Feather Falls Loop Trail is a 8.1 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Oroville, California that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from March until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
The trail leads you to the sixth tallest year-round waterfall in the USA. This version takes the upper trail to the falls and back to the trail head via the upper trail. Though longer than an alternative route to the falls, this is the easiest way to the waterfall. During the springtime this is often the only trail to the waterfall because of flooding on the lower trail. The trail head is located near Feather Falls, California. The trail is great for hiking and normally takes a half day.
The trail can also be completed by returning along the lower trail which completes a loop. The lower trail is shorter but more difficult.
From Oroville, take Hwy 162 east (Olive Hwy) for 6.7 miles, turn right on Forbestown Road for 6.3 miles, turn left on Lumpkin Road for 11.4 miles to the signed turnoff for Feather Falls. Turn left at sign and drive 1.5 miles to the trailhead.
February 27, 2021February 21, 2021February 20, 2021
February 20, 2021February 1, 2021Great trail however completely destroyed by fire. Lots of deadfall on the trail and more to come. All of the bridges are unusable and the last 100 yards to the falls overlook including the platform is gone. Lots of washed out trail sections from recent rain. Still can get a good view here and there. Would not recommend until they maintain the trail especially if there is any wind.
December 13, 2020It was an incredible sight to see, bring plenty of water if coming in the spring time , enjoy the trail and be in aw as you get to enjoy the fall from a wooden observation point! (This has now been destroyed by a fire (as of 12/13/2020) and unfortunately will require time to recover, enjoy and appreciate what you have :)
November 15, 2020trail was devastated by the fire trail is closed I went down the trail because someone had thrown the sign in the ditch I was pleasantly the surprise to see it put back up upon my arrival with a wonderful notice from the forrest service to please not go on any closed trails. trail is fine two thirds up then it gets washed out and is unrecognizable.
November 3, 2020I would highly recommend this trail. I have done it probably a dozen times or so. I went today in hopes to see the devastation that had unfortunately ravaged the entire area. I wanted to see it for myself. However it was closed. Still got a couple shots. Sat and took it all in for a few minutes. again, I would give this trail a 5 stars any other time. But today only gets one because it was closed and so sad to see!
October 24, 2020This area just burned early September. Trees here and there are obstructing the pathway. Everything you touch is covered with ash and char. Hopefully service people will come clear the path soon. There was a half of a tree trunk that was still smoking.
October 7, 2020I love this trail so much. Unfortunately we took a little field trip to survey the damage and it appears to be completely destroyed. :(
August 20, 2020Trail was beautiful and very well maintained. You can either take the lower trail on the left or the upper trail on the right. I recommend taking the right one in because you’ll get to see an additional waterfall before the main one & then take the other trail out. Also you can dip in the water at multiple spots along the way. Great trail to bring your dogs, but mind you that its quite the trek so make sure it’s not too hot out! Go above the waterfall! It’s beautiful and you’ll be rewarded with an astonishing view! But beware people have died before going to the top & getting to close. You have no cell service & it’s a long ways out. If you needed rescuing it would be awhile & its pretty hard access so use your common sense :)
August 2, 2020Drove up there yesterday to do the hike but found it to be closed until the end of August. I should have checked the site first! Looks as though things are a little overgrown so glad it's under construction. I wanted to comment on the leash laws...they're in place so EVERYONE can enjoy the trail without fear of encountering a dog. You may be confident your dog won't hurt anyone or another dog, but a stranger doesn't know that. It can be very unsettling for someone with a fear of dogs to have one approach them. Please either follow the leash law or take your dog someplace where they're not required. I love dogs and enjoy "meeting them" but not everyone does!
July 25, 2020Hit the trail today with my rescue pupper Enterprise. She’s a mix breed (Stafordshire Golden-pit). Trail conditions were good, a lil’ overgrown, I probably ruined a pair of brand new capri warmups in the thick blackberries. Not too busy on the trail since it’s closed, although an elderly couple did give me dirty looks since Enterprise was off leash...lol. I have excellent voice control however, and she wouldn’t hurt a fly, so it’s not a problem. Except for those baby birds, haha, she just likes to chase stuff. Anyways, plenty of water at the falls Talk about a walk to remember!
July 13, 2020Very hard one you reach the top make sure swim first than come back go down see the water fall. Have enough water
July 11, 2020Really nice trail but it’s closed. I didn’t know and I got a ticket so don’t go till after august 30th
July 7, 2020*** NOTE: trail due to be closed July 8th - Aug 31st *** Great trail with a fantastic payoff at the end. The falls were truly spectacular - even in the 2nd week of July. I did the loop clockwise: out on the lower trail and back on the higher. The lower trail is more interesting, but definitely harder work with a stonier track and more ups and downs. The upper trail is longer but more gently graded and smoother. Make sure you follow the trail all the way to the viewing platform for the best view of the falls.
July 6, 2020Loved it!!! Concerned that I saw individuals with little to no water!!
July 5, 2020July 4, 2020Long but lovely. Lots of shade and a spectacular view of the falls at the end. Bring PLENTY of water. Bug spray was helpful also.
