Attractions and Places To See in Butte County - Top 20

Butte County is rich in diverse natural features. You can explore unique volcanic landscapes, including the summit of Top of Inferno Cone, fascinating Spatter Cones, and ancient lava tubes like Indian Tunnel and Buffalo Cave. Beyond the volcanic areas, the region also boasts Lake Oroville, Bidwell Park in Chico, and the majestic Feather Falls.

Yes, Butte County offers several significant historical and cultural sites. You can step back in time at the Oroville Chinese Temple, explore the Victorian elegance of Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park in Chico, or see the historic Bidwell's Bar & Old Suspension Bridge near Lake Oroville. Downtown Oroville also features various historic buildings and the Oroville Carnegie Library.

Many attractions in Butte County are suitable for families. The Spatter Cones and Tree Molds Trail are great for kids to explore volcanic formations. Bidwell Park in Chico offers vast spaces for picnicking and play, while Lake Oroville provides opportunities for boating and swimming. The Parking and Info at Caves Trail area is also family-friendly, providing easy access to some cave explorations.

Yes, some attractions are designed to be wheelchair-accessible. The North Crater Flow Trail features a boardwalk with information boards about lava flows. Additionally, the Devils Orchard information boards area also offers accessible paths and benches.

The best time to witness Butte County's waterfalls, such as Feather Falls, and the stunning wildflower displays, particularly at North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, is typically after the rains, usually in late winter or spring. This is when vernal pools are full and wildflowers are in full bloom, sometimes creating spectacular 'superblooms'.

Butte County offers a variety of outdoor activities. Near the volcanic attractions, you can enjoy hiking on trails like the Caves Trail, Broken Top Loop Trail, and Inferno Cone Trail. Beyond these, Lake Oroville is ideal for boating, fishing, and camping, while Bidwell Park in Chico is popular for hiking, biking, and picnicking.

Absolutely! For beginners, several easy hikes are available. The Caves Trail, Tree Molds Trail, and Devils Orchard Nature Trail are all considered easy and offer unique natural sights. These trails are generally shorter and have less elevation gain, making them perfect for a relaxed outdoor experience.

You can find convenient parking and information at the Parking and Info at Caves Trail. This serves as a central point for accessing many of the volcanic features and lava tubes in the area.

Butte County is home to several parks with extensive trail systems. Bidwell Park in Chico is one of the largest municipal parks in the US, offering diverse trails for hiking and biking. Riverbend Park in Oroville provides walking and biking trails along the Feather River. For unique geological trails, the area around the volcanic attractions features trails like the North Crater Flow Trail and Tree Molds Trail.

Yes, the Wild & Scenic Highway 70 Feather River Byway offers breathtaking views as it winds through the Feather River Canyon. This drive is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of the region.

Butte County's volcanic past has left behind a fascinating array of geological features. You can see cinder cone fragments, explore lava tubes like Indian Tunnel, and walk across ancient lava flows on trails such as the North Crater Flow Trail. The Spatter Cones are also a unique sight, formed by molten lava chunks.

Visitors particularly enjoy the unique, dramatic landscapes and the opportunity to explore geological formations up close. The panoramic views from the Top of Inferno Cone are highly praised, offering vistas over the Great Rift and surrounding mountains. The experience of walking through lava tubes and learning about different lava types on interpretive trails also receives positive feedback.