25 |
FEATHER |
DISTANCE: 7.8–9.0 miles round-trip
HIKING TIME: 4–5 hours
SEASON: Year-round
DIFFICULTY: challenging
Feather Falls, California’s fourth highest waterfall, plummets an impressive 640 feet. Along the trail are 17 species of trees, 20 kinds of shrubs, 11 types of vines, and 10 different ferns. The falls and flowers are most dramatic in spring; autumn colors are brilliant, but the cataract is diminished.
The route described here is a 9.0-mile loop. A shorter (7.8-mile) out-and-back is possible, but much more steep. From the trailhead, walk 0.25 mile to the loop’s start. Take the left fork and head downhill for 1.2 miles, crossing Frey Creek. Parallel the creek and emerge at a view of the Middle Fork Feather canyon and Bald Rock Dome, then commence a steady climb. After 3.2 miles, both legs of the loop join together for the final 0.7 mile. A left turn leads to a series of boardwalks and catwalks culminating at a granite outcrop that juts out over the river canyon, offering an outstanding perspective on Feather Falls.
Turn back along the conjoined trail and bear left on the loop, heading 4.0 miles to the starting point (or bear right to retrace your steps for a shorter, steeper return).
From Hwy. 70 in Oroville, take the Oroville Dam Blvd. (Hwy. 162) exit east and drive 1.6 miles to Olive Hwy./Hwy. 162. Turn right onto Hwy. 162 and drive 6.5 miles. Turn right onto Forbestown Rd. and drive 6.0 miles. Turn left onto Lumpkin Rd. and drive 10.8 miles. Turn left at the Feather Falls Trail sign and drive 1.6 miles to the trailhead.
