Lake Oroville SRA's Visitor Center is located in a hilltop subdivision overlooking much of the lake. As far as State Park Visitor's Centers go, this is a large and well appointed one!

Lake Oroville was completed in 1967 with the construction of the nation's tallest earthen dam (770 feet) across the Feather River. This lake is part of t... Morehe larger California Water Project, exporting water to the south for both agriculture and cities.

The Visitor's Center complex reflects the Water Project, local natural history, and the culrtural history of this region through a variety of interpretive displays, and audio-visual room, and a 47 foot tall viewing tower atop the hill.

To get here take Oroville Dam Blvd. beyond the dam turnoff or follow Kelly Ridge Road off Olive Hwy. and through the residential neighborhoods.
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The trail head lis located in the northeast corner of the major parking area and boat ramp at the northerly end of the dam. Look for the shoreline picnic area,area; the trail is at the extreme left end at the base of the hill.

Note, there is no shade in the parking lot.

It's a mile drive across the dam and the views down t... Moreoward Oroville and across the Central valley are impressive. It's also got one of the best views of Sutter's Buttes around! The dam is also set up as a 2 mile out and back walk or bike ride.

At the trailhead:
Interpretive signage:
Oak Woodlands: The various oaks species on Potters Point. Blue Oak, Valley Oak, Interior Live Oak.

Bald Eagle: A profile of this species and national symbol. Breeding Seasion: End of January to August.

The initial portion of the walk is paved and ADA accessible along the lake's shoreline to a pine, oak and Manzanita shaded picnic bench at the next waypoint.

Signage and the park map are at odds. Per the park map this is a mixed use trail; signage indicates dogs, horses, and bikes are not allowed along this segment.
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A shaded bench with broken views across the lake and a trail down to the shoreline.

The paved segment of the trail ends here.

The side trail heads across the hill with its far end at a cul-de-sac just outside the paid parking area entrance. The trail is marked as "Mixed Use" on the park's maps.

Potters Ravine becomes a mixed use trail.

Approaching the northerly end of the bay views start opening up down its length and out toward the dam and boat ramp.

Oaks and scrub are the predominant vegetation providing broken shade. The trail has been gentle up and down undulations.

Somewhat more expansive views out across the lake and dam.

Marker post.

The trail leaves the bay and heads inland through an oak and grassland valley.

I was struck by the realization that here were the lands that Ishi, the last surviving member of the Yana Indians lived when he made his introduction to the world back in the early 1900's. If you grew up in California and were in grade school in the 60's-70... More's, you probably learned about him. It's an interesting story!
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"Potters Ravine Trail" and "Cut Across" to "North Fork Trail".

Follow the "Cut Across" north up the shallow oak and grasslands valley. We will return via "Potters Ravine". The initial trail is moderately steep.

The barbed range fence is the park boundary.

There will be some interesting rock outcroppings on th... Moree way up this grade, one can easily envision the Yana Indians watching for game here.
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4-Way Junction. Gate to private property and road, posted for no trespassing. "Cut Across", "North Fork Trail", and "Potters Ravine".

Follow Potters Ravine East.

North Fork will continue out to the next bay, over 4 miles round trip.

Junction Dead Cow Ravine and Potters Ravine Trails. See WP 26.

The forest cover opens up. Bench at this junction.

Continue along the Potters Ravine Trail, the Eagle Nesting area will be up ahead through a gate. Tree cover will continue to be oak and grasslands with pine becoming common.

This gate and trail cl... Moreoses seasonally (January-August) when Eagles are actively nesting. Nests tend to be at treetops, 4-5 feet wide, and in season, typically hold a clutch of 3-5 eggs. Eagles are year round residents here.

Keep an eye on the pine treetops for nests. The lake provides a prime food supply of fish for these birds. The meadows provide small game and rodents.

Dead Cow will head across the peninsula to WP 26.

This area is open oak and grass forest.

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3.5 Mile Post located at the easterly edge of a meadow.

Look to the Northeasterly off the trail for dead treetops in this area for nests. There are not many nests visible from the trail in this refuge but a sharp eye will catch them.

In general, there has been a steady but gentle upgrade to this point. The pine forest cover thickens but periodic nests will still be visible.

The trail becomes more gravely, watch the footing.

3.0 Mile Post.

Steady downhill grade. Manzanita, grasslands, and oak forest.

Easterly gate to the Eagle's nesting area. Visible ahead will be the next trail junction.

3-way Junction, hitching post and bench.

Head downhill on the Potters Point Trail. This last portion to the point can get steep. We will return here later and continue on Potters Ravine to the southeast along the lakeshore.

Start a gentle upgrade to travel along the ridgline.

The first of two summits. Double track trail, suitable for Park ATV's.

Second summit, starting to get lake views. The trail will start a steep downgrade to the lake shore.

A well shaded picnic bench next to the lake's highwater line.

The end of the point (this season). Just offshore is a small island. Google Earth imagry has the island and extension of this spit.

This season it would be easily walkable or swimable.

There's a little broken glass along the shoreline. It might be a good idea to wear foot protection if swimming here.

When do... Morene, head back up the trail.
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Old rusted cans by the hundreds to the south just off the trail. There are only a few sizes, none with surviving labeling. Scattered about are shattered porcelain bowls and a few twisted enameled metal objects.

An old seasonal hunting or work camp predating the lake?

Head South onto the Potters Ravine Trail heading around the hill. The trail will generally hold elevation while dropping somewhat down toward the lake through mixed forest.

There will be occasional broken views of the lake below. Up ahead near Mile Post 2.5 will be a shallow gully. During the rains this could become the spot of a nice ... Morelittle waterfall.


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The trail continues to generally follow the contours through broken forest.

Gully and dogleg then Mile Post 2.0.

Dead Cow Ravine will head up and over the peninsula to the Junction at WP 11.

Continue through Potters Ravine Trail along the lake. The trail will start loosing elevation as it approaches the lakeshore this next segment.

Through the trees a nice vista of the lake with a gentle slope that will allow access to the shore through the woods.

A large and easily accessed dirt beach on Lake Oroville. There is a bench just off trail with a view out over the lake toward the dam.

Connected to the last beach around the point, this sheltered cove is easy to access. It also appears to be a collection point for driftwood found out on the lake (navigation hazards).

A lone picnic bench beside the trail. Nicely shaded with a gentile slope down to the lake.

Trail will start gaining elevation.

Returning on the trail in from the parking area.

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