Guide to Attending the Oroville Salmon Festival – Happening Annually Every September

I’m a sucker for annual festivals in small towns. They’re so wholesome and family oriented, events where neighbors come together to share an event that helps neighbors’ bond with each other, creating memories that last a lifetime. I myself experience this with my hometown of Half Moon Bay and the annual pumpkin festival. This Oroville Salmon Festival, held in Oroville California is of course centered around Salmon, celebrating the return of the Chinook Salmon, also known as King Salmon, to the Feather River on the 4th Saturday of September each year.

Although this point is the reason for the festival happening in Oroville, it’s become one component of the many fun things to do while you’re in town for the festival, such as natural outdoor activities for the nature lovers, great dining options and all while being family friendly. There are many other things to do during this celebration, and you can see lots of it through all the photographs we took while attending.

At the Oroville Salmon Festival, hatchery workers at the Feather River Fish Hatchery carefully cut open the returning Chinook salmon to collect their eggs and milt (sperm) for breeding. Using a specialized knife, they make a precise incision along the fish’s belly, allowing the bright orange eggs to be gently extracted and placed into collection trays. The eggs are then fertilized and transferred to the hatchery’s incubation tanks, ensuring the next generation of salmon can grow before being released back into the wild. Wild stuff isn’t it!

You must be wondering what happens to the carcass’ after they’re finished opening up the salmon? Well, after the salmon are cut open for egg and milt collection at the Feather River Fish Hatchery, the remaining carcasses are put to good use. Some are returned to the river to provide nutrients for the ecosystem, supporting other wildlife and aquatic life. Others are processed and distributed for animal feed, composting, or even donated to local tribes for cultural and ceremonial purposes.

The Significance of The Salmon Festival in Oroville

The significance of the salmon to the town of Oroville is major. The salmon’s relevance is cultural, economic, and ecological, all helping the salmon become at the city’s core, its identity. The salmon therefore is sacred to the town and the sole reason the locals celebrate it through the creation of this festival. Below you’ll read of how the salmon are integral to the area’s natural environment and local culture of Oroville, not just for the local indigenous populations, but to all the people who reside in the Oroville area.

Ecological Importance:

Chinook Salmon Migration

Oroville is the home to the Feather River, a major tributary of the larger Sacramento River. This river serves as the spawning point for the Chinook Salmon.

Construction of a Fish Hatchery

A fish hatchery was created to help mitigate the losses due to the construction of the Oroville dam. This hatchery plays a critical role in sustaining the salmon population. The hatchery helps breed and release juvenile salmon each year, helping maintain the salmon population to a healthy number, far from extinction.

Food Source for Wildlife

Salmon are extremely important to the region as they serve as a vital food source for various local predators such as bears, birds, and other wildlife. As they migrate up the Feather River, they help provide important nutrients to the ecosystem. If the salmon were to go extinct, other species critical to the area would follow, and eventually disappear. It would be like all the farms, local grocery stores and restaurants vanishing from your city and region, to use a human analogy.

Nutrient Cycling

As the salmon return to spawn and die, their death’s contribute critical nutrients to the river’s ecosystem. This helps span their contribution to the river, via a nutrient influx for the plants, insects and other organisms inside the river and surrounding local habitat.

Cultural Significance of the Chinook Salmon in Oroville

Native American Tribes

The Maidu Tribe has a deep cultural connection to the salmon. The significance can be connected via the tribe’s diet, and spiritual practices concerning the salmon for hundreds of years. Salmon runs have been at the core to their traditions and ceremonies.

Economic Value the Salmon Bring to Oroville

Tourism and Fisheries

Salmon fishing is an important component to the local Oroville economy. The Feather River alone supports an important recreational and commercial fishing industry. This industry helps attract anglers from beyond Oroville and helps boost the local economy, via local business surges through these recreational visitors.

The State Hatcheries

Although not economically stimulating via providing economic output or a significant job placement such as factories or tech hubs elsewhere, the state hatcheries play an important role as facilities for raising and releasing salmon and steelhead trout out into the river. Its economic value is critical in a different way, playing a vital role in maintaining salmon populations in the Oroville region and supporting sustainable fisheries that provide the economic impact as well as educating visitors of the crucial role the facilities are playing.

Conservation Efforts

Salmon Population Recovery Programs

Recently, there have been crucial efforts to assist in the restoration, protection of the salmon populations in the Feather River and the Sacramento River Basin. Methods for recovery have been to work on improvement of water quality, supporting breeding, spawning salmon and restoring habitats.

