For many people being on the water is very soulful, whisking you away from the hustle and bustle of life and into your own dreamy world. If you’re looking for one of the best getaways in California, look no further than the beautiful Feather River in the Sierra Nevada region.

The Feather River has always played a central role in the history of California.

David Brossard/Flickr During the 19th century Gold Rush era it served the miners coming to and working in the area. In more modern times, it has been a primary water source for both the Central and Southern California regions.

Lake Oroville is sort of the “official” beginning of the river.

JJG53/Flickr With an annual average flow in excess of 7 million acres, the river is actually formed by four tributary forks: the West Branch Feather Rivers, North Fork, Middle Fork, and South Fork.

Al fresco recreational opportunities are plentiful along the river.

Google Maps Elena Chavez From fishing to kayaking, swimming, and tubing, you can enjoy it here. This is the Sierra Valley at its finest!

Can you imagine looking up from the water at the beautiful Feather River Canyon walls?

Laurens Verhoeven/ iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images All along the river, you can find some of the best hiking trails in Northern California, each one offering a unique perspective and spectacular views of this part of the state.

Views like this from a kayak are commonplace and sought-after.

Google Maps John Vantine If your weekend getaway “bucket list” must include at least a day on the water, the Feather River, which flows an estimated 185 miles, is a great choice.

Even at night, the views are enchanting.

Google Maps Johnathan Miller Within a few miles of almost any part of the river, you can find a wide array of accommodation options to suit your particular needs and desires, so you can return here over consecutive days.

Picturesque views, a wealth of history, and oodles of recreational opportunities. That is only the beginning of what you’ll experience along Northern California’s beautiful Feather River.

David Brossard/Flickr

During the 19th century Gold Rush era it served the miners coming to and working in the area. In more modern times, it has been a primary water source for both the Central and Southern California regions.

JJG53/Flickr

With an annual average flow in excess of 7 million acres, the river is actually formed by four tributary forks: the West Branch Feather Rivers, North Fork, Middle Fork, and South Fork.

Google Maps Elena Chavez

From fishing to kayaking, swimming, and tubing, you can enjoy it here. This is the Sierra Valley at its finest!

Laurens Verhoeven/ iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

All along the river, you can find some of the best hiking trails in Northern California, each one offering a unique perspective and spectacular views of this part of the state.

Google Maps John Vantine

If your weekend getaway “bucket list” must include at least a day on the water, the Feather River, which flows an estimated 185 miles, is a great choice.

Google Maps Johnathan Miller

Within a few miles of almost any part of the river, you can find a wide array of accommodation options to suit your particular needs and desires, so you can return here over consecutive days.

Have you spent time along the Feather River? If so, what did you enjoy the most? We’d love to see your photos and hear about your experience there.

If you’re looking for other great river adventures in the Northern California area, be sure to check out these 11 charming river towns.

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Address: Feather River, California, USA