Things to do in Oroville
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Chinese Temple
By the levee, the Chinese Temple is a compelling draw that really exceeds expectations. Today there is no Chinatown in Oroville, but at one time the town was bustling with more than 10,000 Chinese. A 1907 flood wiped out Chinatown and many Chinese stayed to help rebuild the levee, but their numbers rapidly dwindled afterwards.
During the 19th century, traveling theater troupes from China toured a circuit of Chinatowns in California. Oroville was the end of the line, and the troupes often left their sets, costumes and puppets here before heading back to China. Consequently, Oroville has a collection of 19th-century stage finery unrivaled anywhere in California. The old te…
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Lake Oroville State Recreation Area Visitor Center
From downtown, follow Oroville Dam Rd or Olive Hwy (Hwy 162) to the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area, home to numerous outdoor activities and the 770ft Oroville Dam. Completed in 1967, it's the tallest earthen dam in the US. The Lake Oroville State Recreation Area Visitor Center has exhibits on the California State Water Project and local Native American history, plus a viewing tower and loads of recreational information.
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Forebay Aquatic Center
The Forebay Aquatic Center, just off Hwy 70, rents bikes for around US$7 per hour. They also offer sailing classes, youth programs, summer camps, kayaking classes, moonlight paddle excursions and several other courses. They have a number of canoes, a variety of kayaks and handful of sailboats available for rental, too (a certain level of competency must be demonstrated to rent sailboats).
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Freeman Bicycle Trail
The Freeman Bicycle Trail is a 41-mile off-road loop that takes cyclists to the top of Oroville Dam, then follows the Feather River back to the Thermalito Forebay and Afterbay storage reservoirs, west of Hwy 70. The ride is mostly flat, but the dam ascent is steep. Get a free map of the ride from the chamber of commerce.
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Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge visitors center
Serious birders might want to head to the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge during winter, where the migratory waterfowl are a spectacular sight. The Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge visitors center is off I-5 near Willows; driving (around US$3) and walking trails are open daily.
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Feather River Canyon
Highways 162 and 70 head NE from Oroville into the mountains and on to Quincy. Hwy 70 snakes along the magnificent Feather River Canyon, an especially captivating drive during the fall.
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Feather Falls
The area surrounding Lake Oroville is full of hiking trails, and a favorite is the 7-mile round-trip walk to 640ft Feather Falls, which takes about four hours.
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CL & Harry's
A classy sort of place with a rustic, exposed brick dining room, CL & Harry's sizzles up steaks and chops and other American fare.
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Oroville Wildlife Area
The afterbay abuts the Oroville Wildlife Area, located along the Pacific Flyway and a great place for bird-watching.
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