Hike Butte

Chico. 1 mile loop. Accessible year-round. Wheelchair accessible. Dogs allowed on leash.

Also known as the Mendocino National Forest Genetic Resource Center, the Chico Seed Orchard is a paved mile-long loop that’s accessible to the whole family (note: the path is uneven in several spots due to... underground roots). There, you’ll find a variety of trees and plants with interpretive signs as well as a beautiful bamboo grove with Comanche Creek running through the area. Once you’ve completed the paved loop, explore the other unofficial, unpaved trails available. The main, drive-in gate is open Monday through Friday from 7am-3pm, while the pedestrian gate is open seven days a week from 7am through 7pm in the summer and from 7am through 5pm in the winter.

Chico. Around 1.2 mile out-and-back, but mileage can vary. Accessible year-round. Dogs allowed on leash.

Located throughout campus and running along Big Chico Creek, the Chico State Campus Arboretum makes for a beautiful and easy urban “hike.” Starting at the Physical Sciences Building,... discover over 200 species of woody plants and trees from all over the world as you stroll next to Big Chico Creek through campus. From the brown bridge near the Physical Sciences building, follow the bike path trail west, out past the tennis courts and take a left towards the University greenhouses where the path will end at the train tracks. On your return trip, cross one of the many foot bridges across the creek to explore more of the campus, including the iconic Kendall Hall and Bell Memorial Union, to get the full college experience.

Oroville. 3.6 mile out-and-back. Accessible year-round. Dogs allowed on leash.

Running along the river that gives it its name, the Feather River Trail starts at Riverbend Park and meanders east upstream (right from the soccer fields) to Table Mountain Blvd. The paved trail and multiple access... points make it a popular spot for walkers, bikers, families, those who use wheelchairs, and those with dogs. Use one of those access points to get to the top of the levee along Arlin Rhine Memorial Dr. to see some of the city’s most popular spots, including the Oroville Chinese Temple and Centennial Plaza. Back on the trail, you can see spawning bass and salmon in the spring and fall, wading fishers in the winter, and, at the end of the trail, a great view of the historic Table Mountain bridge any time of year.

If you’re looking to extend your walk, cross Table Mountain Blvd. for a visit to the Feather River Nature Center and Bath House, or cross the old Table Mountain Bridge and explore the unique views at the Feather River Fish Hatchery.

Gridley. 1.8 mile loop. Accessible year-round. Lands Pass required (complete online or pay in cash on-site). Dogs allowed on leash.

You’ll find two easy, flat trails at the Gray Lodge—the first is the main 1.8-mile unpaved... trail, the second is a wheelchair accessible paved trail that you can add to the main trail to slightly extend your trek. This is a great spot for those with kids, those looking for an easy stroll, and those looking for an amazing bird watching location during the winter months, with peak birding November through January (so bring your binoculars!). Mosquitos are abundant, so make sure to bring bug spray, especially if you visit around dusk.

Jonesville. 3.8 mile out-and-back. Best used May-October. Dogs allowed.

The Jonesville Canyon trail takes you near the headwaters of Butte Creek. Even though it’s one of the lowest elevation High Country hikes in Butte County, you’ll still get the benefits of a cooler summer hike compared to... the heat in the Valley below. You’ll enjoy wildflower blooms later into the summer up here, starting in June and peaking in July, and spectacular falls colors in October. Be prepared for two creek crossings, which may be dangerous to cross early in the season. You’ll find them relatively safe to cross when the snow at the Humbug Weather Station has dropped to zero. The access road is also closed due to snow annually, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly.

Chico. 4 miles out-and-back. Accessible year-round. Wheelchair accessible. Dogs allowed on leash.

Begin your walk parallel to Little Chico Creek along this paved path, which takes you through quiet residential areas on one side and, during the rainy season, a small creek and trees on the other. ... The paved path is accessible to joggers, bikers, and those who use wheelchairs.

Chico. Mileage varies between 1 and 5 miles. Accessible year-round. Dogs allowed.

