Oroville: Northern California’s Best-Kept Secret
The town of Oroville, CA has a unique and long history as a Gold Rush-era boom town, but nowadays is a relaxed place for outdoor recreation. Situated on the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, it is the gateway to Lake Oroville and Feather River. The closest active airport is the Chico Municipal Airport, about 30-minutes drive away. The closest commercial airport is Sacramento International Airport, a little more than just an hour’s drive to the south along Highway-70 or the nearby CIC-Chico Municipal Airport.
Best Time to Visit
Being an outdoor “Mecca”, weather is very essential. Oroville, California has perfectly comfortable weather on June to August, which is also peak season, so it’s best to plan your trip months before visiting. For a great compromise between less crowds, better Oroville, CA hotel deals, and fair weather, try to visit from March-May, or around September-October, the early part of autumn.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Oroville offers some of Northern California and Butte County's greatest recreational opportunities. Manmade Lake Oroville, formed by the country’s tallest earth-filled dam, offers 167 miles of shoreline for fishing, boating, and picnicking. Around the lake are several stunning natural attractions to explore: hike up to the viewpoint of Bedrock Park then proceed to the Feather River Fish Hatchery. Slightly north is Table Mountain, whose wide plateau bursts into endless wildflowers during spring. To learn about the city’s rich history, drop by Pioneer History Museum for everything about the Gold Rush, or the Cherokee Ghost Town. At the end of the day, have your rest at the top hotels such as the upscale Feather Falls Casino the luxurious Gold Country Casino & Hotel, and the Lodge At Feather Falls Casino.