Wildflower and Waterfall
Self-guided Tours in Plumas County, Northern
California
2. The
Feather River Canyon: The
canyon (as it's referred to by locals)
is one of the most popular scenic driving
routes in the state which is located along Highway
70 between Oroville and Quincy, It's a major portion of the
Feather River National Scenic Byway which
serves as the lowest elevation east-west
passageway through the Sierra Nevada.
 Cascading waterfalls and
wildflowers in the spring highlight the
canyon's natural beauty - especially showy from
April through
June with a constantly changing display
of wildflower color.
Early color may be seen in the yellows of
the delicate waterfall buttercups and the
reds of redbud shrub followed
by the delicate white dogwood blossoms.
Later color may be seen in the yellow bush
monkey flower
hanging from the rock walls and the blues of
the shrubby silver lupine.
How to get there: Head north from
Oroville up Highway 70 for about 70 miles or
so stopping along the way. Without
stopping it's about a 90 minute trip to
Quincy depending on how fast you drive
windy roads, but you could spend the whole
day exploring.
What to do: . From mid-March through
May there are waterfalls
oozing out of the rocks with a broad
continuum of flowers creeping up the
canyon as the spring progresses.
Flowers:
| |
March |
|
April |
|
May |
| |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Western Redbud |
|
Bush Monkey
Flower |
|
Western
Wallflower |
| |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Mountain Dogwood |
|
Western Azalea |
|
Indian Rhubarb |
Waterfalls:
Certain waterfalls are showy through June
but after a wet storm intermittent falls
will appear throughout the canyon. Here is a
partial list:
- Waterfall near Shady Rest area:
The rest area is about 33 miles past
Oroville going north and 4.7 miles past
the Four Trees Road sign. Walk directly
across the highway to a dirt road, walk
up the road for about one-half mile
until you get to the waterfall.
There is a narrow trail taking you to
the base of the falls.
- Rock Creek Cascades: After the
tunnel and three miles north of the
Plumas County line cross over the North
Fork of the Feather River, pull over to
the left under the railroad trestle,
park there and walk up the road or drive
up the road a bit and stop before it
goes left. Take the trail that
hugs Rock Creek (not marked) giving you
fantastic views of cascading falls along
with huge granite rocks for picnicking,
reading or just gazing.
- Jackass Falls: A few miles
north of the Rock Creek Cascades pull
over at the Tobin Resort on the right
side or go past the resort parking at a
turnout before the Tobin Bridge.
Look across the river to see
Jackass Falls cascading out the rocks.
- Chambers Creek Trail Falls:
Three miles up Chambers Creek trail
which is 6 1/2 miles south of
Belden.
| |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
| |
Shady Rest Falls |
|
Rock
Creek Cascades
|
|
Jackass
Falls |
Food: About thirty minutes
from Oroville, Scooter's is an unpretentious
place near Yankee Hill that serves good home
cooking including French fries made daily
from real potatoes plus freshly ground beef.
Going further another thirty minutes or so
you'll find the Caribou Crossroads Cafe that
has terrific milk shakes and burgers. Many
Pacific Crest Trail hikers find their way to
this cafe.
Lodging: The Feather River Canyon
is limited in lodging but some
recommendations would be the cabin at
Caribou Crossroads (530-283-1384); the Tobin
Resort, which has rustic cabins that
you need to reserve (no drop ins)
530-283-2225; and the Pine Aire Resort Motel
(530 283-1730) which is about 15 miles from
Quincy. Abundant
lodging
is available
in the
Quincy and the
Greenville area.
Camping: RV
camping in the Feather
River Canyon is available all year and
public campgrounds will start opening by
April 26.
|
