasional clearings, with expanding views over the North Fork Feather River and the rail line far below. The grades are serious and summer heat can radiate off the canyon walls, so this stretch is best for fit hikers comfortable with long ascents and lightly signed backcountry routes.
05
Closest lakefront loops
Lake Oroville State Recreation Area – Loafer Creek
Southeast Of Oroville • Oak Woodland And Lakeshore Trail System • Best Mellow Half-Day Escape
A network of rolling trails and service roads threading oak woodland and inlets on the southeast side of Lake Oroville.
Loafer Creek’s gentle grades and interconnected paths make it easy to piece together anything from a short lakeside stroll to a several-mile loop. As you contour above coves and inlets, you get frequent water views framed by foothill ridges, plus good chances to spot osprey, deer, and waterfowl. It is a go-to option when you want something scenic but not punishing, with enough space to find quiet even on busier weekends.