Oroville

Oroville, California, United States

With Gold Rush roots and an abundance of unique outdoor attractions, Oroville is a great city to spend a weekend in Northern California - and if you're looking for free California activities to add to the mix, there are plenty of options! Swipe up on any page to learn more about each of these free Oroville attractions.

Oroville, CA

Locals know that the Bidwell Bar Bridge actually a reference to two bridges. The first - the “big green bridge” constructed along Highway 162 - is a 1,108-foot suspension bridge that spans Lake Oroville. The second is the original Bidwell Bar Bridge, a 240-foot suspension bridge built in 1855 and moved to the south side of Lake Oroville 111 years later. It was California’s first steel suspension bridge, and now is a dedicated foot bridge.

Brad Freeman Trail

Oroville, California, United States

On the south side of the Thermalito Diversion Pool, the Brad Freeman Trail follows the path of the historic Feather River Route created by Western Pacific Railroad. You’ll be reminded of the origin of this section of trail by the train tunnel that you get to explore. The tunnel is one mile north of the Lakeland Boulevard parking area which connects to the Brad Freeman Trail via a short connecting trail. You can also access it by parking in the lot at the end of Old Ferry Road, just a few minutes past the Feather River Nature Center. From there, it's a 1.15-mile walk until you reach the tunnel.

917 Kelly Ridge Rd
Oroville, CA

The Lake Oroville Visitor Center complex atop Kelly Ridge overlooks the Lake Oroville and Oroville Dam. It features interpretive displays, an audio-visual room where films about the dam and surrounding area are shown throughout each day. The visitor center displays feature a history of the Dam construction and State Water Project as well as a historic view of the Native People that inhabit the Lake Oroville Area. A 47-foot viewing tower allows the visitor the opportunity to have a panoramic view of the dam and beautiful Lake.

5 Table Mountain Blvd
Oroville, CA

The Feather River Hatchery raises Chinook salmon and steelhead along the Feather River, just below Lake Oroville. Visitors can watch migrating salmon from mid-September to mid-November or spawning steelhead from mid December through mid-February through an underwater viewing window. With fish present in the rearing ponds all year, visitors will enjoy their time at Feather River Hatchery any time of year.

400 Glen Dr
Oroville, CA

You don’t have to go far to get up close and personal to a majestic relic of California’s Gold Rush; just head to the California State Park Northern Buttes Headquarters in Oroville, where you’ll find the Mother Orange Tree, the oldest living orange tree in California. The Mother Orange Tree may not be an action-packed attraction. It is, however, a living landmark that is steeped in historical significance dating back to the infancy of Butte County. And while it’s illegal to pick oranges from the Mother Orange Tree, whatever falls to the ground is fair game. So if you’re in the area, it’s absolutely worth the pit stop. But this beautiful, venerable bit of natural history is worth the drive alone—and maybe you’ll even get to taste a bit of history.

Oroville

Oroville, California, United States

Spanning nearly 15 miles from the Feather River to the Oroville Dam, Oroville’s Greenline Tour offers a scenic driving tour of the city. Just follow the painted green line and posted signs to some of the city’s most popular and historical attractions—you don’t even have to get out of your car! (But it’s that much better if you do!)

50 Montgomery St
Oroville, CA

This 210-acre beautiful park situated along the Feather River in Oroville was established in 2006. It includes four pavilions, (Eagle Point Pavilion, Big Bear Pavilion, Little Bear Pavilion & Salmon Pavilion) each containing a barbecue pit and seating. The park is equipped with two restroom facilities within walking distance of pavilions and plenty of parking. You can also enjoy a three-mile out-and-back walk along the paved Feather River Trail from the park to the Veteran's Memorial Building, with views of the Feather River.