Hatchery Programs

The Oroville Fish Hatchery plays a key role in conservation to the area by raising juvenile salmon and then subsequently releasing them into the wild to help support the salmon population. Without these programs, Chinook Salmon would- without any doubt- go extinct due to the construction of the Oroville dam.

Festival Highlights and Activities

The festival is centered around salmon, but more precisely, centered around the salmon run, which sees the salmon migrating from the Pacific Ocean to the Feather River, specifically to spawn, all during the autumn months. This event actually concludes the salmon’s life cycle and helps bring in the new generation of salmon.

Salmon Viewing at the Fish Hatchery

The best times to see the Chinook salmon run in Oroville California are during September and October. For steelhead spawning, the best times would be during December through mid-February. The best viewing spots will be alongside the Feather River, but here are some more specific locations to check out this natural incredible migration.

Table Mountain

For the best locations to view the salmon run there are several options, for self-guided tours, the best viewing areas if you’re looking for a panoramic experience will be on both sides of the Table Mountain Boulevard. This offers a more open view of the river below and offers excellent photography opportunities of the migration season, though you won’t have a close and direct view of the salmon.

Oroville Fish Hatchery

This is one of the more popular viewing areas of the salmon migration run. Its precise location is the Feather River and helps provide an up-close view of the salmon as they move up the river to spawn. The hatchery is often viewed as the best for viewing as you can witness juvenile salmon being released and full-grown adult salmon migrating. The hatchery has several viewing options to witness these events. The friendly staff also assist by providing educational information about the salmon as well as information about the hatchery’s conservation efforts. There is a specific address for this location if you would like to go straight to this spot. Address is 1660 5th avenue, Oroville California.

Feather River Parkway

This viewing choice offers plenty of viewing locations along the river to view the migration. This option also comes with a park that offers walking trails and bridges and also overlooks areas to observe the salmon swimming up the river. It’s a happy medium of closely observing the salmon migration as well as the natural beauty of the river. This location would be most anywhere along the Feather River in Oroville, California.

The Fish Barrier Dam (Feather River)

Close to Oroville, this important structure helps control fish migration. During migration season, you get a close view of the salmon as they move upstream. Although the dam is difficult to access, you get excellent viewing opportunities alongside the river leading up to the dam.

Food and Local Cuisine in Oroville California

While visiting for the Oroville Salmon Festival you can bet on plenty of farm fresh food that’s locally sourced by nearby farms. There are many options to choose from on top of the delicious festival goodies and food trucks that are available during the festival. Some of the dining options being Provisions, Union, and the Big Reds California BBQ among others. See some of the most popular and best overall options below.

Salmon Dishes

Freshly barbequed and smoked locally sourced salmon are some of the favorites during the festival season. If you’re a seafood fan, you’ll love this part of your visit as you savor the fresh salmon taste.

Festival Treats

Another great part of festivals is the tasty foods that we all love which are common in most festivals, such as tri-tip sandwiches, grilled specialties, dip and dots, kettle corn, etc, from local vendors and food trucks.

Provisions

This dining option offers a full-service bar, multiple large televisions, and a gorgeous outdoor patio. It’s a perfect place to have a quick drink or a leisurely meal with some friends. It also features live music, another great plus. Address is 1975 Montgomery St, Oroville, CA 95965.

Union Restaurant

Located in downtown Oroville, California, is built upon the historic Union Hotel’s foundations. It features an indoor-outdoor bar, patio dining area, and a beer garden. Specializing in California cuisine, the menu highlights seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Address is 2053 Montgomery St, Oroville, CA 95965.

Big Reds California BBQ

If you’re looking for some heavy and filling dining, Big Reds California BBQ will be a great choice. Great food, interesting and captivating artwork on the walls, this place is a gem. A popular barbecue restaurant known for its mouthwatering barbecued meats, including tender ribs and juicy pulled pork. The establishment offers a welcoming atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating options, making it suitable for various dining preferences. Patrons frequently praise the generous portions and friendly service, contributing to its strong reputation in the local community. Located at 1096 Oro Dam Blvd E Suite A in Oroville, California

The Cow Cafe and Grill

Located at 935 Oro Dam Blvd E in Oroville, California, is a popular dining establishment known for its homestyle American cuisine. Patrons frequently praise the restaurant’s friendly staff and cozy atmosphere. Notable menu items include their broasted chicken, monster burgers, and hearty breakfast options like biscuits and gravy.

Live Music and Entertainment at The Oroville Salmon Festival

The festival organizers do a great job of bringing in multiple types of entertainment and live music that do a fine job of complimenting and providing a nice backdrop of music for festivalgoers. The event is growing larger every year so expect some new and exciting entertainment additions in the years to come.

