Oroville, CA

Explore Northern California with our list of 50 Things to Do in Butte County, and discover all there is to do in Chico, Oroville, Paradise, Gridley, Biggs & beyond!

132 W 4th St
Chico, CA

Enjoy your favorites or discover something new with our list of 50 Things to Do in Butte County! Check out just a few of the great things Butte County has to offer, and then read the full story by visiting our website.

A summer in Chico almost isn’t complete without a day spent tubing down the Sacramento River. Starting at the Irvine Finch River Access, you can enjoy a couple of hours lazily floating downstream, ending at Scotty’s Landing, Butte County’s famous riverside restaurant. Those wanting to stay close to shore can still enjoy fishing, wildlife watching, hiking nearby trails, and just splashing around on the riverbank.

Magalia, CA

Dive right into Butte County’s gold rush past by visiting the Forks of Butte Creek Recreation Area just north of Magalia. At this Bureau of Land Management (BLM) area, you can reserve a slice of Butte Creek and try your hand at panning for gold and other minerals just like the Gold Rushers did in 1849, or a hike amidst the beautiful forest.

Jonesville

Jonesville, California, United States

What Butte County lacks in terms of ski slopes and extreme winter sports, it makes up for with more low-key yet fun experiences in the high country, which turns into a winter wonderland once the snow season begins. At the Jonesville Snowmobile Park, snowmobilers can explore over 60 miles of groomed trails, while the Colby Meadows Winter Recreation Area offers nine miles of ungroomed cross-country ski trails. And both Jonesville and Colby Meadows are great spots for snowshoe explorations. There’s even a backcountry yurt available for reservation through Chico State’s Adventure Outings (reservations open in October, and spots fill up quickly, so make your reservations as early as possible!).

6857 La Porte Rd
Bangor, CA

With about 20 wineries and vineyards, wine enthusiasts will find high-quality Northern California wines paired with reasonable tasting fees, relaxed and inviting tasting rooms, and easy access to the winemakers across Butte County. Discover four wineries within six miles in the Durham Wine District, explore south county wines in the Bangor Wine Region, or enjoy a few glasses after lake adventures at one of the several wineries in the foothills of Oroville.

Feather River Blvd
Oroville, CA

While whitewater enthusiasts will find thrills on the different forks of the Feather River, anyone can, and should, enjoy a calmer adventure on the mellower waters that run through Oroville. Launching from the Feather River Fish Hatchery, you enjoy a relaxing two-mile paddle to Riverbend Park, 7.3 miles to the Thermalito Afterbay outlet, 8.7 miles to the Vance Avenue parking area in the Oroville Wildlife Area, or even 17 beautiful miles to the Gridley boat ramp for the ultimate Feather River experience. However long you choose, you’ll see a variety of wildlife along the way, including salmon during their fall run.

Old Chico Canyon Rd
Chico, CA

At 3,670 acres and with Big Chico Creek running through it, there’s plenty to explore in Bidwell Park. In the more mellow Lower Bidwell, you’ll find picnic sites, calm swimming holes, and flat hiking and biking trails, both paved and unpaved. In the wilder Upper Park, steep terrain and Lovejoy Basalt work together to create a place perfect for mountain biking and more challenging hikes as well as scenic swimming holes. With activities for every ability level, there’s plenty to discover, making Bidwell Park worthy of repeat visits.

W 2nd St
Chico, CA

For a little bit of the best of everything, a stop at any of the major downtown areas is a must. Downtown Chico hosts some of the most popular events in the county throughout the year, including Thursday Night Market, while in Downtown Oroville, monthly First Friday events showcase the downtown business district and the annual Feather Fiesta Days is a hometown celebration of all things Oroville. For small-town downtown charm, explore Paradise during its Gold Nugget Days or Gridley during its Red Suspenders Days.

3207 Rutherford Rd
Gridley, CA

Bust out the binoculars and get ready to be wowed by migrating birds stopping in Gridley. From November through February, the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area comes to life with hundreds of thousands of birds touching down during their flight from Alaska to South America along the Pacific Flyway. With an easy trail taking you to two enclosed blinds as well as an observation deck with high-powered telescopes, Gray Lodge is arguably the best spot in the county to see snow geese, herons, and other waterfowl during the migration season.

702 W 5th St
Chico, CA

Enjoy a night on the town at some of Chico’s favorite bars. Riley’s is a longtime favorite among the college crowd and was voted Barstool Sports Best College Bar in America in 2021. Another college favorite is Madison Bear Garden (more affectionately known as simply The Bear), which has famous burgers and is practically on campus at Chico State, making it a popular spot. Those looking for bars with more of a “locals” vibe should check out Duffy’s to catch a game or The Maltese for festivities such as drag shows and drunk spelling bees. For something a little more upscale, Argus Bar + Patio features some of the best craft cocktails in town. Whatever you’re looking for, there’s a bar for you in Chico.

900 Esplanade
Chico, CA

There’s no need to drive to a big city to see great art when there’s plenty of artistic spaces, big and small, right in Butte County. At the largest of the bunch, Chico’s Museum of Northern California Art (monca) shines a spotlight on the talents of Northern California artists. Nearby 1078 Gallery is a gallery and performance space for artists of cultural and geographic diversity. Up in Paradise, the Paradise Art Center houses work from artists on the Ridge, while Brushstrokes Art Studio and Gallery in Oroville is both a gallery display and space for creative classes.

W 2nd St
Chico, CA

Discover great activities and events in Chico, Oroville, Paradise, Gridley, Biggs and beyond!