Butte County Community Guide

**Bidwell Bar Bridge, Oroville.** Photo Credit: @kelruns72

July 2023

They say that home is where the heart is, and for most people, hometowns are an important and integral part of a person’s identity. Your roots are laid from the moment you’re born and for many, your hometown way of life, values and beliefs are at the core of who you are. Even if you don’t realize it, your hometown played an important role in helping you become the person you are today. Butte County is an incredible place with so much to offer! While our communities are small, our hearts are big and we have seen our community members show up for one another year and year, hardship after hardship. We have seen resiliency, growth, and pride for the people and place in which we live.

Here in Butte County we are not only fortunate for our community members, but we also happen to be blessed with abundance of outdoor recreational activities that keep can keep even the most active person busy. That’s the wonderful thing about Butte County - there is something for everyone! Last month we took you on a grand tour of far Northern California, but with Summer still in full swing and so much to explore in our own backyard, let’s take a closer look this month at Butte county. Whether you’re looking for action, adventure or relaxation, there is something for everyone!

Butte county, a history

***Downtown Chico; Looking south along Broadway, 1911.*** Photo Credit: Downtown Chico

Butte County was officially incorporated in 1850 and spanned across present day Tehama, Plumas, Colusa, and Sutter Counties. It was in this same year, with the arrival of Chico founder, General John Bidwell, that the course of history was changed forever and the idea of ‘Chico’ was born. It took many years and an intense legal battle, but finally the title was signed by President James Buchanan and Rancho Arroyo Chico was granted to Bidwell. It was then, in 1860, that the City of Chico was officially founded. There was a great deal of growth, turmoil and immense change in the years that followed; everything from the historic 1877 riots, to the creation of the flume system that supplied lumber for the Diamond Match Factory, to the development of what is now Chico State University. The images of Historic Chico & Oroville below are provided by California State University, Chico.

It was several years later, on July 10, 1905, that Annie Bidwell signed a grant deed donating 1,902 to the people of Chico for a public park. These initial acres have been expanded upon several times over the years, resulting in the creation of Bidwell Park, one of the largest parks in the nation. As a community, we have been fortunate enough to enjoy stunning Bidwell Park for the last 118 years and for that we will be forever grateful to Annie Bidwell.

**Historic Downtown Oroville.** Photo Credit: Ruby Swartzlow, Butte County History

Originally named "Ophir City", and later changed to Oroville when the first post office opened in 1854, the City of Oroville was incorporated on in January of 1906. Oro is the Spanish word for 'gold' and ‘ville’ is French for the word town, roughly translating ‘Oroville’ to the city of gold - A fitting name for a town perched on the riverbanks of the Feather River where gold was found at Bidwell Bar, one of the first gold mining sites in California. Oroville is one of many spots along the banks of California’s rivers where thousands of prospectors panned for gold in hopes of striking it big.

The Paradise Ridge was initially occupied by the Maidu Indians who lived here for nearly 10,000 years before the arrival of settlers. The onset of the Gold Rush brought miners from all around the world. After the gold rush slowed down, the Paradise area continued to thrive as an agricultural area. In addition, the Butte County Railroad operated trains along the ridge, serving mines and sawmills in the region. In 1979, the Town of Paradise incorporated into Butte County.

PARKS

**Upper Bidwell Park.** Photo Credit: Jim Nelson, City of Chico

Bidwell Park, Chico

Bidwell Park is the third largest park in California - The park was established July 10, 1905, through the donation by Annie Bidwell, widow of Chico's founder, John Bidwell. It is approximately 15 miles long and is separated into 2 distinct sections: Upper Park and Lower Park. Bidwell Park encompasses so much with so much to see and do, that there is a more detailed breakdown of Bidwell Park below.

Degarmo Park, Chico

Degarmo Park is a 36-acre community park, located in the North part of Chico. It includes softball fields, multi-use turf fields, a playground, dog park, picnic area, walking path and restrooms.

20th Street Community Park, Chico

20th Street Park is a 40-acre recreational facility located in South Chico. It offers 2 separate playground areas (for Ages 2-5 & 5-12), picnic area, barbeques, restrooms, horseshoe pits, pickleball courts, volleyball courts, tennis courts, softball fields, soccer fields, multi-purpose sports fields, and an indoor gymnasium.