A hike through Lower Bidwell Park takes you through the mellow half of Chico’s famed Bidwell Park and diverse views throughout the year. In the fall, the park is full of vibrant oranges, reds, and yellows of... changing foliage, while in the spring, it comes alive with seasonal wildflowers. With a start at the “Decide or Ride” compass, located adjacent to the One-Mile Recreation Area bike and pedestrian bridge, you’ll have the freedom to choose your own adventure through Lower Park. The paved path creates an accessible loop, while the unpaved trail will take you on an out-and-back journey.

Chico. Around 1 mile, but mileage can vary. Best used February-May. Dogs allowed on leash.

Overlooking Bidwell Park from the top, the Monkey Face Loop is one of the most trails popular in the park. Generally accessible year-round, you’ll enjoy it the most April through May and September through... November when it’s dry and not too hot. Though the trail is rocky, it’s still easily accessed by most, with great views without much exertion, though a steep 300-feet elevation gain offers the right amount of challenge. Everyone in the family will love looking out over the park and getting the perfect sunset photo for social media. From parking lot E, take one of the many trails up to the face exploring the outcroppings.

Magalia. 9 mile out-and-back. Accessible year-round. Closed on Wednesdays. $3 parking pass required. Dogs not allowed.

On this easy trail, you’ll enjoy some of the best views of the picturesque Paradise Lake. The trail is flat and well-maintained with plenty of shade, making it perfect for young... or inexperienced hikers, even with the full 9-mile length (you can always turn back at any time). Enjoy beautiful fall colors and keep an eye out any time of year for deer, various birds, fish, and even a bear or two (just leave the dog at home, as they’re not allowed at the lake).

Chico. 1-2 mile loop. Best used April-November (prone to flooding December-March). Dogs allowed on leash.

Slow down, way down, when strolling around the Pine Creek Unit of the Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge. Just outside the bustle of Chico, this protected land is home to abundant... wildlife and migratory birds, with two easy-to-follow trails—one around 1 mile and the other around 2 miles—to enjoy. There are also two picnic areas to help you enjoy your time. Bring the whole family and the binoculars!

Oroville. 1.2-mile loop. Accessible year-round. Wheelchair accessible. Parking pass required ($8). Dogs not allowed.

Coiling around the hill above the North Thermalito Forebay, the Rattlesnake Hill Trail is a small, twisting, paved trail that’s easily accessible for walkers, joggers, and... wheelchair users. Technically an open loop, both ends of the trail cross the Brad Freeman bicycle trail that runs past the Forebay to the Afterbay, which you’ll walk along to get back to your starting point. Look for a bench at the top of the hill, where you’ll be able to see Oroville, Thermalito and the sparkling waters of the North Forebay below, Table Mountain to the left, and the Sutter Buttes across the valley to the right.

Oroville. 6.4 mile out-and-back. Accessible year-round. Dogs not allowed.

Part of the much longer Brad Freeman Trail and featuring lake views, the northern side of the Thermalito Diversion Pool Section of the trail is a popular hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking spot—so feel free to enjoy the... easy out-and-back hike and then try your hand at your own mini triathlon. Or just enjoy the hike. We won’t judge.

For another easy hike, check out the southern side of the Thermalito Diversion Pool section of the Brad Freeman Trail, which runs parallel to the Dan Beebe Trail (more on that later) and takes you through an old train tunnel.
For a far more challenging hike, try your hand on more of the Brad Freeman Trail—which we cover in the “Moderate” hikes section.

Chico. 7.9 mile out-and-back. Accessible year-round. Dogs allowed on leash.

There are plenty of reasons why the pedestrian-only Yahi Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Bidwell Park: a variety of micro-environments, Big Chico Creek, large shady sycamores, and beautiful spring wildflower... blooms. You’ll find great spots to stop for picnics, swim in the creek, and lay out and relax. Make sure to bring a swimsuit and water shoes for enjoying a dip in one of the many natural swimming holes you’ll pass. If you’re looking for a change of scenery on the way back, walk back along Upper Park Road instead of returning along the creek.

