Communities

Feather River Canyon

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.

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.

Belden Powerhouse in the Feather River Canyon

Belden Powerhouse in the Feather River Canyon

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.

Recreational flow releases on the North Fork Feather River increase the opportunities for whitewater enthusiasts, on select weekends from June to October.

The small communities of Storrie, Tobin, Belden, Caribou, Twain and Paxton offer lodging, camping, convenience stores and places to eat.