Lake Oroville

Lake Oroville is a reservoir in Northern California formed by a dam on the Feather River, with shorelines stretching over 170 miles (about 270 kilometers) through rolling foothills and steep canyon walls. The water fills a valley that cuts deep into the Sierra Nevada foothills, creating narrow arms and coves that branch into surrounding drainages.

The dam that created the reservoir was built during the 1960s as part of California's effort to store water for irrigation and municipal use in drier regions. Construction required flooding the original valley and relocating communities that had existed along the Feather River for generations.

The Feather River Nature Center at Lake Oroville presents educational exhibits about local wildlife, plant species, and regional environmental patterns.

Several boat ramps provide access for watercraft, while hiking trails begin at different points along the shore and lead up into the surrounding hills. Most facilities stay open year-round, though water levels can drop significantly during summer months compared to spring when snowmelt fills the reservoir.

When water levels drop during dry years, remnants of old bridges and building foundations from flooded settlements become visible along the exposed lakebed. Some years reveal sections of former roads that once connected communities in the valley before the dam was built.

Location: Oroville

Elevation above the sea: 275 m

GPS coordinates: 39.56360,-121.45600

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:31