If you don't have time for the full Yahi Trail experience, it's only about 1.5 miles to the iconic Bear Hole from the start of the trail.

Chico. 8.8 mile out-and-back (9.4 miles from Chico Canyon Trailhead to 10 Mile House Trail). Best used March-November. Dogs allowed on leash.

Best used March-November. The Annie Bidwell Trail starts off with short, punchy climbs up to the rim of the canyon, and follows with a steep, rocky... downhill. At the bottom, you’ll enjoy a nice meadow and several swimming opportunities, followed by more climbing and drops, making it a moderate-to-challenging trail. Though it’s open year-round, the trail gets muddy in the rainy season; your best experience will be in the spring during wildflower season and in the fall during the color changes. Find the easiest parking at the end of Chico Canyon Road.

Oroville. 9 mile out-and-back. Accessible year-round. Dogs allowed on leash.

Starting at the Saddle Dam Day Use Area and ending up near the Lake Oroville Visitor Center, you’ll enjoy this hike out to great views of Lake Oroville on Bidwell Canyon Trail (aka, Kelly Ridge Point Trail). Expect... stretches of gradual but extended inclines and declines throughout your trek, making for a moderately strenuous experience. The views at Kelly Ridge Point are worth it, though—you’ll see the back side of Oroville Dam, the Bidwell Bar Suspension Bridge and can even dip your toes in the water (when levels are high) before returning. Feel free to stop by the Lake Oroville Visitor Center for another great view on the lookout tower.

Make this a point-to-point by hiking through to the Oroville Dam Day Use Area and getting picked up there. You can also slightly decrease the return trip by arranging for pick-up at the Bidwell Canyon Marina; since it’s a state park, there’s usually a parking fee, but your ride can ask for a free 10-minute pass to pick you up.

Forest Ranch. 2-3 miles out and back. Accessible year-round. Dogs not allowed.

Containing 3,950 acres of diverse habitats, 4.5 miles of Big Chico Creek, and countless species of flora and fauna, the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve (BCCER) offers a variety of trails to explore. From the gated... entrance on 14 Mile House Road, you start with a shorter hike on Loop Meadows Trail or venture further with longer and harder hikes along Chico Canyon, Maslin Trail, or Musty Buck Ridge Road.

Chico. 10 mile loop. Best used April-November. Dogs allowed on leash.

Whether you call it Big Chico Creek Loop, T-Ford Loop, or Yahi/Annie Bidwell Loop, the experience is the same: a high-quality trek in Upper Bidwell Park looping around Big Chico Creek. A combination of the previously mentioned... Yahi Trail and Annie Bidwell Trail, the best time for hiking this loop is fall through spring; if you do it in the summer, tackle it in the morning or plan on dips in the creek along the way. Be prepared to be wowed by the variety of micro-environments, shady sycamores, and Lovejoy basalt along. You’ll have to ford Big Chico Creek to go from the Yahi Trail to the Annie Bidwell side, but that’s definitely part of the fun! Just be cautious and use your best judgment when doing so—it can be dangerous after it rains, when it’s flowing faster, and in the winter and spring, when the water is colder; from December through March, it is likely impassible.

If you’re still building up your mileage or aren’t quite ready to ford the creek, have fun returning to the Yahi Trail and Annie Bidwell Trails individually.

Magalia. 2.4 mile out-and-back. Accessible June-October. Dogs allowed.

Discover the remote Forks of Butte Creek Recreation Area along the Butte Creek Trail. Starting at Doe Mill Bridge, the trail travels south along the west side of Butte Creek before ending along the canyon’s edge. Once you get... past the big staircase towards the end of the hike the trail gets steeper and eventually ends. We recommend you go as far as you’re comfortable, but this is a good hike for the adventurous of all ages. We categorized this trail as moderate for the driving adventure alone (and recommend coming in a truck, SUV, or other 4W drive vehicle)!

