TAKE THE TOUR
LAKE OROVILLE VISITORS CENTER
Learn what it took to build the Nation's tallest dam and California's second-largest reservoir by touring the Visitor's Center. There's free movies to watch, exhibits on the California State Water Project, a 46-foot viewing tower with free telescopes, and information on gold mining and Native American history. The Visitor's Center hours of operation are Tuesday through Thursday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. You can call them at 530) 538-2219. |
FEATHER RIVER FISH HATCHERY
Every fall thousands of salmon and steelhead make an incredible trek from the Pacific Ocean up the Delta and several rivers to Oroville's Feather River Fish Hatchery. Open 8:00 AM to sunset, the hatchery's self-guided tour shows every step of the process to harvest, produce and ultimately save these fish. Viewing is best in September, when the ladder first opens. Typically, salmon viewing is good in September through November, and steelhead are most visible from late December to early February. For more information, please call the Hatchery at (530) 533-2222. Tours of the facility are anticipated to resume Fall 2022. For information, please call (530) 534-2306. |
OROVILLE DAM
Once called the ninth wonder of the world, the Oroville Dam - 770 feet high - is the tallest dam in the United States, besting Hoover Dam by more than 40 feet. Completed in 1967, and dedicated by Governor Ronald Reagan in 1968, the Oroville Dam is comprised of a concrete core and more than 80 million cubic yards of earth, mostly leftover mining tailings. Although tours inside the Hyatt Powerplant are no longer allowed, the Lake Oroville Visitor Center offers programs and limited tours of the dam. Please call (530) 534-2306 for more information. |
FEATHER RIVER NATURE CENTER and Native Plant Park
Oroville Gold Rush history is centered on the Feather River, where General John Bidwell first struck gold in 1849. The Feather River Nature Center, perched on the southern shore of the river, is a monument to that exciting era. Constructed of river rock, the Nature Center was once a bath house for gold miners and now serves as a museum and activity center. The park is open daily and the Nature Center is open on Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. |