Oroville

Outdoors lovers deem Oroville a sort of Neverland, complete with more than enough options to play until the sun goes down. Boating, hiking, swimming, waterskiing, fishing, the list goes on. Oroville may not be Northern California's prettiest town, but she sure gives visitors a dose of good old-fashioned fun. Located at the base of the Shasta Cascade mountains, Oroville is hugged by a giant lake with the same name, wildlife areas, the Feather River and plenty of agriculture to make sure no one in the state goes hungry. Egrets and herons inhabit the waterways and marshes of the wildflower-dotted foothills. Trek the seven-mile (round trip) hike ...

Outdoors lovers deem Oroville a sort of Neverland, complete with more than enough options to play until the sun goes down. Boating, hiking, swimming, waterskiing, fishing, the list goes on. Oroville may not be Northern California's prettiest town, but she sure gives visitors a dose of good old-fashioned fun. Located at the base of the Shasta Cascade mountains, Oroville is hugged by a giant lake with the same name, wildlife areas, the Feather River and plenty of agriculture to make sure no one in the state goes hungry. Egrets and herons inhabit the waterways and marshes of the wildflower-dotted foothills. Trek the seven-mile (round trip) hike to the 640-foot Feather Falls. Bikers will enjoy the 35-mile bike trail weaving around the lake. If dams inspire, you'll want to admire Oroville's, which is the tallest in the country. Or check out the state's first suspension bridge at Bidwell Bar (that's also where gold was first discovered here). Oroville's seemingly out of place Chinese Temple, constructed in 1863, and her curious Gold Era museums offer some offbeat meanderings.

About the Expert

Michele Bigley is the author of Northern California: An Explorer's Guide and Great Destinations Kauai from Countryman Press.