- Question: What is Oroville known for?
- Answer: Once a thriving Gold Rush era town, the city of Oroville is still referred to as the ‘City of Gold’.
- Question: What kind of surroundings can visitors expect in Oroville?
- Answer: You’ll find yourself surrounded by charming Old West environments, the beauty of the Central Valley flatlands and the Sierra Nevada, and a number of unique things to see and do that you won’t find anywhere else.
- Question: What are some attractions in Oroville?
- Answer: For example, one of the places you can visit is the magnificent Chinese Temple and Museum Complex complete with meditation gardens.
- Question: What is another must-visit attraction in Oroville?
- Answer: Another must-visit attraction includes the Lake Oroville Recreation Area where you can spend the day hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, swimming, fishing, boating, water-skiing, and much more.
- Question: What can visitors expect during their stay in Oroville?
- Answer: With so much to see and do, you’re sure to have an amazing time during your stay in Oroville.
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1. North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve
North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve spans over 3,300 acres and was created by basalt, or ancient lava, flows. The elevated basalt mesa has many stunning features like a rare vernal pool, lava outcrops, spring wildflowers, and several waterfalls. The property was designated an ecological reserve by the Fish and Game Commission, which means that you’re sure to see an abundance of flora and fauna during your visit there. Popular activities that many visitors participate in include hiking, hunting, fishing, wildlife photography, and nature photography. Animals that are present during hunting seasons are deer, turkey, and quail - please note that you will require a Wildlife Area Hunting Pass to hunt at North Table Mountain.
2488 Cherokee Road, Oroville, CA 95965, Phone: 916-358-2869
2. Chinese Temple
The Oroville Chinese Temple was built in 1863 as a place for the 10,000+ Chinese residents in the community at that time to go for prayer and worship. The temple and its furnishing were directly funded by the Emperor and Empress of China while most of the labor was conducted by the local community. Visitors today will be able to see much of the original structure, though additions and renovations were made in 1968. The temple has three chapels, the main of which is dedicated to worship of many faiths whether it be Buddhism, Taoism, or Confucianism. Other aspects of the temple complex include the Tapestry Hall which has an extensive collection of parade parasols and embroidered tapestries, and the magnificent garden which was designed to house several plants indigenous to China while doubling as a place of meditation.
1500 Broderick St, Oroville, CA 95965
3. Lake Oroville Visitor Center
Lake Oroville is a manmade lake that was created by Oroville Dam around the late 1960s. You can see the dam and the lake from the Lake Oroville Visitor Center complex which can be found atop Kelly Ridge. The visitor center comprises several aspects including a 47-foot viewing tower which will give you panoramic views of your surroundings; there are two high-powered telescopes at the top of tower which will let you see as far as Sutter Buttes Mountain Range and the Sierra Nevadas. Other features of the center are a museum, multiple exhibits and displays, videos, and a store. Some of the displays feature photographs and artifacts reflecting the native people who lived there, the area’s history, and the dam’s construction.
917 Kelly Ridge Rd, Oroville, CA 95966, Phone: 530-538-2219
4. Lake Oroville State Recreation Area
Spanning nearly 30,000 acres, the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area is a wonderful place to spend the day outdoors exploring solo or with family and friends. There is so much to see and do at the park, which was established in 1967 and is focused around Lake Oroville - a manmade reservoir created by Oroville Dam. You can spend your time there hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, swimming, fishing, boating, water-skiing, or camping on land or in boats. Be sure to stop by the Lake Oroville Visitor Center which has a museum and several exhibits on the history of the land and construction of the dam.
917 Kelly Ridge Rd, Oroville,CA 95966, Phone: 530-538-2219
5. The Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation
The Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation is a non-profit organization that cares for and preserves all wildlife and their habitats while educating people on the importance of responsibly owning companion animals. The foundation, which was created in 1994, is now home to an innumerable number of non-releasable, endangered, and exotic animals that are indigenous to the area as well as from around the world. During your visit there, you’ll be able to see several animals such as black bears, snow leopards, mountain lions, hawks, coyotes, Burmese pythons, alligators, and Bengal Tigers. They host many events throughout the year which the public is invited to attend; if you happen to find yourself in the area at the time, be sure to stop by for their annual BBQ Spooktacular and other fun occasions.
