BUTTE COUNTY, CA (MPG) - With warmer temperatures and clear skies in the forecast, it is the perfect time to get out and enjoy some of our area’s natural beauty.

Ever popular at this time of the year, Oroville’s North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve is a fantastic place to view an expanse of wildflowers, pools and waterfalls. This area formed by ancient lava flows is a great location for families to explore or a solo hiking trip.

If you are looking for more than just a burst of color from the bright flowers that carpet the top of Table Mountain in spring, you can also enjoy one of the many waterfall hikes. These include Phantom Falls trail, the Beatson and Phantom Falls loop, and the Many Waterfalls Cross-County Loop which, during rainy season, can feature 9-14 waterfalls depending on recent precipitation.

 Table Mountain is a great place for families to explore nature. Pictured left to right: Courtney Waite holding Hayes Waite, Cohen Waite and Amelia Mattos. Photo provided by Jeannie Mattos

Visitors to Table Mountain will find limited parking in a lot provided off Cherokee Road. According to Explorebuttecounty.com, parking on the pavement 3.0 miles north of the intersection of Oregon Gulch Road to Derrick Road is restricted. Those able to find a spot along Cherokee Road must be parked fully off the pavement.

Guests are also cautioned to stay on the established trails, respect cattle by staying 300 feet away, keep dogs on leashes and follow the “leave no trace” principle by packing out all garbage and waste.

If you plan to visit this unique area, keep in mind that those 16 and older must carry a CDFW land pass. Visitors with a valid hunting or fishing license carried on their person are exempt. 

According to Explore Butte County’s website, land passes can be purchased online at ca.wildlifelicense.com, by calling 1-800-565-1458, or wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

For this and more information, please visit Explorebuttecounty.com.

 Amelia Mattos poses with some wildflowers. Photo provided by Jeannie Mattos