Oroville offers a variety of ways to spend your stay: cultural history, scenery around Lake Oroville, and trails along the Feather River. The options vary by theme, length, and seasonal time frame—from historical exhibits to nature observation.
Cultural history in Oroville
The Chinese Temple was dedicated in spring 1863. In its Tapestry Hall, you can see embroidery, ceremonial parasols, and a rare costume collection documenting Chinese and American fashion from 1850 to 1930. The temple thus connects its history with exhibits that offer a unique perspective on the fashion and craftsmanship of the period.
A historic walking tour of Oroville also brings its stories to life: you can listen on your mobile phone to stories about the house built by Olive, the love story of Jesse and Cornelia Lott, and the history of the Chinese Temple. The C.F. Lott Home / Sank Park is a historic Victorian Gothic Revival house, built in 1856. The two places offer different ways to explore the past: one is a house with a clearly stated architectural style and year of construction; the other presents stories about people, a house, and the temple.
Lake Oroville and trails along the Feather River
The Lake Oroville State Recreation Area includes Lake Oroville, which was formed by a 770-foot-high dam above the Feather River riverbed. Exhibits at the Lake Oroville Visitors Center cover Oroville Dam, the area's geology, wildlife and habitats, hydroelectric power, and cultural and historical artifacts. The center also has a 47-foot-high observation tower with panoramic views of the lake and its surroundings. Operating details may change; check them before your visit.
The Greenline Tour is 15 miles long and offers a scenic drive through Oroville. For those interested in bike trails, the three-mile paved, Class I Riverfront Bike Trail follows Bedrock Park. The Riverbend Half-Mile Fitness Trail is a half-mile loop along the Feather River with six outdoor fitness stations. The 14.3-mile Dan Beebe Trail is accessible from the Lake Oroville Visitors Center.
The Lake Oroville State Recreation Area also offers boating and an extensive network of horse-riding, biking, and hiking trails. The area has camping for families and groups, as well as equestrian camping. The range of options extends from activities on the water to different kinds of trails; the lengths given refer to individual routes, not the entire trail network.
Nature and seasonal observations
The Feather River Nature Center includes the Bath House Museum, which offers nature education programs, exhibits on native wildlife, basalt blocks, and paintings. Museum offerings may change; check what is currently available before your visit.
The Feather River Fish Hatchery raises Chinook salmon and steelhead along the Feather River, just below Lake Oroville. Through an underwater window, you can observe migrating salmon and steelhead from around mid-September through June. Spawning operations can be observed Monday through Friday from mid-September to mid-November. The time frames differ: observation of migrating fish extends over a longer part of the season, while spawning operations take place over a shorter period and on specific days of the week.
When searching for hotels in Oroville, this variety can be a useful starting point: consider whether cultural sites, the scenic drive and trails, or seasonal observations will be the focus of your stay.
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