It’s Worth Every Mile

By: Alison Healey, Senior, Major: Marketing & Recreation

Summer is the time to get outside and enjoy your surroundings, and one of my favorite places to go is Feather Falls in Oroville. The trailhead to this stunning waterfall is about 45 minutes from campus, and then there’s a four-and-a-half mile hike to get to there, but it’s worth every step!

Along the way you will see the vast beauty of the Plumas National Forest. The trail crosses Frey Creek, which runs through the forest. Bald Rock Dome, a 2,000-foot granite slab located in the Feather River Canyon, can be seen in the distance at two points along the trail.

Once you reach the falls, the lookout point is a great place to enjoy the remarkable surroundings and take a break before starting your journey back. This 410-foot waterfall is one of the best outside of Yosemite, and it’s in our very own backyard!

If you are feeling adventurous, take the spur trail, which leads you to the head of the waterfall, where you can actually look over the edge of the falls. But take caution, because the rocks can be very slippery!

Even if you have already seen Feather Falls, it is a hike that many choose to experience over and over again. The hike takes about four and a half to five hours roundtrip, depending on how long you stay at the lookout. The trail is bike and dog friendly, so bring your furry friends or get to the falls faster on a bike! The trail is not paved, so be sure to have a mountain bike or bike that can withstand an unpaved trail.

Directions: From Oroville, take Hwy #162 east (Olive Hwy) for 6.7 miles; turn right on Forbestown Road for 6.3 miles; then turn left on Lumpkin Road for 11.4 miles to the signed turnoff for Feather Falls. Turn left at the sign and drive 1.5 miles to the trailhead.

As the new social media and photography intern for the Public Affairs and Publications department, I will use the official university social media sites to keep you connected to what is happening on and off the Chico State campus. Chico is filled with opportunities and beautiful destinations, so consider enjoying all of them while you’re here! In addition to describing fun places to visit, I will also keep you up-to-date via Facebook, Twitter and this blog on all that’s happening in Chico during the next year.

I’d love to share your favorite local destination, so please send me your ideas at paintern1@csuchico.edu!