One of Northern California’s most beloved hikes is open again. After years of closure due to wildfire damage, the Feather Falls Trail near Oroville has officially reopened to the public, giving outdoor enthusiasts a chance to once again experience one of the region’s most breathtaking natural landmarks.

The 8.3-mile round-trip hike leads to Feather Falls, a stunning 410-foot waterfall that drops into the Middle Fork of the Feather River. The trail has long been a favorite for its mix of shaded forest paths, scenic overlooks, and the dramatic viewing platform perched high above the gorge.

That experience changed dramatically after the North Complex Fire in 2020 and the Dixie Fire in 2021, which burned large portions of the Plumas National Forest. What was once a cool, shaded trek beneath tall pines is now an open, sun-drenched landscape of recovery. Visitors will see a forest in transition — blackened tree trunks, young saplings, and wildflowers reclaiming the slopes.

Because the trail is now fully exposed to the elements, hikers are advised to bring sun protection, plenty of water and snacks, and a travel buddy.

In 2025, the U.S. Forest Service completed a comprehensive restoration project, rebuilding bridges, handrails, and observation decks destroyed in the fires. The work has made the trail safer and more sustainable while preserving its rugged charm.

The Feather Falls Scenic Trailhead is located about 25 miles northeast of Oroville, accessible via Lumpkin Road in the Plumas National Forest.

Watch our hike to the waterfall before the fires here: