Feather Falls, CA

Weather has been terrible lately so when summer seemed to finally arrive we were hot to get out. After several calls to Forest Service offices, low elevation snow precluded most of our plans. Yosemite was the logical answer, however we were "dog-sitting" our neighbors black lab and dogs are not allowed on trails in Yosemite. We punted, and did a low elevation (2,000 ft) overnight hike we had planned on doing this winter but washed out bridges closed the area this winter. Feather Falls is actually on Fall Creek, just before it flows into the Feather River above Lake Oroville. It was supposed to "rival Yosemite" so we decided to see if this were true (spectacular falls for sure, but not a rival to Yosemite). It also had a nice big trail access. Since this was the dog's first backpack, we decided to keep it easy. We went in on Friday and came out today. I tried fishing above the falls but there seemed to be no fish. Coming out today the trail was loaded. Due to steep hills, brush and poison oak, camping is very limited to a few established sites above the falls. As we met 20+ boy scouts, we wondered where they all were going to camp! Here are a few photos. PS the dog did great!


very civilized trail


Feather Falls (600 feet tall)


top of falls Feather River in distance


Fall Creek above the falss

Nice report--and a great photo of the falls!

So close, never been there. I like the Fall Creek photo. Thank you.

Cool place. I lived in Chico for three years while going to college and never made it down there. How long was the drive from Oroville (or any other town) and how long was the hike to the falls?

The trailhead is a 30-45 minute drive from Oroville (depending on traffic). It is 5 miles from the trailhead on the upper trail. Elevation gain is about 1,200 feet - actually more gain on the way out. The lower trail is currently closed because bridges washed out. It is a well maintained trail with bridges, benches and mile markers - most people do it as a day hike. There is a nice free campground at the trailhead.

Thanks for the info. I plan on going to Chico this summer to visit some friends and this sounds like a nice hike to do while I'm over there.