Spectacular, rugged, and beginning to open up … Feather Falls County

Sunset, May, 1985

Rambunctious rivers career through foot-hills in Feather Falls Scenic Area. Silver streams converge, spume off cliffs, then drift into quiet pools and clattering creeks. Spectacular and rugged, but gradually becoming more accessible, this area beckons the adventurous with its thundering beauty, soaring views, and solitude. The 14,890-acre preserve is in Plumas National Forest, northeast of Oroville and about a 2-1/2-hour drive north of Sacramento.

Now, when higher country is still snow-bound, you can explore the gentler elevations here (2,000 to 4,000 feet). In May, the foothills are at their freshest, with wildflowers and watefalls at their peaks. And comfortable temperatures allow the physical exertion this terrain demands.

Still, Feather Falls Scenic Area is a place to tread softly and respectfully. Since traces of civilization are few, the land magnificent and unchanged, it's possible to imagine the presence of the Maidu Indians who lived here in harmony with the forest, rivers, and wildlife. (You may come across their mounds, mortar holes, and earlier settlements.) The Maidu were uprooted by '49ers who poured in to prospect along the Feather and its tributaries.

You can hike recently built trails or participate in trail-building weekends as the U.S. Forest Service seeks to open up this area to the hiker, camper, and angler.

Several years ago, the Forest Service completed a master plan for the development of a trail system linking several of the major attractions in the science are. To date, volunteers have constructed 3-1/2 miles of an eventual 12-mile trail. Strenuous yet rewarding trail work weekends are organized by Mike Taylor. For details, write or call him at Plumas National Forest, La Porte Ranger District, Drawer F, Challenge, Calif. 95925; (916) 675-2462.

Exploring on foot

Feather Falls. The most established and popular trail is the one to Feather Falls. A moderately demanding, 8-mile round-trip hike takes you down through an oak and fir forest, over Frey Creek, then up to a dramatic overlook; you'll see Fall River fly 640 feet into a box canyon, where the Middle Fork of the Feather joins in.

If you wish to follow Fall River back into the forest, you'll come across deep quiet pools and riverside campsites--good destinations for a weekend backpacking trip. Carry your own water. Watch out for poison oak, and stay well within the railings near Feather Falls.

To reach the Feather Falls trailhead from Lumpkin Road (see map above), go left on Bryant Ravine Road for 2 miles. Do not leave valuables in your car.

Watson Ridge to Feather Falls. Another view of Feather Falls is possible by taking a new trail that starts on Watson Ridge. This 8-mile round-trip hike begins at 4,000 feet. As you skirt the contours of the ridge, airy views of Adams Falls and Bald Rock Dome unfold. Peer into the depths of Bald Rock Canyon and you'll see the wild Middle Fork of the Feather relentlessly slicing its way through granite. The trail ends at another Feather Falls lookout. You return the same way.

To get to the trailhead, drive past the town of Feather Falls, bear right, and follow the gravel road for 7.3 miles to the Camp 18 junction. Continue north through the junction, remaining on the gravel road--now called Hartman Bar Road--for 6.7 miles until it splits at the top of a ridge; turn left and follow the oiled road for 1.4 miles to a T intersection (no sign) and turn left. The gravel road continues 3.6 miles, then turns to dirt for the remaining 4 miles to the trailhead. (Don't be confused by the Watson Cabin trailhead located 1.3 miles from the end of the road.)

Depending on rainfall, these last 4 miles may be impassable to all but pickups and four-wheel-drive vehicles until June. For road conditions, call (916) 675-2462.

Seven Falls is the unofficial name for a series of falls resulting from the South Branch's journey to the Middle Fork. Actually a series of nine falls, running from 60 to 100 feet each, this remote cascade is presently only accessible to the determined and sure-footed. (A proposed new trail should provide safer and more reasonable walking.)

If you're willing to make the trek, you'll be amply rewarded by taking the short, steep path down to Seven Falls. It begins 3.6 miles past Milsap Bar and 2.2 miles from Hartman Bar Road. Look for a slight turnout on the west side of the road; the trail begins there. A very steep descent of about 3/4 mile will take you to the upper falls.

A poignant reminder of the India past, Pompys Point is a chunk of granite overlooking several spectacular pools of Seven Falls. Legend has it that Pompy, a Maidu shaman, came here to draw spiritual strength from the force of the falls. It's easy to envisio him still, pondering the falls' magnificence, and perhaps attain some inspiration yourself.

Pitching your tent

You can camp anywhere within the Scenic Area with a Free campfire permit, available from the Forest Service office in Oroville, at 875 Mitchell Avenue. A map of the area costs $1, and you can obtain more information on roads, trails, and fishing. Hours are 8 to 4:30 weekdays; telephone (916) 534-6500. On Saturdays, you can pick up a campfire permit at the Challenge office. It's the big two-story yellow building on your left just before you enter town.