The Brad Freeman/Dan Beebe Trail offers a 44.5 mile loop perfect for scenic hiking and biking. Over the weekend Chamber CEO/President, Eric Smith; Communications Coordinator, Amber Marron; and their families walked a small couple mile portion of the trail up to the old train tunnel.

We started off near the Feather River Bath House off of the roundabout on Montgomery Street. The weather was perfect as well as the view of the Feather River Fish Hatchery and the Diversion Pool. Hummingbirds were also in the air and could be seen in the trees along the pathway.

Our hike ended at the old train tunnel that was used to bring in supplies to build the Oroville Dam. Once through the train tunnel the path continues along the beautiful Feather River. You can see a full map of trails from the Department of Water Resources by Clicking Here.

If you have any questions about recreation in Oroville, you can contact the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce at (530) 538-2542 or at [email protected].

Almost every Saturday of the month the Lake Oroville Visitor's Center hosts a guided Saturday Morning Nature Walk that is easy enough for all ages. This week on June 29 the hike will take you to Kelly Ridge Point.

The group meets at the Lake Oroville Visitor Center and leaves for the walk promptly at 8:00 am. The hikes average four miles and the guides recommend you bring water, a snack, and dress for the weather. For this walk the "gradual slope down to the water's edge North of the Visitor Center offering views of the dam, up the North Fork, and beyond the suspension bridge. Then a loop back for fresh discoveries."

If you have any questions about hiking in the Oroville Area, please contact the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce at (530) 538-2542 or email at [email protected].

The Forebay Aquatic Center is open for the summer season! This venue is the perfect place for anyone looking to be outdoors and in the water this summer.

For kids there are summer camps, field trips for schools, and equipment rental with all the safety measures to keep everyone safe in the water.

There are plenty of equipment rentals whether you are going by yourself or with a group. The choices are single kayak, sit-in kayak, tandem kayak, stand-up paddle board, pedal boat, hydrobike, and canoe. Rentals can be done per-hour up to entire season passes.

The Forebay Aquatic Center hosts a variety of events throughout their season, but are especially known for their Moonlight Paddles. Starting at sundown, the Forebay's staff offers a guided tour into the sunset and a paddle back to the shore under the moonlight.

Outside of water activities the Forebay is surrounded by a large picnic area which is perfect for birthday parties, family gatherings, and corporate parties. A portion of the Brad Freeman Trail also wraps around the Forebay that is perfect for a morning hike.

The Forebay is a California State Parks facility, so an $8 parking fee does apply. If you have any questions about recreation in the Oroville area, please contact the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce at (530) 538-2542.

For all of you interested in the great outdoors, Feather Falls is a must see. The view of the towering waterfall is a 4.5-mile hike from the base. The total round trip from top to bottom is over 8 miles, so be sure to stay hydrated throughout your journey.
The falls reach a 410-foot vertical granite slab where it projects its energy through a narrow passageway. During the late winter months, the water levels reach maximum levels and allow Feather Falls to come alive.
The top of the falls is easily accessible and delivers a breathtaking scene of the deep valley that lies beneath. For those who are not fans of heights, an additional viewpoint was constructed that allows viewers to observe from a comfortable distance.
There is a big parking lot and pit toilets at the trailhead. There's only one trail from the parking lot and about 1/2 mi in it splits off to Upper/Lower Trails. The lower more strenuous trail is 3.5 miles and a moderate to heavy hike. The upper trail is moderate but a little longer hike of 4.5 miles. Most of all don't forget your camera! Feather Falls never disappoints and it is definitely a bucket list hike.
Click here for trail map.

On Saturday, January 26, Communications Coordinator, Amber Marron went on the Lake Oroville Visitor Center's Saturday Morning Nature Walk. This walk took us up Sycamore Hill on a beautiful morning.
The wind was crisp, but 17 other people joined me on this three mile walk. Hikers were both young and old, and with this being the toughest hike from January due to the steeper incline, everyone was able to complete the three mile walk just fine.
The guides from the Lake Oroville Visitor Center were always open to answering questions about species of mushrooms and plants to how the hiking trail was created. Once we climbed in elevation there were gorgeous views of the Oroville Dam and the river below.
  
Right before the very top there was a Trail Log for the Brad Freeman/Dan Bebee Trail which I signed. Unfortunately I could not make it to the very top due to my susceptibility to poison oak, so if you are looking to hike Sycamore Hill make sure to take precautions due to the presence of poison oak.


Overall it was a great time that I will continue to participate in! These weekly walks take place every Saturday with hikers meeting at the Lake Oroville Visitor Center at 9:00 am sharp.

Coming up this Saturday (1/19) is the Lake Oroville Visitor Center's walk to Glen Pond.
"Walk down to the south side of the diversion pool and cross a couple of streams before you encounter an old olive orchard around a secluded pond. Trains used to rumble through on the rail bed that damned up the pond, and now you can see how nature reclaimed the landscape."
Be sure to get there early. They leave at 9 AM on the dot.
Visit their Facebook Page for more updates and to RSVP.
Check out our Visit Oroville Guide to find more fun things to do and to learn more about Saturday Morning Walks at the Lake Oroville Visitor Center.

Coming up this Saturday (1/12) is the Lake Oroville Visitor Center's walk to Foreman Creek.
Meet at the Visitors Center at 8:45, the group will leave at 9:00 to drive over to Foreman Creek. This walk is about 3 1/2 miles and moderate in difficulty. You’ll see where the Beckwourth Trail came through as we walk over to the boat-in campground.
Be sure to get there early. They leave at 9 AM on the dot.
Visit their Facebook Page for more updates and to RSVP.
Check out our Visit Oroville Guide to find more fun things to do and to learn more about Saturday Morning Walks at the Lake Oroville Visitor Center.

Coming up this Saturday (1/5) is the Lake Oroville Visitor Center's walk to Saddle Dam.
Meet at the Visitor Center at 8:45, we leave at 9:00. We will drive over to the Saddle Dam Day Use Area. This walk will take us over Saddle Dam, through the forest, and around the horse camp. The walk will be about 3 1/2 miles long, mostly easy, but, some elevation change. There is a chance of rain predicted. Heavy rain cancels, light rain does not. Be prepared!
Be sure to get there early. They leave at 9 AM on the dot.
Visit their Facebook Page for more updates and to RSVP.
Check out our Visit Oroville Guide to find more fun things to do and to learn more about Saturday Morning Walks at the Lake Oroville Visitor Center.

Coming up this Saturday (12/15) is the Lake Oroville Visitor Center's Train Tunnel walk along the Diversion Pool below the dam and through the mysterious tunnel!
Don't forget your spelunking gear ;-) (just kidding) and be sure to get there early. They leave at 9 AM on the dot.
Visit their Facebook Page for more updates and to RSVP.
Check out our Visit Oroville Guide to find more fun things to do and to learn more about Saturday Morning Walks at the Lake Oroville Visitor Center.

A popular trail with both hikers and cyclists around Lake Oroville. This is a 40-mile trail on the far side of the dam with long stretches of flat trail.
Additional Info
www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/brad-freeman.html
http://www.lakeorovillebicyclists.org/maps.html