Butte County, California: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Butte County is home to one of the largest municipal parks in the United States? Bidwell Park spans over 3,600 acres and is nearly 11 miles long, offering a stunning natural playground that’s three times the size of New York’s Central Park. This hidden gem in Northern California’s Sacramento Valley is just the beginning of what makes Butte County a remarkable destination for travelers seeking authentic experiences away from the tourist crowds.

Getting to Butte County

Butte County is conveniently located in Northern California, about 90 miles north of Sacramento. The closest commercial airport is Chico Municipal Airport, though many visitors fly into Sacramento International Airport for more flight options and then drive north.

If you’re driving from Sacramento, take Highway 99 north for about 1.5 hours. From San Francisco, the drive is approximately 3 hours via Interstate 5 and Highway 99. The scenic journey takes you through California’s agricultural heartland before reaching the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Best Time to Visit

Butte County enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The best time to visit depends on what you want to experience:

Getting Around Butte County

Having your own vehicle is highly recommended for exploring Butte County, as attractions are spread out across several communities including Chico, Oroville, Paradise, and Gridley. The county’s scenic roads make driving a pleasure, especially through the foothills and along the Feather River Canyon.

Public transportation options are limited but available. Butte Regional Transit (B-Line) provides bus service between major communities, while ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate primarily in Chico and Oroville. For outdoor enthusiasts, many trails in Bidwell Park and around Lake Oroville are accessible by bike, making cycling another great option for local exploration.

Where to Stay in Butte County

Butte County offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. From historic boutique hotels to comfortable chain properties, you’ll find the perfect base for your exploration.

Top Attractions in Butte County

Bidwell Park (Chico)

One of the largest municipal parks in the country, Bidwell Park stretches nearly 11 miles from downtown Chico into the foothills. Lower Park offers shaded walking paths, picnic areas, and the popular Sycamore Pool—a natural swimming area in Big Chico Creek. Upper Park features rugged hiking trails, swimming holes, and spectacular views. Don’t miss the Yahi Trail along Big Chico Creek, which leads to several swimming spots including Bear Hole and Salmon Hole.

Lake Oroville

As California’s second-largest reservoir, Lake Oroville offers 167 miles of shoreline and endless recreational opportunities. Visitors can rent houseboats, kayaks, or paddleboards to explore the lake’s many coves and inlets. The lake is renowned for excellent bass fishing and features multiple swimming areas. For spectacular views, drive across the 770-foot Oroville Dam—the tallest dam in the United States—or hike the Brad Freeman Trail, which circles much of the lake.

Sierra Nevada Brewing Company (Chico)

Founded in 1980, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company is a pioneer in the craft beer movement and a must-visit destination in Chico. Take a guided tour of the brewery to learn about their sustainable brewing practices and sample their award-winning beers. The brewery complex includes an excellent restaurant with a beer garden, gift shop, and music venue. Don’t miss their flagship Pale Ale, which helped define the American craft beer revolution.

North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve (Oroville)

This 3,300-acre reserve transforms into a wildflower wonderland each spring (February-April). The volcanic plateau features unique basalt formations, seasonal waterfalls, and vernal pools teeming with life. The most popular hike leads to Phantom Falls, a 166-foot waterfall that appears dramatically against the landscape after winter rains. The reserve offers sweeping views of the Sacramento Valley and Sierra Nevada mountains, making it a photographer’s paradise.

Outdoor Activities

Hiking & Biking

Butte County’s diverse landscape offers trails for all skill levels. Beyond Bidwell Park, explore the Feather River Recreation Trail in Oroville, a paved 7-mile path along the scenic Feather River. The Chico Seed Orchard features an easy one-mile loop through historic grounds with diverse plant species. For mountain biking enthusiasts, the Guardian Trail in Upper Bidwell Park provides technical challenges with rewarding views.

Water Recreation

Beyond Lake Oroville, Butte County offers numerous water experiences. The Feather River provides excellent fishing for salmon and steelhead, particularly in the fall. The Forebay Aquatic Center in Oroville rents kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes for exploring the calm waters of the Thermalito Forebay. In Chico, locals cool off in the swimming holes of Upper Bidwell Park or at Sycamore Pool, a unique swimming area created by damming Big Chico Creek.

Wildlife Viewing

Butte County is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. The Gray Lodge Wildlife Area near Gridley hosts over a million waterfowl during winter migrations, creating spectacular flyoffs at dawn and dusk. The Oroville Wildlife Area offers 11,000 acres of riparian habitat where visitors might spot river otters, beavers, and numerous bird species. For butterfly lovers, the Butterfly Experience at Chico State University’s Ecological Reserve showcases native species in their natural habitat.

Cultural Experiences

Museums & Historic Sites

Delve into Butte County’s rich history at the Chinese Temple and Museum Complex in Oroville, one of the oldest continuously used Chinese temples in California. The Bolt’s Antique Tool Museum displays over 12,000 rare tools dating back to the 1800s. In Chico, the Gateway Science Museum offers interactive exhibits on the region’s natural history, while the Chico Museum chronicles the city’s development from a small settlement to a vibrant community.

Local Food & Drink

Butte County’s agricultural heritage shines through its farm-to-table dining scene. Start at the Chico Certified Farmers Market (Saturdays year-round), one of the state’s oldest farmers markets. Follow the Sierra Oro Farm Trail to visit local farms, orchards, vineyards, and olive oil producers. Chico’s downtown offers excellent dining options like Grana (wood-fired pizza), Crush (California cuisine), and Mom’s Restaurant (beloved breakfast spot). Don’t miss Maisie Jane’s in Durham for locally grown nuts and gifts.

Wineries & Breweries

Beyond Sierra Nevada Brewing, Butte County boasts a growing wine scene. In Durham, just outside Chico, visit Almendra Winery & Distillery for handcrafted wines and spirits in a beautiful orchard setting. Nascere Vineyards offers intimate tastings of small-batch wines with vineyard views. For craft beer enthusiasts, Secret Trail Brewing Company in Chico serves innovative brews in a family-friendly taproom, while British Bulldog Brewery specializes in traditional English-style ales.

Seasonal Events & Festivals

Butte County’s calendar is filled with events that showcase its natural beauty, agricultural bounty, and community spirit:

Practical Tips for Visitors

Ready to Explore Butte County?

From the crystal-clear swimming holes of Bidwell Park to the wildflower-covered slopes of Table Mountain, Butte County offers authentic California experiences away from the tourist crowds. This region where the Sacramento Valley meets the Sierra Nevada foothills invites you to slow down, connect with nature, and discover the rich tapestry of history, culture, and outdoor adventure that makes this area so special.

Whether you’re sipping craft beer at Sierra Nevada, kayaking on Lake Oroville, or sampling farm-fresh produce at local markets, Butte County’s genuine charm and natural beauty will leave you planning your return visit before you’ve even left. Pack your sense of adventure and discover why this hidden gem of Northern California deserves a prominent place on your travel bucket list.