Near Butte Meadows. 7.3 - 9.6 mile loop. Accessible May-October. Dogs allowed.

Offering a variety of snow-covered cross-country skiing and snowmobiling trails in the winter, Colby Mountain Lookout/Colby Meadows is just as fun when explored on foot. It’s higher elevation location makes it a great... spot for summer hikes, with lots of shade and cooler temperatures compared to the valley below. Enjoy a shorter, intermediate hike by staying on the trails in Colby Meadows south of Colby Mountain Lookout, or add a few miles and difficulty by looping around and up to the lookout for expansive views.

Oroville. 11.9 mile point-to-point (shuttle required). Accessible year-round. Dogs not allowed.

Starting at Saddle Dam at Lake Oroville and meandering up Kelly Ridge and past the Lake Oroville Visitor Center, the Dan Beebe Trail takes you on a scenic journey past Oroville Dam down to the Lakeland... Trailhead near Downtown Oroville. The equestrian-accessible trail features lake and river views, beautiful spring greenery, and nice views from the top of Sycamore Hill. You’ll want to set up a shuttle to drop you off at the start and pick you up at the end.

If you’re not quite ready to tackle all 12 miles at once, start at the Oroville Dam Upper Overlook Day Use Area to either head east to Saddle Dam for a roughly 5-mile hike or head west to the Lakeland Trailhead for a 7-mile adventure.

Oroville. 1.5 mile out-and-back. Best used December-April. Lands Pass Required $4.58. Dogs allowed on leash.

One of several trails on the North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, Hollow Falls makes for a moderate, dog-friendly... hike that’s best done in late winter and early spring so that you can catch the namesake waterfall flowing.

Butte Meadows. 6.8 mile point-to-point, shuttle required. Best used July-October. Dogs on leash allowed.

Discover some great views along the highest ridge in Butte County as you hike from Humboldt Peak to Cold Springs. Following the Pacific Crest Trail, you’ll travel by the county’s highest... point to the clear, cold water of Cold Springs at Humbug Summit. Overall, you’ll enjoy a mild hike, but the 1000-foot total elevation gain pushes this to a moderately challenging one. You’ll want to arrange a shuttle for drop-off and pick-up. (If you plan on making this small part of a long-distance trek along the PCT, make sure to get the appropriate permit)

Oroville. 3.8 mile out-and-back. Accessible year-round. Dogs allowed on leash.

Located on the northwestern side of Lake Oroville along the West Branch of the Feather River Arm, the Lime Saddle Memorial Park Trail starts from the trailhead near the intersection of Pentz Rd. and Lime Saddle Rec Road... and travels north to wrap around the Lime Saddle Campground area and features lake views. Enjoy acres of rolling hills dotted with trees and views of the marinas (and in the Spring, delight in the wildflowers that will be in bloom) in a less-populated hiking area. Park in the gravel lot at the intersection of Lime Saddle Rec Rd. and Pentz Rd and then walk left, through the chain link fence, to get to the trail.

Oroville. 3.6 mile loop. Accessible year-round. Parking fee required (State Recreation Area). Dogs not allowed.

Accessible from all three campgrounds in the Loafer Creek Campground, the Loafer Creek Loop Trail is perfect for hikers and equestrians. Enjoy rolling hills and a few steeper climbs and... descents along the tree-lined trail. You can also access the rest of Lake Oroville’s extensive trail system by crossing Saddle Dam to increase the mileage on this otherwise moderate hike. With the trail overlapping others in the area, you’ll want to make sure to study the interactive map before your trip!

Chico. 4.2 mile loop. Accessible year-round. Dogs allowed.

