Feather River Canyon
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The Feather River Canyon, located along Highway 70 between Oroville and Quincy, is one of the most popular scenic driving routes in the state. It's a major portion of the Feather River National Scenic Byway and serves as the lowest elevation east-west passageway through the Sierra Nevada. When Interstate 80 is closed or having a major snowstorm, this is the best way to travel between Reno and Sacramento.
Cascading waterfalls and wildflowers in the spring and brilliant colors in the fall highlight the canyon's natural beauty. The area also showcases the marvels of power plant, railroad and highway engineering between the steep, rugged canyon walls that drop down to the North Fork of the Feather River.
Feather River Canyon - Photo by Nan Aki
The historic Pulga and Tobin bridges-highway and railroad bridges that cross over each other-and three tunnels blasted through granite are among the most frequently photographed sites. Seven hydroelectric powerhouses make up the "Stairway of Power" along the river with excellent views of the process in action.
Numerous hiking trails (including the Pacific Crest Trail) are accessed in the canyon, while the river provides opportunities for gold panning, camping and springtime rafting and kayaking. There also are numerous fishing holes along the creeks that intersect the river.
The small communities of Storrie, Tobin, Belden, Caribou, Twain and Paxton offer lodging, camping, convenience stores and places to eat.
An annual Miners Day Fair is held in Twain over Labor Day weekend, featuring an Old West shootout and more.
Come and see us...
Put your starting address in the "From" box below for directions to the Feather River Canyon...
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