Thermalito is a region in California characterized by its diverse landscape, featuring significant water bodies and rolling foothills. The area encompasses the expansive Thermalito Afterbay and Thermalito Forebay, which are integral to the Oroville-Thermalito Complex. This combination of aquatic and terrestrial environments provides a varied terrain, making it suitable for several outdoor sports like hiking and cycling. The region's natural features include scenic shorelines, oak trees, and trails that often follow historical routes.
Thermalito offers…
6
Routes
5
(2)
Average rating
63
People visited

5.0
(1)
42
hikers
10.1km
02:51
200m
220m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

2.14km
00:34
0m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

6.56km
01:47
50m
170m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.14km
00:48
10m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Thermalito offers opportunities for hiking and cycling, leveraging its diverse landscape of water bodies and rolling foothills. The region's large water features, such as the Thermalito Afterbay and Forebay, also support activities like boating, swimming, and fishing. More than 60 visitors have explored routes in Thermalito on komoot.
The Brad Freeman Trail is a significant feature, accessible from multiple points around the Thermalito Afterbay and Forebay. Another popular option is the Rattlesnake Hill Trail, a paved loop offering panoramic views. These trails provide diverse scenery, including views of the Thermalito Diversion Dam and Oroville Dam spillway.
Yes, the Rattlesnake Hill Trail is a paved, 1.2-mile (1.9 km) loop trail considered easy and accessible for walkers, joggers, and wheelchair users. Portions of the Brad Freeman Trail are also suitable for families, offering relatively flat sections along old railroad grades. These trails provide a gentle introduction to the region's natural beauty.
Information regarding specific dog allowances on all Thermalito trails is not universally available. Visitors should check local regulations for individual trails, such as the Brad Freeman Trail, before bringing pets. Always ensure dogs are leashed and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Thermalito is characterized by the expansive Thermalito Afterbay and Thermalito Forebay, which are large bodies of water integral to the Oroville-Thermalito Complex. The region also features rolling foothills, majestic oak trees, and scenic arroyos. Trails often provide views of these water bodies and the surrounding natural environment.
Butte Regional Transit Route 24 serves areas near Thermalito, including stops that may provide access to trails like the Brad Freeman Trail and those around the Thermalito Forebay. Visitors should consult the Butte Regional Transit schedule and route maps for specific access points. Planning ahead is recommended to ensure convenient access.
Komoot offers a dedicated guide for exploring the region, titled Hiking around Thermalito. This guide provides detailed information on routes, points of interest, and other relevant details for outdoor enthusiasts. It is a valuable resource for planning your adventures in the area.
Outdoor routes in Thermalito have received an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars on komoot. This high rating reflects positive experiences from more than 60 visitors who have explored the region. The community feedback indicates a high level of satisfaction with the available routes.
For information pertaining to the Thermalito Water and Sewer District, the official website is www.twsd.info. They can be reached by phone at +15305330740. For general outdoor recreation information, it is recommended to consult resources from Butte County tourism or California State Parks.
Thermalito hiking trails feature a variety of terrain, including paved sections on trails like Rattlesnake Hill, and compacted earth or gravel on portions of the Brad Freeman Trail. Some trails follow old railroad grades, offering relatively flat surfaces. The region is characterized by low rolling foothills, providing varied elevation changes.
Yes, the Rattlesnake Hill Trail, located above the North Thermalito Forebay, is a paved, 1.2-mile (1.9 km) loop trail designed to be accessible. It is suitable for wheelchair users, providing an inclusive option for enjoying the region's views. This trail offers panoramic vistas from its summit.
From a bench at the top of Rattlesnake Hill, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Oroville, Thermalito, the North Forebay, North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, and the distant Sutter Buttes. Portions of the Brad Freeman Trail also offer scenic views of the Thermalito Afterbay and the Oroville Dam spillway.
Generally, permits are not required for hiking on public trails in the Thermalito region. However, visitors should always verify current regulations for specific areas or activities, especially if entering designated wildlife areas or private lands. It is advisable to check with local authorities for any updates.

