There’s never a bad time to embark on a scenic drive through the glorious NorCal backcountry. Our region of the Golden State is home to dozens of scenic highways and backroads, but the Feather River Scenic Byway offers an especially fantastic adventure. Boasting beautiful terrain, historic bridges, waterfalls, and more, there’s something amazing to be seen around every corner of this incredible route. Learn all about it below and be sure to hit the road soon!
Stretching for approximately 130-miles, the Feather River Scenic Byway is for the adventurer who's seeking a little bit of everything. Boasting both regional history and splendid natural beauty, this highway delivers on all fronts.
As you'd expect by its name, this scenic highway closely follows the Feather River as it meanders through granite cliffs and diverse terrain. Full of twists and turns through spectacular scenery, the byway treats you to view after view.
The route starts west, just outside of Oroville on Highway 70. From here, it winds through the breathtaking Feather River Canyon, all while following the middle fork of the Feather River. As California's very first Wild and Scenic River, this beautiful body of water is a sight to be seen.
The route then connects with Highway 89, winding through the charming little towns of Quincy and Blairsden. It then continues onto Highway 70 through the town of Portola before dropping into the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
One thing's for sure, this byway is definitely not short on scenic beauty. As you traverse the highway, you'll enjoy views of cascading waterfalls, brilliant wildflowers, and rugged canyon walls. It's a fantastic thing to witness!
The highway is rich with regional history, as well. Historic railroad tracks parallel the highway through the canyon. Many of the highway's rest areas contain information on the area's gold mining and railroad history.
The Feather River Scenic Byway typically takes drivers around three hours to complete, but you may want to plan more time so you can fully take advantage of this beautiful area. Hit the road soon for a memorable sightseeing adventure.
Have you driven on the Feather River Scenic Byway before? What’s your favorite highway to drive on when you’re hunting for beautiful views? Share with us in the comments below!
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