East Branch & North Fork Feather River to Oroville:

The East Branch North Fork Feather River and the North Fork proper combine to provide one of the best trophy trout streams in the North State. The spectacular natural scenery and the man-made engineering fetes make this one of finest highway tours in California.

The East Branch North Fork Feather River is formed with the joining of Spanish Creek and Indian Creek. From this confluence it runs west through beautiful scenery, small towns and hamlets, and a spectacular rocky gorge. After joining the North Fork proper, the river wends its way through a series of dams and powerhouses to Lake Oroville. All along its route it is kept company by the Union Pacific Railroad, finished in 1910 by the Western Pacific Railroad as the last transcontinental railroad in the United States and the Feather River Highway, finished in 1935. Rail fans pull over at every turnout for photo opportunities along this National Forest Scenic Byway. Going back to 1850 gold mining was the major industry along this river, and the remnants of several gold camps may still be seen, particularly Rich Bar, famous in California Gold Rush history. The cool water of the East Branch and the North Fork have made these streams trophy trout rivers, where anglers try their luck along its 60 mile course. Kayakers, rafters, fishermen, and swimmers all enjoy the water sports activities available here.