Things to Do in Butte County

Butte County offers diverse outdoor activities including Hiking, Road cycling, Jogging, and Mountain biking. The region features over 130 routes, with an average rating of 4.85 stars from more than 1,300 visitors. Its landscape ranges from Central Valley plains to Sierra Nevada foothills, providing varied terrain.

Butte County features a variety of hiking trails, from leisurely paths in Bidwell Park to more challenging routes in the foothills. Notable areas include Lake Oroville State Recreation Area and Upper Bidwell Park. For more options, consult the Hiking in Butte County guide.

Mountain biking opportunities in Butte County range from smoother dirt trails around Lake Oroville to technical, volcanic terrain in Upper Bidwell Park. The Colby Mountain Recreation Project is developing 40 miles (64 km) of new singletrack, including advanced downhill trails. More information is available in the MTB Trails in Butte County guide.

Butte County offers numerous road cycling routes, from paved, shaded paths in Lower Bidwell Park to scenic drives like the Feather River Byway. The 41-mile (66 km) Brad Freeman Trail at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area combines paved and unpaved surfaces. Explore more options in the Road Cycling Routes in Butte County guide.

Yes, Butte County offers easy and family-friendly hiking options. Lower Bidwell Park in Chico features paved, shaded trails suitable for leisurely walks. Lake Oroville State Recreation Area also has trails with smoother surfaces. The Easy hikes in Butte County guide provides specific recommendations.

Butte County is home to several waterfalls, particularly during the rainy season. North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve features Phantom Falls, which plunges 166 feet (50 meters). The Feather River Scenic Trail in Plumas National Forest leads to overlooks of the 640-foot (195 meter) Feather Falls. The Waterfall hikes in Butte County guide lists more locations.

Key natural areas in Butte County include Bidwell Park in Chico, one of the largest municipal parks in the nation, offering extensive trail networks. Lake Oroville State Recreation Area provides water-based activities and trails. North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve is known for its spring wildflowers and waterfalls.

Dog policies vary by specific park or trail area within Butte County. Visitors should check local regulations for areas like Bidwell Park, Lake Oroville State Recreation Area, and other reserves before bringing pets. Leash laws are generally enforced where dogs are permitted.

Komoot offers several guides for Butte County, including Hiking in Butte County, Road Cycling Routes in Butte County, and MTB Trails in Butte County. There are also guides for Easy hikes, Waterfall hikes, Running Trails, and general Cycling.

For general inquiries regarding Butte County, the Customer Service Center can be reached by phone. The official phone number for Butte County is +1-877-410-8803. Additional information may be available on the official county website.

Yes, higher elevations in Butte County offer panoramic views. Parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, accessible in the region, lead to peaks like 7,087-foot (2,160 meter) Humboldt Peak. From such vantage points, views of Lassen Peak and Mount Shasta are possible.

The Brad Freeman Trail is located within the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area. This trail is approximately 41 miles (66 km) long and combines paved and unpaved surfaces, singletrack, levees, and dirt roads. It caters to various cycling preferences and offers scenic water views.