4995 Durham-Pentz Rd, Oroville, CA 95965, Phone: 530-533-1000
6. Feather Falls Scenic Trail
Located within Plumas National Forest, Feather Falls Scenic Trail is a favored hike with locals and visitors. The nine-mile loop has a moderate to strenuous difficult level depending on whether you take the upper or lower trail. The four to five hour hike is completely worth it as you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the plunging 640-foot-tall Feather Falls. Take your camera along, because along the way you’ll also come across Bald Rock Canyon and Bald Rock Dome. The scenic trail is open to visitors all year long and is just perfect for a day hike; younger visitors may find the lower loop a bit difficult due to steep elevation changes.
Feather River Ranger District: 875 Mitchell Avenue, Oroville, CA 95965, Phone: 530-534-6500
7. Feather River Fish Hatchery
Visitors of all ages will love spending some time exploring the Feather River Fish Hatchery, which can be found below Lake Oroville just along Feather River. The hatchery is split into two sections, the east side of Table Mountain Boulevard which comprises the fish barrier dam, observation platform, and underwater viewing area, and the west side, which includes the rearing ponds, hatchery, and spawning room. Fish are present in the rearing ponds throughout the year for visitors to see; the best time to observe salmon spawning is from mid-September to mid-November and steelhead spawning is best seen from mid-December to mid-February. If you happen to be visiting in September, be sure to stop by the Oroville Salmon Festival which is celebrated at the hatchery and downtown Oroville.
5 Table Mountain Blvd, Oroville, CA 95965, Phone: 530-538-2222
8. Mother Orange Tree
Surviving floods, freezes, and the Gold Rush, Mother Orange Tree is the oldest orange tree in the state of California. The citrus sapling hails from Mazaltan, Mexico and upon its arrival in Sacramento, made quite an impression on the people there who traveled far and wide to eat the exotic and sweet oranges. Many would then gather the seeds and plant them in their own yards, spawning a generation of citrus farmers - even today, visitors will be able to see several trees on street corners and in local orchards, all of which grew from the seed of the Mother Orange Tree. The original location where the tree was planted is now submerged under the Lake Oroville Reservoir, but was transplanted to the California Parks & Recreation Department headquarters for people to still experience its lush canopy and ancient branches full of fruit.
400 Glen Dr, Oroville, CA 95966, Phone: 916-653-6995
9. Grey Fox Vineyards
Grey Fox Vineyards is the brainchild of two family friends, the Cecchis and the Arrigonis, both of whom would indulge in their passion for flying small planes while discussing their dreams of opening a vineyard and winery. Eventually, the two couples took viticulture courses and founded Grey Fox Vineyards in 1996. During your visit there, you’ll see that the team is constantly identifying ways to improve their vineyard so that it produces great fruit which will eventually become high quality wine. You can spend your day exploring the vineyard, having a chat with the friendly people there, learn about winemaking, and have a taste of a few of Grey Fox’s premium wines.
90 Grey Fox Ln, Oroville, CA 95966, Phone: 530-589-3920
10. Bolt's Antique Tool Museum
Bolt's Antique Tool Museum was founded by Bud Bolt in 2006 and is now one of the largest and most detailed antique tool museums in the United States. They have over 12,000 tools and other artifacts from their collection on display - you’ll be able to see historic tools not only from the United States but even some dating back as far as 400 B.C. having been created by the Egyptians and Romans. A favored exhibit is one of the 125 tools which represent work that was done on the nation’s 50 different railroads. Other artifacts include blacksmith tools, a barbed wire collection, and several old gas pumps.
1650 Broderick Street, Oroville, CA 95965, Phone: 530-538-2528
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers.
Gold Country Casino Resort – A modern stay with entertainment and dining options.
Visit Table Mountain – See stunning wildflower blooms and waterfalls.
Summer (June-August) – Hot and ideal for water activities.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oroville – A comfortable and convenient stay.
Spend the day at Lake Oroville – Enjoy boating, fishing, and scenic lake views.
Fall (September-November) – Cooler weather and beautiful autumn colors.
Feather Falls Casino & Lodge – A fun getaway with a casino, brewery, and live entertainment.
Hike to Feather Falls – Experience one of California’s most impressive waterfalls.
Winter (December-February) – Cool and great for exploring historic sites.
Americas Best Value Inn & Suites Oroville – A budget-friendly option near local attractions.
Tour the Chinese Temple and Museum Complex – Learn about Oroville’s rich Gold Rush history.
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve
- 2. Chinese Temple
- 3. Lake Oroville Visitor Center
- 4. Lake Oroville State Recreation Area
- 5. The Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation
- 6. Feather Falls Scenic Trail
- 7. Feather River Fish Hatchery
- 8. Mother Orange Tree
- 9. Grey Fox Vineyards
- 10. Bolt's Antique Tool Museum