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North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve

Address 2488 Cherokee Rd, Oroville, CA, United States
Phone +1 916-358-2869
Website www.wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/North-Table-Mountain-ER
Categories Nature Preserve, Hiking Area, Tourist Attraction
Rating 4.9 15 reviews
Nearest branches
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North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve reviews

15
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Bob
June 15, 2023 4:13 pm

We found this water fall trail on maps on our way back from Oroville Dam. There's a sign in the parking lot that said the trail to falls was 1 mile (see photo). WRONG! Once we got 0.8 miles down the trail, there was a trail marker telling us the trail to the falls was another 1.1 miles. It was 7: 30 PM so we headed back. Darn!

The reviews here say the trail is FREE. NOT! There is a QR code sign at the trail entrance clearly stating that this trail is on a California Department of Fish and Wildlife Lands Pass
Property and requires a Daily (1-day) Lands Pass
($5.40 for 2023) or a valid CA fishing license.

Looking at the photos, the spring flowers here are outstanding, and I will return, with my Land Pass.

Cha
May 24, 2023 5:48 am

Good starter hike. Easy for kids and adults. However, it’s Memorial Day 2023 and there’s no water. So if your coming for that, you won’t see it, but if your here for a good hike, then it’s worth it.

Gloria
May 15, 2023 9:43 am

Not much water at the moment. I did the loop and it was nice. This hike should be done in the morning if possible, not much shade and very hot area

cindee
April 27, 2023 6:44 pm

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.

Kristen
April 17, 2023 2:50 pm

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.

Jodi
April 17, 2023 7:04 am

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.

Janelle
April 16, 2023 12:05 am

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.

Laura
April 13, 2023 8:09 pm

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!

Lauren
April 10, 2023 8:16 pm

STAY ON THE TRAIL so you don’t kill these beautiful flowers I got these epic pics while STAYING on the trail

Kai
April 09, 2023 11:10 pm

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.

Kay
April 07, 2023 6:36 am

This place is amazing! Great views and nature is stunning! Definitely bring a jacket because it's super windy up there. The waterfalls are beautiful

Patrick
April 02, 2023 12:40 pm

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.

Alena
April 02, 2023 9:04 am

One of my favorite spots. We were there few weeks ago. It was very crowded, but we enjoyed it anyway.

Caleb
April 01, 2023 8:32 am

Gorgeous place. It was once a hidden gem, now heavily trafficked by hikers. Tons of places to get lost in and explore.

There are no official trails nor services. Explore the preserve, and watch out for the cows.

Katy
March 29, 2023 1:01 pm

What a wonderful day for a hike. Blue skies, wispy clouds and a few contrails. No superbloom, but there were some nice flowers juxtaposed with the basalt rock. There were a few creeks to cross and some rocky hills. My husband had more trouble as he is blind in one eye and has difficulty judging the rocks. You would need an all terrain stroller or wheelchair if those are required. It is dog friendly. Be a responsible dog parent and clean their poop.

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