North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve — Attraction in Oroville

I've lived in Chico for over 8 years now and I've finally gotten around to visiting Table Mountain this past spring! Everyone always talked about how gorgeous all the flowers and scenery is and there's a couple waterfalls you can visit here. It's a wonderful place to take photos. I'm definitely glad that I went; I can finally check that off my list! The hiking trails around here I would say are super easy for all types of people. I would say the only downside here is that there are way too many people here at a time and the crowdedness can take away from the nature experience. The parking lot gets so super full and there's a lot of kids running around so it's kind of loud at the start of the trail area. But the further in you go, it's much more peaceful. You should definitely come visit here if you live nearby in Chico the drive is pretty short, maybe like 20 or 30 minutes? There's lots of photo opportunities which is cool if that's what you're looking for. All the flowers and colors on the hills kind of give it that 🎵the-hills-are-alive-with-the-sound-of-music🎶 type of vibe. Also there are cows roaming very close by which is nice to watch but I wouldn't risk getting too close to them because you don't know what they'll do if they get startled and you don't want to get kicked or something. Anyway, overall, I would come back here for a nice little early morning hike, maybe when not too many people...

We were here in early April. The colors and scent of the flowers during spring is amazing. Hike is easy, but there are muddy area, areas with lots of small rocks that can be an ankle twister or you can slip on. Flat for the most park, some small incline and decline here and there. Lots of streams during the spring and there were a few waterfalls along the way to Phantom Falls. I'm sure we probably trespassed along with everyone else to get to phantom falls since there were wired fences along the way, but we didn't see a no trespassing sign so we weren't 100% sure. Maybe they were to keep the cows out. Oh, you'll probably see lots of cows on the way, they have droppings here and there, very easy to spot and avoid. Don't get too close to them, they usually ignore us but a few will stare at you as yoh walk by.

There is a parking lot but it fills up fast. We got there at 9am and the parking lot wasn't full, when we got back to the car at noon, parking lot was full and cars were parked by the road. No signs/markings indicating where phantom falls or other attractions are, since we were the first one out that morning, we got lost a few times looking for phantom falls. Get the coordinates on your gps amd try and follow trails made by people walking.

Phantom Falls:...

This place is beautiful when you come at the right time of year. I did a field study of California wildflowers here and was amazed at how many species exist here. Best to come as early as possible in the morning. This place is gaining popularity and people pack up the parking lots bringing a bunch of dogs and toddlers with strollers...it gets hectic and it's very annoying. Better enjoyed early in the morning when crowds aren't there to ruin it. Dogs have to be kept on leashes as there is free roaming cattle. The cows will absolutely chase down and hurt your dogs if they are approached, especially in calving season. Ive seen it happen... The only bathrooms are at the parking lot. There are a few different falls you can visit. If you really want to be amazed by this place, look up it's geologic history to learn about how Table Mountain was formed. You won't be disappointed. Area is relatively flat until you go deeper into the reserve...there are quite a few crowds if older folk who come out here but I wouldn't say it's wheelchair friendly. It's just easy enough for them to walk and see some of the flowers. At the parking lot there is also pretty good winds where...