Hooker Oak Park, Chico

**Hooker Oak Park;** Photo Credit: Chico Area Recreation & Park District

Located in North Chico, in the Southernmost park of Upper Bidwell Park, this 35 acre community park is the former site of the large hooker oak tree which was its namesake and a featured element in the 1930’s movie Robin Hood. It includes a playground, picnic area, barbecues, horseshoe pits, basketball court, softball & baseball fields, and the Sherwood Forest Kids Disc Golf Course.

Children's Park, Chico

Children’s Park was donated to the community in 1911 by Annie Bidwell. It consists of a 2.9 acre greenspace with a playground and is within walking distance to the Bidwell Mansion, Bidwell Bowl Amphitheater, Chico State, downtown Chico, and Big Chico Creek.

**Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park,** Photo Credit: ***@jessicanicolebartlett***

Bidwell–Sacramento River State Park, Chico

Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park is a main hub for fishing for salmon, steelhead and shad and offers 4 separate day-use areas; Indian Fishery Day Use Area, Big Chico Creek Day Use Area, Pine Creek Day Use Area, and Irvine Finch River Access. A popular activity is the Sacramento River float, on inner tubes, canoes, or kayaks.

Bedrock Park, Oroville

Bedrock Park is a 3.75-acre park situated along the Feather River. It offers an area for swimming as well as a walking path along the river that allows you to reach Riverbend Park and Centennial Plaza. It has a small amphitheater of bleachers and river access for fishing.

Riverbend Park, Oroville

Riverbend Park is a 210-acre park situated along the Feather River, located at 60 Montgomery Street in Oroville. This park has 4 reservable pavilions with barbeques and seating; Eagle Point Pavilion, Big Bear Pavilion, Little Bear Pavilion & Salmon Pavilion. There is an accessible beach along the river, as well as multiple play structures, multi-use fields, paved trails, a boat dock, fishing ponds, a Disc Golf Course and a connecting dog park.

Pictured below, left; Photo Credit: Feather River Recreation & Park District

Centennial Plaza, Oroville

Centennial Plaza features a waterfront promenade, river views, a local art display and is only one block away from Historic Downtown Oroville. This space can be rented for weddings/special events. Pictured above, right; Photo Credit: Feather River Recreation & Park District

Hammon Park, Oroville

Hammon Park is a 5.5 acre park located in Oroville with a variety of turf baseball, soccer and football activities. There are 6 individual picnic areas with barbecues and 2 distinct playgrounds, one for children ages 0-6 and one for children ages 7-12.

Bille Park, Paradise

Bille Park is located at 501 Bille Road in Paradise. It features a playground, large grassy area and group area with ample picnic tables in shade. Each group site comes with a BBQ, table, and benches. Surrounded by a redwood grove, the Counselor's Circle and group BBQ area can provide a beautiful backdrop for your outdoor wedding and reception.

Bille Park, Paradise; pictured below left - Photo Credit: Explore Butte County

Paradise Lake, Paradise

Photo Credit: Paradise Recreation & Parks District

This picturesque 204-acre lake is located just north of Paradise, right before you reach Magalia. The lake is equipped with hiking trails, paddling, fishing, mountain biking, 2 playgrounds and several picnic tables and benches. Two boat launches at the north end of the lake provide water access for electric powered boats and personal powered watercraft (kayaks, paddleboards). Paradise lake supplies drinking water for the area which makes swimming, dogs and horses prohibited. The lake is closed on Wednesdays.

Paradise Lake, Paradise; pictured above right - Photo Credit: Explore Butte County

Crain Memorial Park, Paradise

Crain Memorial Park has been described as the hidden gem of Butte County. Located in Concow, this park features a picnic area, restrooms, native plant trail, drinking water, play structure and stunning meadow area.

DOG PARKS

Degarmo Park, Chico

This pet-friendly space consists of one large area for dogs of all sizes to play together. There are pet waste stations, picnic benches and kiddie pools for four-legged visitors to lay in.

Upper Bidwell Park, Chico

Along the north side of Upper Park Road, dogs may be off leash anytime. While off leash, dogs must remain under voice control. Dogs are not allowed in the water at One-Mile or Five-Mile swimming areas, or swimming holes in Upper Park.

