Hiking 101
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or brand new to getting outdoors, we’ve got you covered with what you need to know to get started hiking and enjoy the best of what Northern California has to offer. Get the packing list. Mira el video en Español.
Bidwell Park Regulations
At over 11 miles long, Bidwell Park is home to many popular trails in the county. You’ll find park-specific rules and advisements below, though most of the information is excellent for other trails in Butte County. Please make sure to read trail-specific rules to do your part in keeping Butte County trails clean and available to everyone!
Be Prepared
Be sure you have everything you need to stay safe and comfortable, including water, sun protection, and appropriate clothes and shoes.
Watch for hazards, such as downed trees. You may also encounter poison oak, ticks, rattlesnakes, large wildlife, swift water, or steep drop-offs. Avoid danger by staying on designated trails and exploring with a friend.
Prohibited Items
- Alcohol
- Glass
- All smoking and vaping
- Camping
- Campfires and BBQs outside of designated areas
- Excessive noise
- Harming or removal of wildlife, vegetation, rocks, artifacts, etc.
Remember!
When you explore, leave no trace behind.
Pack in what you pack out, pick up after yourself, and keep the trails better than you found them for the next person to enjoy.
Trail & Safety Etiquette
Please stay on designated trails and roads for safety and to prevent resource damage — tread lightly!
During wet conditions, trails are closed to bicycles and horses to reduce erosion. Upper Park Road is open for bike and equestrian use during wet conditions.
Yahi Trail is pedestrian-only; all other trails in Upper Bidwell Park are mixed-use for bicycles and/or horses.
Trail safety and courtesy are Bidwell Park standards. Please yield to other users as appropriate.
When on the trail, equestrians have the right away — both pedestrians and bicyclists must yield to them, and bicyclists must also yield to pedestrians.
Bicyclists must observe all California vehicular codes, including one-way streets. Bicycle riding is not allowed in Caper Acres, on the Sycamore Pool deck, and on the Yahi Trail. Bike helmets must be worn at all times on unpaved roads.
Motorized vehicles are only allowed on designated roads and in established parking areas.
Horses must cross at designated creek crossings and are not allowed in the One-Mile or Five-Mile Recreation Area.
Dogs
Lower Park: Dogs may be off leash from 5:30am until 8:30am and must remain under voice control. Dogs must be on leash at all other times.
Upper Park: Dogs may be off leash on the north side of Upper Park Road and must remain under voice control. Dogs must be on leash in all areas on and south of Upper Park Road.
Swimming Areas: Dogs are not allowed in Sycamore Pool, on the pool deck, or the surrounding grass area in Lower Park. Dogs are also not allowed in any other named swimming hole in Bidwell Park.
Dogs are prohibited from harassing or harming wildlife or people.
CA State Parks Regulations
California State Parks runs the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area and Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park, so make sure you review their detailed guidelines before enjoying one of the trails in those areas.
State Parks General Tips
“Leave only footprints; take only memories.”
Natural scenery, plants, and animal life are protected by federal, state, and park laws, so disturbance or destruction of these resources is strictly forbidden.
Dogs must be on a tended leash no more than 6 feet or confined in an enclosed vehicle, tent or pen.
Unless posted to the contrary, dogs are not allowed on trails or day-use areas around Lake Oroville; they are allowed in parking lots, paved roadways, and campgrounds.
Smoking is not permitted on State Park trails.
Place all garbage, cigarettes, paper boxes, bottles, ashes and other rubbish in designated receptacles.