The Lake Oroville Complex, 70 miles north of Sacramento in Butte County is the official starting point of the State Water Project, and includes Lake Oroville, Thermalito Forebay, and Thermalito Afterbay -- each offering its own unique attractions. These facilities, along with two pumping-generating plants (including Hyatt Powerplant constructed in an underground cavern) and one power plant, provide regulated water storage and flood control, generate power, enhance fish and wildlife habitat, and release freshwater flows to maintain water quality standards in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

The Oroville-Thermalito facility is overseen by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which routinely licenses and inspects private, municipal and state hydroelectric projects and issues throughout the nation. More information on the ongoing Oroville-Thermalito facilities licensing process is available at this website.

Directions: Take Oroville Dam Boulevard (Highway 162) or Montgomery Street exit off Highway 70 at Oroville.

Activities: A 41-mile bike/equestrian trail, an equestrian camp facility, floating campsites, wildlife area, radio-control airplane runway, RV campsites, marinas, houseboats rentals, swimming, picnicking, beaches, walking, jogging, bicycling, sailing, boating, water skiing, hiking, camping, historical sites, fish hatchery tours, the Lake Oroville Visitors Center, and more.

The Lake Oroville State Recreation Area is administered and operated by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, located at 400 Glen Drive in Oroville, (530) 538-2200. For campsite reservations, call 1-800-444-PARK or visit their web site for online reservations.

Lake Oroville, California's second largest reservoir, is full of surprises, as well as being a peaceful haven to relax and watch the sunset. The lake is regularly stocked by the California Department of Fish and Game with coho salmon from the nearby Feather River Fish Hatchery. The Hatchery, when in season, offers a close-up view of salmon, and signs provide self-guided tours for visitors. The lake's record-setting two-story fishery provides anglers with a variety of catches such as crappie, catfish, rainbow and German brown trout, bluegill,and green sunfish. Noted for its bass (spotted, large- and small-mouth, etc.) fishing, Lake Oroville is a popular spot for bass tournaments.

Lake Oroville Marinas

Lime Saddle Marina
3428 Pentz Rd, Paradise
1 (800) 834-7517

Bidwell Canyon Marina on Lake Oroville
801 Bidwell Canyon Road
Oroville, CA 95966
1 (800) 637-1767
http://www.gobidwell.com/