Live Music

The festival is covered by local bands that do a great job of providing a lively musical atmosphere in the background while you enjoy your food, festive atmosphere and of course the great salmon migration.

Slammin’ Salmon Wrestling

This epic wrestling entertainment option is a salmon festival favorite. Hosted by PCW Entertainment, this show offers festival goers a unique and exciting experience and provides many smiles for visitors of all ages.

Diving Dogs Competition

A crowd favorite where visitors enjoy watching dogs showcase their diving skills. This is a great event and of course, it’s suitable for visitors of all ages.

3k Color Run

A vibrant and fun event held annually at the salmon festival in Oroville, Ca. Fun for all ages, visitors can partake in 3 kilometers run, walk or even roll, or whatever you can imagine as you get playfully doused in colorful powder at various stations along the 3-kilometer stretch. All this helping to create a warm, festive and fun environment.

Arts, Crafts and Vendors at the Oroville Salmon Festival

The annual festival helps bring out some great arts & crafts in addition to a diverse set of vendors selling multiple arrays of interesting offerings.

Arts and Crafts

As you walk around the festival you could find artisans who showcase handcrafted items such as pottery, jewelry, paintings, woodwork, textiles, providing visitors with many souvenir options and great gift ideas as well.

Food Vendors

As mentioned above, the festival brings out a variety of food options offering culinary delicious delights, freshly grilled salmon dishes, smoked salmon, salmon burgers, and salmon skewers.

Information Booths

These particular types of booths (set up by local businesses and organizations) offer information and education regarding environmental conservation, community service, history related to local issues and enhancing the educational aspect of the festival. They do a great job of informing the visitors over a multitude of important issues.

Other Fun Activities Found at the Oroville Salmon Festival

The Oroville Salmon Festival offers a variety of additional family friendly attractions on top of the salmon migration itself. Some of these include live animal exhibits, pony rides and even car shows.

Pony Rides and Live Animal Exhibits

Pony rides are a popular children’s activity that never gets old with the little ones. Kids can ride the small and gentle ponies, led by a trained guide to ensure the safest and fun filled experience available. These rides available at the festival help children develop confidence and enjoy a hands-on interaction with animals they don’t normally see in a controlled, enjoyable and environment. Your kids might come away from the whole festival remembering this activity the most!

Salmon Festival Motor Mania

As a car enthusiast myself, I’m always, and I mean always up for a car show! I never get tired of walking through these shows and enjoying the beautiful classics and modern-day automobiles, and if you’re a car enthusiast, you’ll love this part of the Oroville salmon festival. Cars from many different eras. This show is organized by Oro Dam Cruisers. Here you’ll find a variety of classics, vintage cars and modern vehicles of all kinds, all showcased in downtown Oroville California during the salmon festival.

Planning Your Visit to the Oroville Salmon Festival

Here are some important details about getting to the Oroville Salmon Festival which you should know about. The festival starts early, so if you’re trying to beat traffic or the crowds as you approach the festival, you’ll have to start your day early. Parking although available becomes scarce the later you arrive, so try and arrive early in the day. If you’re planning to stay the night, there are some additional hotel options I’ve listed out if you desire this option.

Getting There and Parking Tips

Date of the Salmon Festival

The date is always on the third Saturday of the month, year after year with no immediate plans to change that date as its centered around the natural phenomenon of Chinook migration through the Feather River.

Time

Event takes place between 9am to 3pm.

Location

The festival spans the entire stretch of downtown Oroville to the Feather River Fish Hatchery. If you’re in need of a GPS address, I would advise you to go directly to the Feather River Fish Hatchery as a directional guide and then reviewing parking options that I’ve provided below as a more focused direction once you’re closer to arrival. Address to the Feather River Fish Hatchery is 4100 Fish Hatchery Rd, Oroville, CA 95965.

Parking

Remember to come early as parking spaces begin to fill quickly given the early start time to the festival (9am). There are a lot of parking options however, so long as you arrive at a decent hour, you’ll be fine and find a spot. There are several locations available when you arrive. Be sure to notate them.

Parking locations:

• River Bend Park – You can access this parking lot via Montgomery Street Off Highway 70, try and see the “Feather River- Catch the Dream” archway.
• Table Mountain Blvd & Grand Avenue Lot – This lot is located at 202 Mira Loma Dr, also accessible via Highway 70, be sure to exit onto Gran Avenue.
• Downtown Parking – Downtown will have additional parking available, however please refer to the parking map on their website for parking details as well as street closures before heading out to the event. https://www.visitoroville.com/

Where to Stay and Camping Options for the Oroville Salmon Festival

Travelling to the Oroville Salmon Festival is a fun and memorable experience, especially for the young ones, and selecting convenient hotel stays can enhance your visit. Here are three hotel options and camping options in and around Oroville, California, that you might consider if this is an option you’re thinking about.

