Every year, this ecological preserve located just north of Oroville comes alive with jaw-dropping wildflowers in Northern California more beautiful than anything in your wildest imagination. The North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve features incredible hiking trails, waterfalls, and lovely flowers that bloom around this time each year. It’s a spot all of those who love Northern California wildflower hikes need to put on their bucket list. In fact, we think you should put it on your calendar right now! You will certainly be glad you did.

Poppies, lupines, and purple owl's clover are just some of the incredible blooms that grow each spring in this Butte County slice of paradise.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife/Flickr
The reserve is located on 3,315 acres about 7 miles north of Oroville.
Philip Bouchard/Flickr
The landscape here was created by ancient lava (basalt) flows, which has enabled a unique combination of plant life to grow here.
Philip Bouchard/Flickr
Seasonal streams and waterfalls are formed by fissures in the basalt that soak up winter rains. In a few places, however, the underlying basalt is impermeable to water forming a temporary pool. Soon to dry up after rains end, only specialized plants and animals adapted to this habitat can survive over time.
Philip Bouchard/Flickr
Seasonal streams and waterfalls include the striking Phantom Falls.
Ray Bouknight/Flickr
As the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers, and the North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve has plenty of them!
Philip Bouchard/Flickr
Hikers cross a wide ravine filled with lupines and other spring wildflowers.

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The beautiful wildflowers include the Foothill Triteleia (Triteleia lilacina).
Philip Bouchard/Flickr
The Ithuriel's Spear (Triteleia laxa).
Philip Bouchard/Flickr
And, of course the California Poppy! Here you can see tiny poppies poking through a mass of Sierra primroses.
Sathish J/Flickr
The area draws hikers year round, but the spring time is the best time to soak in the best that this place has to offer.
Philip Bouchard/Flickr
In this photo you can see the crumbled basalt rock in addition to the fields of wildflowers.
The appropriately named Goldfields (Lasthenia sp.) dominate the spring landscape.
Philip Bouchard/Flickr
To get to the reserve, from Hwy 70 in Oroville, follow these directions. Exit at Grand Ave (Exit 48). Go East (right) on Grand Ave for 1 mile. Left on Table Mountain Blvd for a tenth of a mile. Right on Cherokee Road 6.3 miles north to the reserve. Official access is through a small parking lot on the west side of Cherokee Road.
Philip Bouchard/Flickr
This stunning landscape makes you feel as though buckets of yellow, purple and orange paint were just splashed over the hillside. It's managed by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Sathish J/Flickr
Here you can see lupines, poppies, and more coreopsis (goldfields) that dominate the landscape.

Have you ever been to the North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve to see the wildflowers in Northern California? There’s nothing like experiencing these lovely blooms to make you really feel like spring has sprung! This beautiful trail is one of our favorite spring hikes in Northern California.

What other hikes are on your list for the season?  Please let us know your top choices in the comments section. We’re always happy to hear about your experiences!

If you love wildflowers and are trying to visit as many as possible this spring, you should also take a look at a recent article that features another incredible wildflower destination. It’s a hidden gem in Northern California we’re willing to bet you have never heard of before now.

Looking for ways to support reserves like this one? Check out Parks Project. Their goal is to protect and preserve parklands for future generations, and it’s a great one to help them achieve!

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More to Explore

Nature in Northern California

Danielle Schwartz | April 28, 2024

What are the best easy hikes in Northern California?

The best easy hikes in Northern California are great options for those looking for a low-key time or those with little ones who are exploring nature for the first time and need an easier terrain. Enjoy a peaceful walk on these trails.

 

What are the hardest hikes in Northern California?

The hardest hikes in Northern California are perfect for experienced hikers who are really looking for a challenge! These treks are not for the faint of heart or beginners, so if you go, be sure that you're prepared.

 

What is another wildflower hike in Northern California?

A great wildflower hike in Northern California is Michako Trail, San Carlos Fire Road, and Middle Burdell Fire Loop.

You'll find this lovely 3.4-mile-long trail full of flowers in the Mount Burdell Preserve. Go in the spring to see all the colorful blooms in person! Photos just can't do them justice. There is nothing like their natural beauty to make you appreciate nature!

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Featured Addresses
North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, 2488 Cherokee Rd, Oroville, CA 95965, USA