Big Bald Rock Plumas NF

April 17, 2007

This giant boulder is readily identifiable from anywhere in the Oroville area.  It is visible even from farther west in the Sacramento Valley, on US-99. A 10-minute walk plus a 10-minute scramble take me to the top of this friendly rock in the foothills east of Oroville Lake.

The route up the dome

One path to the summit

The top is expansive, with plenty of room for exploration.

The top of Bald Rock Dome

There are pools of water everywhere.  Oroville Lake (reservoir) is barely visible in the distance.

Oroville Lake in the distance

Finding running water is unexpected; there must be a spring inside the monolith.

Running water on the mountain top

Doubtless this stone enclosure has protected more than one person from a rainstorm.  I have no clue as to how old it might be.

A stone shelter

There are numerous unusual formations on the mountain.

Hoodoo

The return trail

§: The creek already is dry.  In the future, I'll try to visit earlier in the season.  A day or two after a rain would be ideal.

• Trailhead: on Bald Rock Road, off SR-162, 25 miles northeast of Oroville
• Distance: 1 mile
• Elevation: 3060' to 3270'
• Hikers: none
• Rating: 3

Scenery
Difficulty
Personality
Solitude