Oroville, California presents a compelling mix of small-town charm and mountain adventure, living up to its nickname as the “Gateway to the Sierra Nevada.”
The city’s location in the Northern Sacramento Valley grants access to Lake Oroville, Feather River recreation areas, and more nature spots.
For those traveling around Northern California, this underrated city is a great jumping-off point — keep reading to find out more.
Gold Rush history in Oroville
Oroville began as a Gold Rush river port called Ophir in the early 1850s, and many of the historic Victorian buildings on and around Montgomery Street date from this period up until the early 1900s.
The riverfront city still preserves its early history with heritage houses like the C.F. Lott Home, small museums, an even a Chinese Temple used by early immigrants. At any given time of year, you could find yourself at a seasonal festival or parade downtown.
Nature spots around Oroville
Lake Oroville is one of the biggest draws nearby, offering plenty of opportunities to go fish, boat, or hike around lakeside trails. The lake was created by Oroville Dam in 1967, and has numerous campgrounds and designated spots for swimming.
In the surrounding foothills, visitors can embark on classic hikes like the trail to Feather Falls, as well as wildflower and waterfall treks within the North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve.
As the last small city on the valley floor, Oroville is in a great position to access these nature areas, or kick off a longer trip to Plumas National Forest or Lassen Volcanic National Park, which is famous for its remarkable geological features.