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Beatson Falls
Butte County, California
Description
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Located in the North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, Beatson Falls is one of two waterfalls in Beatson Hollow (the other being Hollow Falls). North Table Mountain, created by ancient lava flows, is an elevated basalt mesa with beautiful views of mountains, spring wildflowers, waterfalls, and lava outcrops. Usually between March and April, the mesa comes alive with color with the bloom of the spring flowers. If you come during or shortly after a rainstorm you will be treated to an array of waterfalls all over the mesa. Since North Table Mountain doesn't offer much in the way of landmarks to help navigate, it would be wise to at least bring a good map and compass (know how to use them). One of the few concerns you should have in mind is cow manure (don't wear any prized shoes or pants). Cattle grazing is allowed in the reserve. On a sunny day in the spring expect there to be many people at the reserve (at least within a mile or so of the parking area). One particularly popular activity to enjoy near the parking area is kite flying. However, as you get further and further away from the parking area you will encounter fewer and fewer people.Location
Beatson Falls: 39.5908 N, 121.5810 W
USGS Topo: Oroville
Directions
Take CA-70 and turn right onto Cherokee Road, ~6.7 miles northeast of the intersection with CA-149 (north of Oroville). Follow Cherokee Rd for ~5.8 miles to the trailhead parking lot on the right (northwest), shortly after climbing the hill west of Oregon City. From the trailhead head west and follow the drainage that starts to the west of the lone Oak tree near the parking area. There is a more developed trail on the north side of the drainage to begin with, but you'll have to cross the creek at some point. One of the easiest places to cross is near a small stand of trees, ~3/4 the way to Hollow Falls. Crossing here, continue following the creek now on the southern side. After ~0.6 miles from the parking area you'll reach the top of Hollow Falls. A steep trail leads down to the base from the southern side of the creek. After admiring the view from the base of the falls, head SW then W through Beatson Hollow. At ~0.75 miles from Hollow Falls cross the creek and then you'll come upon the old corral remains while climbing out of the Hollow. Continuing W, you come upon Beatson Falls ~1.9 miles from Hollow Falls. There are many view points of the falls along the southern side of Beatson Hollow. It is also possible to view this waterfall from the northern side of the hollow. Although I haven't done this personally, I would think that it would be easiest to leave the hollow ~0.4 miles upstream of the waterfall, heading northwest then west to follow the northern side of the hollow.
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