North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve image

North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve

Tourist attraction Hiking area Nature preserve

One of the Best Places To Visits in Butte County


Address

2488 Cherokee Rd, Oroville, CA 95965, United States

Website

www.wildlife.ca.gov

Contact

+1 916-358-2869

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (684 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: parking (11) falls (10) hike (10) water (9) flowers (8) Phantom (7) time (7) beautiful (7) Falls (7) trail (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Trachemysta 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing area to enjoy a good morning just hiking around. Many trails, paths and possible directions, as well as falls to visit (especially Ravine and Phantom falls), but also to just walk around, enjoying the views, the cattle and the wildflowers during spring is well worth the visit. There are some parking lots nearby, but perhaps the most accessible one is the one on cherokee Rd. Take into account that this area get crowed usually after 9 am, so plan accordingly and try to arrive before that. Also, there is no shade, so be careful on sunny days and wear clothes that cover your arms/shoulders and also a hat/cap to protect your head. Finally, during spring it is the best time to come, but also it is usually wet and muddy so wear water proof boots, long pants and an extra pair of socks in case you step on a puddle.
    18 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kieonne D. 1 year ago on Google
    Visited North Table Mountain Ecological Preserve it was absolutely beautiful. We thought it would be a good time to catch waterfalls after all the rain storms that have recently passed through California. The views were incredible. I would rate the hike all the way down to Phantom Falls as moderate to somewhat difficult depending on your fitness level. I’m fit and hike regularly but the area down to the second falls is very steep. It’s approximately 7 miles round trip, out and back. The flowers were blooming. It cost approx $5.50 per person for a day pass. It took us about 2 hours travel from Vacaville each way. I would definitely make the drive again. It’s worth it.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place to hike this time of year. Unfortunately, not a lot of water so the falls only trickles but it's still a beautiful piece of land to hike and identify species.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 J C. 2 years ago on Google
    You have to visit this place around late March to April to see the bloom of the wild flower. Great photo opportunity!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Patrick H. 1 year ago on Google
    A beautiful day to hike and enjoy the super blooms. If you are unable to get a parking spot you will need to park on the side of the road. There is a requirement to purchase a pass and keep on you at all times while touring the North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve and can be purchased before arrival or scan the QR code on the sign at the beginning of the trail. There are plenty of other visitors hiking through the reserve too but you can still enjoy yourself if exploring solo. Recommend hiking boots due to the many rocky trails. Please do not trample through the fields to get your perfect picture and also do not take any of the flowers. Stay on the walking paths to help ensure that the flowers can reseed to bloom again.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jodi H. 11 months ago on Google
    If you're searching for a superbloom hike with all the colors (mainly yellow, orange, white and purple), North Table is it! Plus you get waterfall access (Ravine Falls) or a full on aerial view of a gentle waterfall with a colorful backdrop (Phantom Falls). Regardless of the day, try to arrive before 10:30AM since all the tour groups and crowds came around 11AM. A day pass is required <$6, but you can purchase day of via phone, QR code, or online. Portapotties-a-plenty, but bring tissues and hand sani. Dog-friendly on leash, bring your own poop bags. Saw all ages of hikers (lots of hiker poles) and tons of kiddos, but none at the top of the falls since there are craggly, loose rocks and major quad and glute burners to traverse some height. It's totally worth a visit, minimal shade at the start, 4.5-5.0mi total to get to Phantom and back.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ginger D. 2 years ago on Google
    No recommend for water fall and wild flower seekers, since there is no much water in the middle of May! And it is super hot . Nice view though!! It was very rocky trail, so d better wear property shoes 👟. We were exhausted! I hope I can come back in spring to see the flowers and water falls.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Justin M. 1 year ago on Google
    Wonderful place! The parking lot has been updated and new restroom installed, new gate, along with a new information area with 3D map. I'm just really bummed out Hollow Fall has been removed from public access. it was the easier of the water falls for families to hike to. Now it's sectioned off with barbed wire and no trespassing signs.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kristen Q. 11 months ago on Google
    This place is beautiful when you come at the right time of year. I did a field study of California wildflowers here and was amazed at how many species exist here. Best to come as early as possible in the morning. This place is gaining popularity and people pack up the parking lots bringing a bunch of dogs and toddlers with strollers...it gets hectic and it's very annoying. Better enjoyed early in the morning when crowds aren't there to ruin it. Dogs have to be kept on leashes as there is free roaming cattle. The cows will absolutely chase down and hurt your dogs if they are approached, especially in calving season. Ive seen it happen... The only bathrooms are at the parking lot. There are a few different falls you can visit. If you really want to be amazed by this place, look up it's geologic history to learn about how Table Mountain was formed. You won't be disappointed. Area is relatively flat until you go deeper into the reserve...there are quite a few crowds if older folk who come out here but I wouldn't say it's wheelchair friendly. It's just easy enough for them to walk and see some of the flowers. At the parking lot there is also pretty good winds where families fly kites.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kai N. 1 year ago on Google
    We did a 6 mile hike in and out to see the super bloom of spring 2023! It was beautiful. Some parts ver rocky so make sure to have appropriate shoes. We saw several waterfalls and crossed many streams. It was an intermediate hike.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yuanyuan L. 1 year ago on Google
    Finally got a wonderful view of phantom fall due to the heavy rainfall this year. Part of the trail can be very muddy also. Wear waterproof boot and apply enough sun cream. Wildflowers are everywhere. Good for a chill hiking in the springtime.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kandis G. 2 years ago on Google
    Even though there wasn't much water this year we still saw a good variety of wild flowers and I was impressed with improvements to the parking lot and new vault toilet. Be prepared for little to no shade, get a CDFW Lands Pass before arriving, and pack out your trash.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Zhong S. 2 years ago on Google
    Not much wild flowers this year. Trail from Phantom Falls to Beatson Falls is not clearly marked. We have been to five falls on our loop trail, almost no water. The trail from parking lot to Beatson Falls is better. You can have shade from time to time. Overall, it's a bit disappointed. BTW, you need to buy a permit of $4.95 for accessing the reserve. The parking lot is quickly full.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Laura S. 1 year ago on Google
    Hiked to Phantom Falls today in the afternoon. Amazing show of wildflowers! If you've never been, now's the time to go. It's spectacular!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ortega G. 1 year ago on Google
    My favorite places some might get played out on it but I can't get enough of this place been coming here since I was in Jr high at Palermo and now I'm 33 and been taking my daughter since seen was born we love this mountain 🌄
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tina H. 1 year ago on Google
    It was beautiful as you can see, I heard and or saw birds, frogs, crickets, lizards cows and lots of mosquitoes.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 cindee l. 11 months ago on Google
    Hike to Phantom falls:) 2 miles each way or a longer loop for an 8 mile hike. Bring water and watch for snakes. Most of the trail is easy. Some of the trail is kind of steep and rocky. It is very busy in the spring due to the flowers . I was there on a Thursday at 9:00. The parking lot was full. Addional parking on the road.

  • 5/5 Janelle E. 11 months ago on Google
    It was a beautiful area. The hiking over lava rocks and going down hills was challenging. Best to bring 2 walking sticks. Great spots to picnic.


Call +1 916-358-2869 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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