Feather Falls, Oroville CA

Category & Type :

Recreation

Location :

875 Mitchell Avenue , Oroville CA

Phone :

530-534-6500

Information about Feather Falls...

Butte County is a county located in the Central Valley, north of Sacramento. The state government’s population bureau lists a January 1, 2006 estimate of 215,881. The county seat is Oroville. It is the site of Feather Falls, the sixth largest waterfall in the United States.  Butte County was one of California’s first counties, created in 1850 at time of statehood.

Special Features: Feather Falls,  the sixth tallest waterfall in the continental United States, can be viewed from Lake Oroville (via the middle fork of the Feather River) or by hiking. This magnificent 640-ft waterfall is taller than Bridal Veil in Yosemite, and the view is breathtaking. The hike is about nine miles round trip and takes about four hours. Because the hike itself is so beatiful, many visitors prefer to take a picnic lunch and make a full day of it. Two trails are available, one rated as strenuous, the other as moderate. Both hold lovely forest scenery, and many types of flora and fauna.

Directions:

Redding I-5 North exit #649. Take 99 South -make left turn on I-49 to Oroville, take the I-62 Oro Dam Blvd exit. Turn right onto Live Hwy, turn right on Forbestown Rd, turn Left on Lumpkin Rd. then follow Lumpkin Feather Falls trail Parking Area.

One of Nature's Wonders...
Come enjoy one of nature's wonders right here in Northern California ! The Feather Falls National Recreation Trail will lead you to Feather Falls - 6th highest waterfall in the continental United States, and 4th highest in California.
Within the 15,000 acre Feather Falls Scenic Area on the Plumas National Forest, the trail winds through the Sierra Nevada foothills to Feather Falls. Along the trail you will experience a variety of plants, animals, and environments, which constantly change with the season. No two trips to Feather Falls are the same! Experience the natural environment as the Maidu Indians may have experienced it when they inhabited the area hundreds of years ago. Signs of the Native Americans are still visible to the watchful traveler. Many of the features in the area are still sacred to Native Americans. For example, while on the trail you will be able to view Bald Rock Dome, known as 'Earth-Maker' to local Native Americans. Please respect the area and it's past occupants.
 

Tough Old Rocks...

140 million years ago, rocks that were melted-deep in the earth's crust formed large granitic bodies (called plutons). One pluton formed at the Location of the existing falls. This pluton is about two miles wide, and includes Bald Rock Dome. Since some parts of the pluton contain more resistant rock than others, the area between the falls and Bald Rock Dome eroded away more quickly than the areas at the falls and at Bald Rock dome. The result ... two spectacular natural features: Feather Falls and Bald Rock Dome! (If the rock to the west of Feather Falls was more resistant, it would not have eroded away as quickly, and a series of falls would have been formed).
 

What to do...
Hiking is not the only activity to participate in at Feather Falls. Mountain biking and horseback riding are also popular activities. Remember trail courtesy when encountering different user groups! Picnicking and camping are also popular, but make sure you are on National Forest land, a five unit developed campground is available at the trailhead.
Camping on private land is not permitted. Be sure to check for fire restrictions and carry a fire permit. Water and restrooms are available at the trailhead, but not on the trail. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the Feather Falls Trails. Help preserve this beautiful area by observing trail restrictions.

When to go...
Spring and fall are the most popular times to visit Feather Falls, although the trail is accessible (and enjoyable!) all year round. From March through spring, the Wildflowers provide spectacular shows of color, and the most water cascades over the falls. During the fall, enjoy breathtaking fall colors. If you visit during the summer, remember that temperatures may reach 90 to 100 degrees. Be prepared for these conditions, and carry plenty of water. All year round, the overlook platform provides unequaled views and photographic opportunities of the falls and the confluence of Fall River with the Middle Fork of the Feather River.

Planning Your Trip !
A detailed forest map may be obtained from any Plumas National Forest office. This will show the best routes to travel to Feather Falls. The trail is approximately 9 miles round trip, along often-steep terrain. Allow 4 to 5 hours hiking time round trip. Be sure to plan enough time to return before dark. Proper hiking shoes and clothing are necessary. Please help preserve the area for future visitors by staying on the trail, protecting plants and wildlife, and packing out your litter. Help us keep the Feather Falls Scenic Area scenic for you and further visitors.
If viewing nature's wonders is one of your interests, take the trail to Feather Falls. Have a safe trip and return again and again !