Gold Country Casino Resort

Gold Country Casino Resort, located in Oroville, California, offers a comprehensive entertainment experience with a 60,000-square-foot gaming floor featuring over 950 slot machines and 15 table games. The resort also provides diverse dining options, including Safire Steak House, Acorn Cafe, Game Tyme Sports Bar and Grille, Coffee Tyme, and Russsh! Noodle Bar. For accommodations, guests can enjoy luxurious rooms and suites, and the resort also offers a full-service banquet, conference, and reception facility for events. Address is 4020 Olive Highway, Oroville, CA 95966.

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton

The Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Oroville is a modern hotel situated at 2355 Feather River Blvd, Oroville, CA 95965. Guests can enjoy amenities such as free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, an indoor pool, and a fitness center. The hotel is conveniently located near local attractions, including Oroville Gymnastics Academy and Bedrock Park.

Holiday Inn Express

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oroville Lake, located at 550 Oro Dam Blvd, Oroville, CA 95965, offers modern accommodations just off Highway 70. Guests can enjoy amenities such as free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, an indoor pool, and a fitness center. The hotel is conveniently situated near attractions like Oroville Dam and Oroville Lake, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and hiking.

Loafer Creek Campground

For those adventurous types that prefer camping instead of a hotel, there is Loafer Creek Campground. The California Department of Parks and Recreation oversees the management and preservation of the state’s diverse parks, including the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (LOSRA). LOSRA offers a variety of camping options, such as family campsites, environmental campsites, and group campsites, catering to different preferences and group sizes. Additionally, the area provides amenities like boat ramps, picnic areas, and hiking trails, enhancing the recreational experience for visitors.

What to Bring

As I always love to remind my readers, please bring comfortable clothes and hats so you can enjoy the event without any hassles. Oroville, even in September, can get pretty warm. Reminder to bring sunscreen and apply it on all exposed skin, always. Bring comfortable shoes as well because you will definitely be getting some steps in. Finally, bring lots of water as you will be replenishing often and drinking often believe me. A hat to cover your face and possibly some shades, but most importantly a hat or some kind of covering partially at the least will be very important.

Insider Tips for the Best Experience

Best Times to Avoid the Crowds

Arriving as the festival begins and opens, around 9:00 AM, will allow you fully enjoy the event before the larger crowds arrive in the second part of the day. This will also allow you to grab the first available parking spaces without too much hassle as opposed to arriving later and having to circle around hunting for a parking space with more difficulty and stress accompanied in the hunt.

Hidden Gems and Must Try Food Items

Salmon BBQ

The Salmon BBQ is a must. It’s locally sourced salmon cooked BBQ style, what’s not to love about that?! While the main salmon dishes are widely known, the freshly grilled and or smoked salmon prepared by local chefs can be an excellent standout, offering delicious flavor and often hard-to-find prep styles.

The Fish Hatchery Tour

Although previously mentioned and widely known as the epicenter of this event, ironically, many visitors miss out on the chance to explore the Feather River Fish Hatchery while attending the festival. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn and educate yourself about the salmon life cycle and conservation efforts while simultaneously enjoying beautiful scenic views.

Other Things to Do in Oroville California

Exploring the Feather River Nature Center

The Feather River Nature Center is a must visit, especially for those that love plants. It’s located at 2185 Old Ferry Road in Oroville, California, is a historic site that offers nature education and cultural insights. Housed in a former bathhouse constructed from river rock, the center now serves as a museum and activity hub, showcasing exhibits on local wildlife and native plants. Visitors can explore the surrounding Native Plant Park, which features a variety of indigenous flora, and learn about the area’s rich history and natural environment.

Lake Oroville and Its Scenic Trails

If you have the time, or if you can even dedicate an entire day, I would highly recommend visiting this lake. This beautiful lake offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors. Outdoor weekend warriors can enjoy boating, fishing, camping, and hiking within the Lake Oroville State Rec Area. The area also features the Lake Oroville Visitor Center, which provides educational exhibits and panoramic views from its observation tower. Address is Lake Oroville State Recreation Area Oracle Dam Blvd, Oroville, CA 95966.

Antiquing

Oroville has a ton of antique store front shops that’s paradise for those antique lovers. There are more than enough to fill the day if you’re interesting. Here are a few.

Treasures from the Past Antiques

This antique shop is located at 1877 Montgomery St, this store offers a ton of diverse pieces and rare vintage items, from garden goods to crystal chandeliers. They pride themselves on repurposing outstanding vintage pieces for contemporary décor, adding a nice unique touch to what they have to offer their shoppers.

