Feather Falls

The Bidwell Bar Bridge is the first steel suspension bridge built in California. It was relocated to its current location in 1965 to avoid inundation by the rising water of Lake Oroville.

Outside of the town, this state-run visitor center offers a splendid observation of the town and the history of the construction of the lake and the Indian tribes that were in the area.

Billed as the largest earth-filled dam in the world, it is the tallest dam in the United States at 230m/770ft, and the top of the dam spans 2,110m/6,920ft. The view over the Sacramento Valley is stunning, especially after a good rainstorm. For security reasons, you can't park directly on the top of the dam. There are also quite impressive tours under the dam showing the massive hydroelectric turbines, although the hours and offer of these tours are unpredictable.

What was once a boom town during the mining days, this is a small ghost town with several structures you can walk through from the road including what was the Wells Fargo Bank. There is also a small museum that has varying opening hours. There are a few scattered places where people still live, so tread carefully.

While this area can be visited year round, it is best seen in the Spring when the large, flat field on the plateau of this mountain are full of endless wildflowers. Additionally, there are excellent waterfalls to hike to and be seen such as Ravine and Phantom Falls. Those interested in preparing can read up on these hikes as well as read the book, "Wildflowers of Table Mountain" by Mackey & Bills.

The original orange tree brought to California 1856 which is still bearing fruit to this day despite a near fatal frost in 1998.