Paradise Dog Park, Paradise

Formerly known as Lezlie Morrow Memorial Dog Park, this fully-fenced park provides separate spaces for large and small dogs. The park is nicely shaded and bench seating is available.

BIDWELL PARK

TRAILS

Lower Bidwell Park

If you are looking for a low-strenuous walk or hike, take a stroll through Lower Bidwell Park. Lower Bidwell Park is flat and level, with paved paths, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely and family-friendly stroll! Lower park’s trail is roughly 6 miles roundtrip and is covered with Chico’s most beautiful trees.

Fun Fact: At an impressive 3,670 acres, Bidwell is one of the largest city parks in the United States!

Upper Bidwell Park

If you are looking for more of a challenge, then Upper Bidwell Park is the place for you! Upper Park features a range of terrain perfect for exploring on foot! You will find a variety of trails including Monkey Face, Yahi Trail, North Rim Trail, and many more!

Lower Trail (easy)

This 5 mile out-and-back trail is considered an easier hike and takes around 2 hours to complete. Open year-round, this is a popular trail for hiking and mountain biking, but there are still plenty of opportunities to find a peaceful moment as bird watching is also a popular activity on this trail. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.

**Views from the Yahi Trail, Upper Park**; Photo Credit: Explore Butte County

Middle Trail (easy to moderate)

Middle trail is a rocky, 8.1 mile out-and-back hike, with an elevation gain of around 800 feet. This trail connects the north side of Bidwell Park with various other trails and scenic areas. It offers little to no shade.

Yahi Trail (easy to moderate)

This is easily one of the most popular trails in Chico’s Bidwell Park. This is a pedestrian-only trail that follows Big Chico Creek. This trail has lots of shade and endless amounts of wildflowers to see! Yahi Trail is 8.8 miles out-and-back, with plenty of entry points along the path, and tons of parking lots, this makes Yahi an ideal route for all skill levels. Check out this hiking trail during summer time and you will find tons of swimming holes along the way to swim in.

SWIMMING HOLES

Lower Bidwell Park

**One Mile**; Photo Credit: ***Howard Hian***

Sycamore Hole (One Mile)

This is the first of many swimming holes along Big Chico Creek. Throughout the 1920-1930’s this portion of the creek was dammed and eventually cemented into a permanent pool. Lifeguards are present from Memorial Day to Labor Day. This area also features picnic tables, barbecues, drinking fountains, restrooms, walking trails, horseshoe pits, and plenty of shade trees to relax under during the warm Chico summers.

Five Mile

Five Mile is on the cusp between upper and lower park, and offers a refreshing spot to swim and relax. The water here is shallower and calmer than further upstream, making it an ideal location for children and families. There are restrooms, picnic tables, barbecues and plenty of open space to spread out.

Upper Bidwell Park

Alligator Hole

Alligator hole is another slow part of the creek and one of the stops along the Yahi Trail. Its shallow water and short hike from the parking area (.75 miles) make it a great destination for little ones. It’s a perfect spot to spend the day or take a dip after a long hike.

Bear Hole/Diversion Dam

Approximately one mile upstream, along the Yahi Trail, is Bear Hole. You won’t miss it with its shiny black volcanic basalt rock formations. Here you’ll find deep sparkling pools of flowing water and warm rocks to sun yourself on. Directly upstream from Bear Hole is Diversion Dam, with more beautiful cool water and basalt rock. The remains of flumes can be seen along the banks of Big Chico Creek.

Salmon Hole

Salmon hole is located deeper in Upper Park and offers a more secluded opportunity to swim and relax. This hole is the least accessible by car and will require a small hike from the parking lot at the Diversion Dam to reach it. Once you’ve arrived, you will have to contend with some large rocks and boulders to climb down into the swimming area, but the reward is worth the effort.

Brown’s Hole

Brown’s Hole is the most remote swimming hole in Bidwell Park, a little under two miles from the Diversion Dam parking area. Venturing here, you’ll be met with more solitude and a wilderness-like setting with two long, slender pools surrounded by oak trees. Upstream of the small waterfall above Brown’s Hole is a nice gravel beach next to a smaller swimming area.

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June 2023 Market Report

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