Thermalito Diversion Pool and Burma Road
Park
4.7 (23)
Brad Freeman Trail, Oroville, CA 95965
Picnic tables
This location may be clothing-optional or adjacent to adult content. We do not display adult imagery and recommend discretion. Families should verify suitability.
Managed Creek Pool And Separate River DestinationsCA
Chico Region Swimming Holes
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Use Chico's current swimming and water-quality resources for Bidwell Park. Plan Butte Creek and Feather River visits separately with lawful access checks.
Swimming restriction
Follow city pool-use and attire rules, current advisories and signs. Do not use cliff jumps, ropes or natural slides.
Official sources checked:
Water type
Managed Creek Pool And Separate River Destinations
Access
Informal
Fee
Confirm current destination-specific charges; no blanket free-access claim.
Best season
Check current access, weather and notices before choosing a date
Nearby towns
Chico; Separate Oroville And Regional River Destinations
Water body
Big Chico Creek Plus Separately Planned Regional Waterways
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Chico; Separate Oroville And Regional River Destinations
Access location not verified
CHICO; separate OROVILLE and regional river destinations, CA
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
A closer look
Photos of Chico Region Swimming Holes
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Start with Chico's managed swimming information
The City of Chico recognizes swimming at Sycamore Pool and Upper Bidwell Park. Its page links current pool status and 2026 water-quality reports. Use those resources for a Bidwell visit rather than a general claim that every creek or Feather River stop is suitable in summer.
Sycamore Pool is a creek-fed pool
At One Mile Recreation Area, Sycamore Pool is built around Big Chico Creek. The city's guidance says to swim at your own risk and warns that shallow-looking or slow-looking water can still be powerful. A city-listed swimming place is not a promise of supervision, clean water or gentle current on your chosen day.
Separate the other historical river stops
Butte Creek, the North Fork Feather River, Feather Falls, Grizzly Creek and Rock Creek are not extensions of the city pool. Establish lawful parking, land boundaries and current access for the particular destination. Do not search for bathers beside Highway 70 or follow old tunnel, embankment or waterfall-slide instructions as an access plan.
Use current pool rules and a land-based backup
Follow the city swimming-area rules, including proper swim attire and restrictions while Sycamore Pool is emptied or filled. Check status before entering rather than using an arbitrary wait after rain as clearance. A park walk or picnic can be the better plan when the pool is unavailable or water conditions are uncertain.
Sycamore Pool setting
The historical photograph shows water, tree-lined banks and an adjoining park path in the saved Sycamore Pool collection. It does not illustrate the separate Butte Creek or Feather River stops. Reflections and water clarity do not establish depth or today's water quality. Check the city's current pool status and reports before a water visit; the pictured path is not a surveyed accessible bathing entrance.
Getting There
Select Sycamore Pool or another named Bidwell destination using current city maps and status information. Research lawful access independently for Butte Creek and Feather River tributaries; no generic Highway 70 descent recommended.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Bidwell Park is not an access permit for Butte Creek, Feather Falls, Grizzly Creek or Rock Creek. Do not treat historical roadside or tunnel routes as current authorization.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Follow city pool-use and attire rules, current advisories and signs. Do not use cliff jumps, ropes or natural slides. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Feather Falls Trailhead
Hiking area
4.7 (149)
Oroville, CA 95966
Upper Bidwell Park
Park
4.8 (2292)
Old Chico Canyon Rd, Chico, CA 95928
Sprawling park in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains featuring rock formations & more.
Barbecue grillCycling lanesPicnic tablesPublic restroom
Saddle Dam Day Use Area
Hiking area
4.4 (12)
256-360 Kelly Ridge Rd, Oroville, CA 95966
River Reflections RV Resort & Campground
RV park
4.3 (260)
4360 Pacific Heights Rd, Oroville, CA 95965
Bidwell Canyon Campground
Campground
4.3 (103)
801 Bidwell Canyon Rd, Oroville, CA 95966
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Oroville / Feather Falls Casino KOA Journey
Campground
4.2 (2466)
3 Alverda Dr, 1 Feather Falls Blvd, Oroville, CA 95966
Restrooms
Public bathroom
3 (5)
Riverbend Park, 50 Montgomery St, Oroville, CA 95965
Frequently Asked Questions About Chico Region Swimming Holes
Which swimming places does Chico officially recognize?
The city swimming page identifies Sycamore Pool at One Mile and swimming opportunities in Upper Bidwell Park.
Where do I check Sycamore Pool conditions?
Use the pool-status and 2026 water-quality-report links on the City of Chico swimming page. Check again before entering.
Is Sycamore Pool a conventional treated-water pool?
It is built around Big Chico Creek. The city describes swimming at your own risk; do not assume conventional pool conditions.
Does Bidwell swimming permission cover Butte Creek and Feather River?
No. Those are separate waterways and land-access situations. Confirm the exact destination's lawful approach and current rules.
Can I enter while Sycamore Pool is being drained or filled?
Follow the municipal use restrictions and posted instructions. An emptying or filling pool is not ordinary open swimming access.
Does waiting two days after rain establish safe water?
No. Use current advisories and destination-specific conditions rather than a fixed waiting period or clear-water appearance.
Highlights
City swimming destinations identified
Current status and water reports linked
Regional river approaches kept separate
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Do not jump, dive or use rope swings
- Appearance does not establish depth, water quality, submerged hazards or a reliable escape route
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Respect cultural sites and Tribal use; visitor access is not permission to disturb sensitive places.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
The reviewed historical gallery shows the Sycamore Pool setting only, not every Chico-region river stop. Use authorized park viewpoints and respect current pool notices and visitor privacy.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Respect closed areas and property boundaries, stay on authorized routes and carry out waste.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check current access, weather and notices before choosing a date.
Difficulty Level
No surveyed accessible swimming descent established.
Fee
Confirm current destination-specific charges; no blanket free-access claim.
Facilities
Confirm the facilities for the destination you actually intend to visit.
Activities
Permitted Bidwell swimming when available; park walking; separate regional river planning
Phone
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Use an authorized campground and check its current availability separately from water access.
Loading weather data…
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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