Feather River
About
Wild & Scenic since 1968, the Middle Fork Feather runs through wilderness canyon from Milsap Bar to Lake Oroville with Class IV+ drops that define Sierra whitewater. At 2,100 CFS average flow, the Feather system drains 220 miles through Plumas and Butte counties, with optimal paddling between 800–3,500 CFS on gauge 11407000. The North Fork above Belden offers a steep Class III-IV Sierra run down to Rock Creek, while below Oroville Dam the Lower Feather mellows to Class I-II water that draws salmon and steelhead anglers from the Central Valley. The Middle Fork wilderness section requires multi-day commitment through the Maidu homeland of Feather River Canyon. Tributary Whitewater Tours guides commercial trips through the most technical water. The 1968 Wild & Scenic designation on the Middle Fork made it one of the original eight rivers in the National system.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.