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 Reporter |
Summary: This trail goes down into the canyon below Bald Rock Dome. Worthwhile hike to be made during spring or fall. Summer (when I made the trek the 2nd time) is way too hot. October (which was my first) seemed about right. It's downhill all the way to the water, with two steep staircases: one stone, one wood. Be sure to bring a hydration pack and filter, you'll need both. The entire hike is great, but the best parts are towards the end, as you wind your way around the granite face. You hear the rapids as you approach, and finally see the river down below from about 500 feet up. The stone steps lead to a 5-foot-wide crevasse. Beyond and down the wooden steps, you'll be treated to cool water and giant boulders. If you can make it, venture upstream 1/4 mile and see Curtain Falls! Slide down the natural waterslide, but save your energy for the 1900-foot ascent back to the trailhead. Trailhead: Leave Oroville via 162 (Olive Hwy/Oro-Quincy Hwy) for 17.8 miles. Right @ Bald Rock Rd. for 8.7 miles. Right at "DOME TRAIL 3", Rd. #21N51Y, gravel road for 3 miles. Left to trailhead. (Lat:39.64335 Lon:-121.30599) Trail Guides for Dome Trail - Curtain Falls: Dome Trail by Feather River Ranger District () Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, User Groups: Hikers, Bikes, Ranger Contact: Feather River Ranger District, 530-534-6500 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Greg Chance, who has posted 8 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Andy on 8/15/2010 Just as others have reported there are some fallen trees that require careful attention. I am very allergic to poison oak, so I embarked on this hike after serious consideration. There is a lot of it alongside, and on the trail. It can be avoided. But with people stepping on and climbing over the fallen trees I suspect that oils from the poison oak had probably transferred from the shoes of others and on to my body eventually. So, I am playing it safe and just finished washing with "Tecnu" soap, which supposedly removes the poison oak oils (fingers crossed). The falls were incredible, and the required swimming to access them was even better!
Reviewed by Dick on 7/9/2010 July 7th 2010 hike. This trail is in need of some maintenance but very worth the hike to see the river. The worst part was negotiating a few fallen trees across the trail. With this being a late spring year and water levels being high, not a very good spot for swimming, water currents were swift and no big holes close by to dive in. That didn't stop me from getting wet though. Later in the summer would be safer for swimming. It's a long haul out of there so you'll need strong legs and plenty of water to hydrate. I left a couple water bottles on the trail for my return trip and that turned out to be a good idea. Curtain falls was visable from the trail head but I didn't make it that far up stream. To risky when alone as I was. 
Reviewed by Justin L on 6/13/2010 The trail is in really bad shape. part of the trail the weed is taller than 5'11. lots of poison oak and some of them already turned red around early June. be extra careful at the beginning of the trail. Also there are snakes on the trail, watch out. i saw some at the stone steps. the wooden steps are falling apart, some of the steps are very unstable. be careful when you walk on it. I think this trail is the worst condition i ve ever came across. the current of the water is way too much for average swimmer. not recommended. also, maybe 3 hours round trip is when the trail condition was good, reserve more time for the hike if you decided to go. the water fall is not that big anyway, i don't recommend this trail at all.
Reviewed by wild beast on 4/4/2007 This hike is pretty sweet. It is short / steep. You need to have good swimming skills to make it up river to get to the actual falls. You also need to be able to scramble over boulders and slabs. I am climber and surfer, so the last 1/4 mile is easy. I recommend doing the hike in SUMMER, as that is when it is warm and the water is flowing big. LOTS OF POISON OAK on the way down. But you can avoid it. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Butte County Hiking, Butte County Trails, Butte County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
