Oroville, CA

Whether you’re making the return trip from southern California adventures or seeking to explore the wild areas along the California and Nevada border, discover Gold Rush history, unique geology, and scenic byways with a two-day Highway 70 road trip through Butte County (and beyond). This classic road trip will let you experience unique culture in unexpected places, plus great hiking and dining at smaller, out-of-the-way destinations.

D St
Marysville, CA

Bok Kai Temple in Marysville is a local temple still in use by many members of the Chinese community today, and though not a museum, it offers visitors a chance to worship or respectfully observe the Buddhist, Confuscian, and Daoist iconography on display in a beautiful sacred space located along Marysville’s historic 1st Street. There is also a small Chinese museum at the east end of the street, if you happen to catch it during its rare opening hours and want to do a little more cultural exploration.

10126 CA-70
Marysville, CA

During the summer and early fall, you can make a quick stop and take home a huge variety of fresh fruit, including their extremely popular peaches, plus a small selection of seasonal vegetables. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll be sure to remember it for your next time passing through.

2040 Montgomery St
Oroville, CA

They have a large offering of delicious pastries and treats, fresh brews and mixed coffee drinks, and fantastic breakfasts and sandwiches. Check out the walls for up-and-coming artists' work.

1500 Broderick St
Oroville, CA

Oroville has its own beautiful piece of Chinese-American history at the Oroville Chinese Temple. Not far from the bustle of downtown, this hidden gem does occasionally welcome worshipers who come through its doors, but it’s set up as a museum space that showcases a veritable treasure trove of Chinese-American and Butte County history, from tapestries, statuary, and period clothing, all manner of photographs and physical items of deep historic value, and more.

2053 Montgomery St
Oroville, CA

conveniently right across from Mug Shots, you’ll experience a rich menu with must-try standouts like the Italian crack bread or s’mores tower, a selection of wines, beers, and stellar cocktails to satisfy any group, and some of the best outdoor dining in the area.

550 Oro Dam Blvd E
Oroville, CA

Oroville has lodging options for every budget. Check out Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oroville Lake or America’s Best Value Inn & Suites Oroville; both are centrally located to most anything else you might want to do in town.

2275 Myers St
Oroville, CA

Grab breakfast at Ethan’s Eatery. A recent addition to Oroville’s growing lineup of restaurants, Ethan’s Eatery is known for its hefty portions, so no appetite will come away wanting. Try the eggs benedict, fan-favorite mimosa, or the loaded Bloody Mary with its towering skewer of goodies (topped with a muffin!).

Oroville, CA

The next stop on your trek should be a walk across Oroville Dam. Parking is available at either end of the dam if you prefer a driving tour, but for some light exercise and the best view, park at the eastern end of the dam and walk across. As the tallest dam in the country (yes, that’s true) you can appreciate impressive views of Lake Oroville and the town below, sit for a while if you want to take it easy, and read a few informational and commemorative plaques. If you drive across the dam to the boat launch area, there are a few grassy spots with tables and seating in addition to public restrooms, and the near (east) side of the dam also has an overlook with even better views in addition to its facilities.

11865 CA-70
Butte County, CA

Set on the side of the highway amid the beautiful, rocky, and rugged landscape that begins to stretch out as you head north, this is your last-chance option for a coffee or snack for a while.

29186 CA-70
Twain, CA

The Feather River Scenic Byway, the state’s first designated Wild and Scenic River, starts about 8 miles north of Oroville on Highway 70 and travels 130 miles west-east across Butte and Plumas counties. After a leisurely trip and plenty of picture-taking, you’ll come to Feather River Hot Springs in Plumas County, about 42 miles from Rock House. This rather informal hot spring has 3 tubs fed by a natural sulphur spring right next to the river. Reservations are required at least 24 hours before your arrival, so make sure to plan ahead.

Plumas County

California, United States

For the last leg of the journey, you’ll take CA-70 East another 14 miles to Quincy. Grab a bite and consider retiring to a local lodging property for the night before continuing on your way. Once you’re back on the road, you can take CA-70 East into Nevada, eventually meeting up with US-395 South which will take you to Reno. Where your adventures take you from there is up to you, but we hope that your time in Butte County will be a memorable part of your story when you get back home.

Oroville, CA

Start planning your Northern California Highway 70 road trip today!