Where to See Fall Colors in Butte County

Fall colors in California? If your vision of the Golden State starts at the coast, you might be surprised to learn that inland foothills and mountain communities see a spectacular autumnal show starting around mid-October through early November. And, with a wide variety of deciduous trees—col­or-chang­ing native oaks, sycamores, maples, gink­go bilo­ba and more—Butte County has some of the most vibrant fall col­or dis­plays in North­ern California.

Locals will tell you this is the season to be here. And that endorsement says something, considering how delightful wildflower season in Butte County can be, too. Here's where you can find the best pockets of fall color in the region.

From city streets and local trails to scenic drives just outside of town, the whole of Butte County shifts into autumn mode during an approximately six-week stretch. In downtown Oroville, stroll down Montgomery street, where treelined sidewalks turn into a colorful urban sprawl. Once you reach Sank Park and the C.F. Lott home, pop one block over to the Feather River Trail—a fall color hot spot in its own right—to loop back to the main drag.

About 30 minutes northwest of Oroville, Chico's fall color show is equally impressive. Cruise along the Esplanade to see the massive oak trees and sycamores that bring a stately air to this historic street. Don't miss the ginko biloba tree near the Gateway Science Museum. With its recognizable fan-shaped leaves that turn bright yellow in the fall this species is a fan (pun intended) favorite. Nearby, Chico State also joins in the fall color action. The flora-forward campus is a designated arboretum, with more than 200 species of plants, and plenty of deciduous trees for your autumnal viewing pleasure.

To enjoy a slightly less urban experience, head to Bidwell Park in Chico. The dense canopy of trees in Lower Bidwell Park provide the perfect backdrop for a leisurely walk or bike among the colors. In the more rugged Upper Bidwell Park, hike the Yahi Trail along Big Chico Creek where changing leaves highlight the park's unique basalt rock formations.

For one of the densest fall color displays in the region, Chico Seed Orchard takes the prize. Wander along the mellow dirt paths to enjoy an up-close look at and international collection of trees and plants from around the world. Take a detour on your way back to Chico to drive The Midway. This scenic route connecting Chico and Durham is especially gorgeous when the leaves start to turn.

If a day trip is in the cards, head about 40 minutes outside of either Chico or Oroville into the Sierra Nevada foothills, where a more immersed-in-nature fall color experience awaits. At Par­adise Lake hike as far as you'd like along the 9.4 mile trail that follows the lake's treelined north shore. Then, venture a bit deeper into the forest to explore the Forks of Butte Creek Recreation Area by car or on foot.

Want to know exactly when to see the fall colors? Bookmark this handy map that’s updated weekly throughout the fall with details on where the leaves are popping.