Skip the Peak and Take a Dip at 200-Foot Chambers Creek Falls

Lunch alfresco by Chambers Creek Falls is an excellent proposition. Getting there, however, is no picnic.

To reach the dramatic 200-foot falls and the viewpoints beyond requires a vigorous ascent over many a switchback. The climb, which starts about 100 miles north of Sacramento, rewards hikers with great views of the Chambers Creek and Feather River watersheds.

Three oak species--live, canyon and black--cover lower canyon slopes. Higher up, look for conifers such as Douglas fir, ponderosa pine and incense cedar. Higher still are white fir and pine.

Although there are trees aplenty in the canyon, don’t expect to find many next to the trail. The path crosses an exposed slope with little shade for the first two miles, so you should start in the cool morning.

If you are particularly ambitious (and fit), you can continue past the falls on the brutal ascent to Chambers Peak. Most hikers, however, forsake this ridiculously difficult climb, preferring instead to take a dip in the nearby creek.

Directions to the trail head: From Sacramento follow California 70 north to Oroville, where the highway trends northeast. Midway between Oroville and Quincy--about 40 miles--look for a small dirt parking area and the signed Chambers Creek Trail on the north side of the highway. (On the south side lie a school and a closed campground.)

The hike: The trail takes the form of a dirt road for 100 yards before narrowing to cross Granite Creek and ascending parallel to the North Fork of the Feather River. After half a mile, the trail switchbacks away from the river and begins a steep climb. Half-a-dozen challenging, manzanita-lined switchbacks lead hikers to Chambers Creek Canyon and some shade.

At the two-mile mark you will see a footbridge over Chambers Creek. The handsome structure was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Enjoy the view of the falls, then walk farther above the bridge and chill out by the water.

Chambers Creek Trail continues with its punishing climb toward Chambers Peak.

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For more of John McKinney’s tips, visit www.thetrailmaster.com.