Oroville

Oroville, California, United States

The Brad Freeman Trail in Oroville in Northern California is a 41-mile trail that offers a variety of scenic vistas and day-trip options for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians.

Brad Freeman Trail

Oroville, California, United States

But the Brad Freeman Memorial Bike Trail in Oroville is so much more than just a “trail.” It’s a tour of American railroad history and of California gold rush history; of the highest dam in the United States and the linchpin of the California State Water Project; of oak woodlands, riparian wildlife areas, and Sacramento Valley agriculture. Equestrians can also use portions of the trail, especially around the Thermalito Afterbay and south of the Thermalito Diversion Pool. Although some may try to conquer large parts of the trail in one trip, most visitors will explore shorter segments of the trail. The trail itself is as varied as the scenery—with a combination of paved and unpaved surfaces, singletrack, levees, railbeds, and dirt roads.

Oroville, CA

The highest point of the Brad Freeman Trail is atop Oroville Dam. This section is paved and is approximately one mile long between the upper dam overlook parking area (at the intersection of Canyon Oaks Drive and Royal Oaks Drive) and the spillway parking area.

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.

1255 Washington Ave
Oroville, CA

Just upstream of where Table Mountain Boulevard crosses the Feather River (on the eastern shore), the Brad Freeman Trail enters the City of Oroville and passes by the Feather River Nature Center and Native Plant Park, which is open daily from sunrise to sunset. The nearby Bathhouse Museum is open April through October on Saturdays and Sundays 12-4pm. This area is also just across the river from the Feather River Fish Hatchery and barrier dam, so you may see salmon jumping! Downstream of Table Mountain Boulevard and Washington Avenue, a two-mile section of the Brad Freeman Trail follows the Feather River through Bedrock Park and Riverbend Park. Downtown Oroville is within a short walk or ride as well.

945 Oro Dam Blvd W
Oroville, CA

The Brad Freeman Trail alignment crosses the Feather River over Highway 162 and quickly heads south into the Oroville Wildlife Area. The next 16 miles are generally along dirt access roads (next to gold mining dredge tailings) and levee tops (around the Thermalito Afterbay). The abundant water along this route should surely treat you to a fair dose of wildlife encounters.

Butte County, CA

A three-mile section of the Brad Freeman Trail connects the South Thermalito Forebay picnic and boat launch area with the North Thermalito Forebay which includes the Forebay Aquatic Center. This section of the Brad Freeman Trail is open to mountain bikers and hikers.

Brad Freeman Trail
Oroville, CA

Featuring lake views, the North Thermalito Diversion Pool Section of the trail is a popular hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking spot—so feel free to enjoy the easy out-and-back hike and then try your hand at your own mini triathlon. Or just enjoy the hike. We won’t judge.