Basics
- Location:
- Along the Feather River north of Sacramento.
- Surface:
- Paved
- Length:
- 130 miles (209 km)
- Time:
- Three hours
- Season:
- Drivable year round
- Fees:
- There are no fees to drive the byway itself.
Description
The Feather River Scenic Byway follows the beautiful Feather River as it passes through the Sierra Nevada Mountains and gives life to the serene woodland ecosystems through which it passes. Follow the waters along Feather River Canyon, a gorge carved by the river through the layers of granite traveling past the waterfalls, gigantic rock outcroppings, forests and delicate meadows that lend variety to the route.
The Feather River Scenic Byway begins at the junction of HWY 70 and HWY 99, 42 miles north of Sacramento. Follow HWY 70 northeast to HWY 89. Follow 89 to Blairsden at the junction of HWY 89 and HWY 70. Follow HWY 70 east to the junction with I-395 where the byway ends.
Fishing is the obvious choice for recreation along the drive, though there is also kayaking and whitewater in the spring, gorgeous colors in the fall, and snowboarding or skiing at elevation during the winter. After all that activity, the Sierra Plumas State Park can be a good place to rest or to learn a little more about the history of the area.
Tourism Resources
Camping
Points of Interest
Points of Interest Along The Way
Plumas National Forest (CA)
Situated in the Sierra Nevada, the Plumas is versatile in its land features, uncrowded, and enhanced by a pleasant climate.
Portola Railroad Museum (CA)
This hands-on museum is a great place to stop and learn about the locomotive industry and history in the area.
Directions
The museum is right on the byway in Portola.
Sierra Plumas Eureka State Park (CA)
Commonly known as Plumas State Park, the area offers rich California history combined with the beauty of the Sierras.
Directions
Sierra Plumas Eureka State Park is five miles west of Blairsden on County Road A-14.
Tahoe National Forest (CA)
The Tahoe National Forest straddles the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountains in northern California, and encompasses a vast territory, from the golden foothills on the western slope to the high peaks of the Sierra crest.