Upper Bidwell Park’s Middle Trail is a staple, and the Middle Trail-Live Oak-Upper Trail Loop will provide a fun and not-too-hard challenge. Starting and ending at Horseshoe Lake, the hike east along Middle Trail is easy and relatively... flat. At the Live Oak Trail marker, begin your ascent to Upper Trail, which is steep with some rocky terrain. Once atop the bluff, Upper Trail back to the parking area is wide and easy to follow. Upper Trail and Live Oak are multi-use trails, so watch for mountain bikers along the narrow Live Oak trail. Make sure to download the Upper Bidwell Park map (or pick up a paper copy from the Chico Chamber or the City of Chico Parks Department) prior to your hike to familiarize yourself with where to find the trailhead and to use on the hike, as cell service is weak and spotty on the trail.

Chico. 8.4 mile out-and-back. Accessible year-round. Park in Parking Area B. Dogs allowed on leash.

One of the longest trails in Upper Bidwell Park and a gateway to a variety of different loop options, North Rim Trail is a worthwhile trip on its own. As it runs parallel to the edge of the park,... you’ll get sweeping views of the park in all directions as you gain elevation, including a rocky look-out point at the trail’s end.

Oroville. 4.2 mile out-and-back. Best used November-April. Lands Pass Required $4.58. Dogs allowed on leash.

While finding the trail is a little tricky, once you do find it, the hike to Phantom Falls is a fairly easy one. The... waterfall runs during the rainy season, and in the spring, wildflowers carpet Table Mountain. There’s no shade, so make sure to wear a hat and sunscreen, and you’ll definitely want to go early to avoid the crowds during peak wildflower season.

From the parking area, follow the trail. As you walk along the trail and rocks, you’ll see a stand of trees on your left and a sign with an arrow pointing right for you to follow towards Ravine Falls (1.0 mile) and Phantom falls (1.5 miles). The next signs might be a little tricky to find, but after walking about a mile, you’ll see another tall sign for Ravine Falls (.2 mile) and Phantom Falls (.5,mile). Start looking for a path leading downhill into the ravine.

Depending on what season you go, Ravine Falls might be dried up but there is a clear signage for it when you get there. Then you will make your way up a mild incline and across the rolling hills towards Phantom Falls. Even if Phantom Falls is dry, you’ll know you’ve arrived because of the panoramic views of the canyon. It is easy to get lost on the cross-country trail, so we recommend downloading the free Avenza Maps app and the Phantom Falls map before your hike so that you can follow the GPS coordinates in real-time on your hike.

Chico. 3.4 mile out-and-back. Accessible year-round. Dogs allowed on leash.

Hugging the south-east border of Upper Bidwell Park, the South Rim Trail offers up big views of Big Chico Creek Canyon’s—you guessed it—southern rim. Starting from Peregrine Point, descend over the rocky trail until... you hit the Annie Bidwell Trail, and then enjoy the return ascent to really appreciate the expansive vista from the top.

Paradise. 4.3 point-to-point; shuttle required. Accessible year-round. Dogs allowed on leash.

Starting at the Paradise Depot Museum, the Yellowstone Kelly Heritage Trail (formerly the Paradise Memorial Trailway) offers a converted, paved “rails-to-trails” path that runs parallel to Skyway for... much of its length. Along the five-mile trail, you’ll encounter sections featuring dense tree cover that creates a lovely illusion of wilderness in the suburban setting and sections where with minimal tree coverage or shade, so prepare accordingly.

To make this an easier outing, drive to the northern trailhead in Magalia near the intersection of Pentz Rd. and Skyway so that you’re walking downhill most of the way.

Want a challenging trek? Double it by making it an out-and-back instead of arranging for a point-to-point pickup. Or, start at the northern trailhead so that you walk uphill on the return trip.

You can also make it more challenging by going to the south trailhead, located at the “Town of Paradise - Welcome” sign at the intersection of Skyway and Neal Rd., you’ll find nearby shopping centers with ample parking.

Chico. 15.5 mile loop. Closed during wet weather. Dogs allowed on leash.

The Bidwell Park Tour is a challenging trek along the most popular trails on both sides of the park—North Rim on the north side and Guardian Trail on the south side, linked by B Trail and Ten Mile House Road. A wet... crossing of Big Chico Creek is required to pass from B Trail on the northern to Ten Mile House Road on the southern side, but you’ll be rewarded with great views of the valley and the park itself for the trail’s duration. Make sure to bring lots of water, as it’s recommended to do the trail in its entirety to get the full experience.

