ExploreButteCountyCA
Discover the Forks of Butte Creek Recreation Area
Magalia, California, United States
Dive right into Butte County’s gold rush past by visiting the Forks of Butte Creek Recreation Area, an under-the-radar outdoor attraction in California.
ExploreButteCountyCA
This beautifully forested area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Magalia, CA
Forks of Butte Creek is located just north of the quaint Sierra Nevada foothill town of Magalia—home of the 54-pound “Dogtown Nugget.”
ExploreButteCountyCA
You can spend your time here fishing for rainbow trout, hiking, or roughing it at a primitive campsite.
Magalia, CA
TRIP TIPS Bring plenty of water as there isn't any available on site Use existing sites to avoid creating new disturbances Leave the area better than how you found it (Leave No Trace, "pack it in, pack it out")
ExploreButteCountyCA
Those wanting to try their hand at searching for gold can reserve their own slice of Butte Creek by obtaining a permit from the BLM.
Magalia, CA
Start your adventure by completing a Recreational Mineral Collection Permit, which is $5 per day and good for up to eight visitors. This permit is required for more intensive mineral collecting activities, such as sluicing, as well as for "hands and pans" panning, and will reserve approximately 100 yards of Butte Creek for you and your group. The permit takes about 5 days to process, so make sure to plan ahead!
ExploreButteCountyCA
The Butte Creek Trail starts at Doe Mill Bridge & travels south along the west side of the creek for one mile before ending at the canyon.
Magalia, CA
Both sections of trail along Butte Creek offer frequent access to the water’s edge, though access trails on the southern section will be much steeper. Once you get past the big staircase towards the end of the hike the trail gets steeper and eventually ends. We recommend you go as far as you’re comfortable, but this is a good hike for the adventurous of all ages.
ExploreButteCountyCA
Visitors in the autumn are treated to beautiful fall colors while springtime hikers may see a variety of wildflowers.
Magalia, CA
The Indian Springs Trail, located near Lake De Sabla, provides access to another section of Butte Creek. This trail starts in a clearing of exposed serpentine (California’s State rock!) and plunges nearly 900 feet in just 1.5 miles into Butte Creek Canyon. Stands of large manzanita, live oak, and big-leaf maple help shade the way. The cascades and swimming holes of Butte Creek are a wonderful way to cool off in the summer.
ExploreButteCountyCA
Swipe up and tap "More Details" to learn about the Forks of Butte Creek Recreation Area.
Magalia, CA
Discover a more wild Northern California hiking and outdoors experience in Butte County.