Butte County: outdoor wonders and downtown fun

By: DogTrekker Staff

A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Dogs are welcome at Lake Oroville. Photo by Ashley Baer.

Butte County promises college-town culture and coolness, along with outstanding hikes, beautiful botanical gardens, and sun-splashed patios that serve local beers beside produce picked fresh on area farms. Travelers visiting this southern stretch of the Shasta Cascade region often base themselves in Chico, an artsy community with a walkable downtown and one of the country’s largest municipal parks. For more Butte County fun, explore Oroville’s Gold Rush history or plan some outdoor adventures in Paradise.

Mild weather and parks with both on- and off-leash activities make Butte County a favorite for all seasons. Head to Lake Oroville for houseboating, fishing and kayaking opportunities, plus great camping and hiking options. Ancient lava flows created basalt rock formations and wildly beautiful scenery at North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve. An extensive trail network showcases the landscape. Up near Paradise, hikers on the Jonesville Canyon trail typically find wildflower blooms that extend into the summer, gorgeous fall leaves, and more moderate temperatures than routes crisscrossing the valley below.

In Chico, check out DeGarmo Dog Park or sprawling Bidwell Park. Dogs love this wonderland, and they especially enjoy splashing in Big Chico Creek near One Mile Recreation Area. The creek also winds along trails in the Chico State Campus Arboretum (pups must be leashed here), which is home to 200 species of trees and plants. Back in downtown Chico, swing by Burgers & Brew, Farmers Brewing or Parkside Tap House for dog-friendly patio dining.

Travelers overnighting in Chico can choose from the DoubleTree, Hampton Inn, Residence Inn, Oxford Suites and Best Western Heritage Inn, which all roll out the red carpet for dogs. The Best Western in Paradise is another good option, as are the campgrounds in Lake Oroville State Recreation Area. Four-legged family members are welcome on paved roadways in this sprawling outdoor playground.