Chico. Chico. 8.3 mile loop. Accessible year-round. Dogs allowed on leash.

Guardian Trail is one of the most popular trails in Chico, hugging the southern rim of Chico Creek Canyon and providing great views. For a little bit of everything that makes the trail, and Upper Park in general, so great,... you’ll want to check out the Guardian Trail-Bloody Pin-Annie Bidwell Trail Loop, starting and ending at the Chico Canyon Trailhead. You’ll be challenged on frequent up-and-down elevation changes (great thigh workout!), switchbacks along the Bloody Pin section, punchy climbs, rocky sections, flat and exposed sections, and even some off-trail spots to stop and enjoy the views.

Oroville. 11.3 mile loop. Best season November-April. Lands Pass Required $4.58. Dogs allowed on leash.

If you’re not willing to get wet and muddy, then the Many Waterfalls Cross-Country Loop is not the... trail for you...but then you’d be missing out on a seriously beautiful hike. Taking you around Table Mountain during the rainy season, this loop will have at least nine waterfalls, with 14 flowing within a few days of a major rainstorm and all of them dry during the summer. It’s a fleeting beauty worth seeing. Enjoy the most waterfalls January and February and then the wildflowers February through mid-April. It is easy to get lost on the cross-country trail, so we recommend downloading the free Avenza Maps app and the Many Waterfalls Trail map before your hike so that you can follow the GPS coordinates in real-time on your hike.

Chico. 10.2 mile loop. Accessible year-round. Dogs allowed on leash.

A Chico classic, North Rim Loop (sometimes referred to as Upper Bidwell Trail)—traversing North Rim Trail, B-Trail, and Yahi Trail —offers a little bit of everything that makes Bidwell Park so special: swimming holes for... summer dips, springtime wildflowers, wild animals, and more. The length, rocky terrain, and elevation loss and gain make this a difficult trail, but first-timers to Chico should still put this on their “Must Visit” list. (Keep an eye out for mountain bikers racing down B-Trail!). To get from B-Trail to Yahi Trail, you’ll need to briefly follow Upper Park Road.

Those still working on building their mileage can shave off a little time and distance by starting at Horseshoe Lake instead of Lot B. You can also shave off the end of the Yahi Trail by cutting over to Upper Park Road closer to the B-Trail at Lot S near Browns Hole.

Chico. 9.9 mile loop. Accessible year-round. Dogs allowed on leash.

A collection of popular Upper Bidwell Park trails, the North Rim-B Trail-Middle Trail Loop will both push you and reward you. The North Rim Trail is a slow and rocky climb with great views to B Trail, which descends through many... twists and turns among valley oaks and manzanita trees to the previously mentioned Middle Trail. You’ll walk along the Middle Trail for a little bit to get onto North Rim. Make sure to look at the map before heading out - Middle Trail has a lot of unsigned intersecting trails, but you’ll find signage at the intersection of Middle Trail and B Trail.

If you’re still building up strength and endurance, hike North Rim and Middle Trail individually over a couple of days—and then then come back to tackle the loop in its entirety. You can also shorten the loop by starting at Horseshoe Lake.

Chico. 12.7 mile loop. Accessible year-round. Dogs allowed on leash.

An extended version of the previously mentioned Guardian Trail-Bloody Pin-Annie Bidwell Trail Loop, the Upper Bidwell Park Loop - South Side takes you along the park’s southern rim and multiple popular trails—Annie Bidwell... Trail, Guardian Trail, and 10 Mile House Trail—for an epic and challenging exploration of Upper Bidwell Park. You’ll be rewarded with equally epic views and the chance to discover something new in trails you’ve previously traversed on their own or in a different combination. After all, the trails in Upper Bidwell Park are too good to hike just once. For this loop, start north at the Green Gate near Ten Mile House Road.