Well Worn

This store, located at 1850 Montgomery St provides vintage and antique décor with a touch of I would say…whimsy. The store emphasizes mixing old and new items, featuring industrial flair and unique pieces.

Walking Trail Along the River

For those looking to get their steps in, and love taking advantage of excellent adventurous hikes and walkways with a scenic touch, there are plenty of walkways Oroville can offer. Walking along the Feather River Trail in Oroville for example offers a scenic and peaceful experience, with beautiful views of the river, wildlife, and surrounding nature. The trail stretches for several miles, providing an accessible route for hikers, joggers, and cyclists. It’s a great way to explore Oroville’s natural beauty, with several points of interest, such as the Feather River Nature Center, along the way.

The Butte County Pioneer Museum

This Museum is to be cherished. I can’t be the only one that finds the gold rush and what life must have been like during the wild west so fascinating? This museum helps you paint that picture through its showcased items on display. The museum, located at 2332 Montgomery Street in Oroville, California, offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of early California settlers.

Housed in a 6,000-square-foot replica of a 49er’s cabin, the museum showcases a diverse collection of artifacts from the mid-1800s to the 1920s, including household items, decorative arts, tools, furnishings, quilts, and Native American and Chinese artifacts. All extremely relevant to our history here in California that should be appreciated. This is a must visit if for the historical insights it helps provide. For information on visiting, see the website link. https://www.explorebuttecounty.com/places/pioneer-historical-museum

Checking Out Local Breweries and Wineries

Visiting breweries in Oroville, California, offers a great way to experience local craft beer in a laid-back atmosphere. Feather Falls Brewery is one of the city’s standout spots, offering a variety of beers brewed on-site, along with a pub-style menu. Oroville also has smaller, family-owned breweries that often host events and provide a cozy environment to enjoy unique brews and meet the locals.

Feather Falls Brewing Company

The brewery is located at 3 Alverda Drive in Oroville, California, is a vibrant brewpub situated within the Feather Falls Casino complex. This establishment offers a diverse selection of craft beers brewed on-site, complemented by a menu featuring signature dishes, hand-tossed pizzas, and fresh sushi, yes sushi!

Long Creek Winery & Ranch

Long Creek Winery and Ranch is a family-owned winery situated on a picturesque 26-acre property near Lake Oroville. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings in a climate-controlled tasting room and explore the scenic grounds, which feature vineyards, olive and mandarin orchards, and a working cattle ranch. The winery also serves as a unique event venue, hosting various gatherings amidst its rustic ranch-themed setting. Address is located at 323 Ward Blvd in Oroville, California

Grey Fox Vineyards

Grey Fox Vineyards is another family-owned winery established in 1996 by the Arrigoni and Cecchi families. The winery offers a diverse selection of wines, including Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo, Zinfandel, Dolcetto, Port-style wines, Moscato Dolce, Chardonnay, Malvasia Bianca, Rosé, and Viognier. Visitors can enjoy tastings in their spacious tasting room, open to the public on weekends from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with group visits available by appointment on weekdays. Address is 90 Grey Fox Lane, Oroville, CA 95966.

Outdoor Adventures

Beyond camping, which was already mentioned, there are many other things to do in Oroville as well if you’re in town for the salmon festival. Here are some fun ideas, our family favorite being kayaking.

Kayaking in Oroville Lake

Kayaking in Oroville Lake offers a scenic and tranquil experience, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The lake, surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and forests, provides calm waters that are ideal for both beginners and experienced kayakers. There are several boat ramps and launch points around the lake, including Bidwell Canyon and Loafer Creek. Both of these locations give you the opportunity to easily access the water and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, wildlife, and stunning views. Whether you’re paddling along the shoreline or exploring some of the lake’s quieter coves, kayaking on Oroville Lake is a relaxing way to experience the natural beauty of the area.

Biking

Oroville offers several great biking trails for all skill levels, from scenic paved paths to rugged mountain biking routes. Some locations where you can bike are as follows: Feather River Bike Trail, paved family friendly bike trail. Brad Freeman Trail is a mixed terrain trail, suitable for mountain biking. Table Mountain Loop is an offroad trail offering scenic views to those experience mountain bikers.

In Conclusion

As you can see as we conclude this guide, there is a ton to do while visiting for the festival. If you’re coming from afar, perhaps plan on staying the night and doing some of the activities listed on this guide, you won’t regret visiting and seeing the best of Oroville! Follow more travel guides on this page for the best insights and tips for a better experience while visiting these festivals going on all over California!