Feather Falls

meems
Jul 19, 2016
2 min read

At the end of May, we decided to hike Feather Falls in Oroville. It was a beautiful 8 mile hike (9 miles if you go all the way to the falls) with the most magnificent views when you reach the falls.

About the hike:

You can start at either the lower or upper trail to the falls. The lower trail is 3.5 miles long and is a bit more difficult due to the quick elevation changes. This trail mainly goes downhill until the last quarter mile which is all uphill. The 4.5 mile upper trail gradually takes you to the falls but is a little bit longer. We started with the lower trail route because I wanted to do a loop but didn't want to end up hiking uphill on the way back. After starting with the lower trail, I'm so glad we didn't take that route back because the uphill would have been killer! Basically, the lower and upper trails meet and you make your through the stairs to the falls. I was a bit confused about how to find the upper trail after we were done with the falls but there is a sign on your way back down which splits to either the upper or lower trail. Some people take the upper trail both ways because of the difficulty of the lower trail hike. I didn't think taking the lower trail there was bad at all. I just wouldn't recommend taking it back. Don't forget to bring sunblock, bug spray, toilet paper, lots of water, a packed lunch and your camera. The sights are just magnificent!

Here is a glimpse of the beauty from the overlook.

The stairs take you to this overlook which is a nice area to have lunch. One side gives you the view of the falls and the other side gives you even more magnificent views of the river.

I didn't get too many pictures but there were great views of Bald Rock Dome and the Feather River during our hike!

Almost to the overlook!

After taking in the beauty of the falls, we decided to hike TO the falls. At first, I didn't know where to go. Then we found a little opening where you climbed on top of the rocks to get to a little trail that takes you around and to the falls. This area had some areas where it was wet and you had to find something to step on to get through. People come here to swim and hang out because it's a bit hidden. It took us a while but we finally found the area where we had a clear view. Keep in mind, if you are going to stand on these rocks, it is VERY dangerous and you can easily sleep. Very pretty and worth it but also dangerous.