National Forests within Butte County include Lassen National Forest and Plumas National Forest. Standing 770 feet high and 6,920 feet across the top, Oroville Dam is the tallest and one of the largest earthen dams and responsible for the creation of Lake Oroville, which stretches a 24 square mile surface area with 167 miles of shoreline. Below the dam is a cavern that houses six power generation units capable of generating 2.8 billion kilowatt hours of power annually. Daily tours are available. Bird watching is popular in this beautifully preserved natural area.
Camping is available as are gamefish permits.
Gold Rush Car Show. Music, a rodeo, queen contest, 4-H, crafts, livestock exhibit and horse show. Pioneer crafts, games, entertainment, food, and gold panning hand crafted gifts for sale. Bidwell Bar members dressed in period costumes. Dec. 6th is the parade of lights with Santa and sidewalk sales.