North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve
If you’re in Northern California, you need to add this hike to your spring to-do list! Wildflowers and unusual geography combine to make an unforgettable hiking experience at North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve.
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What is North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve?
North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, also called simply Table Mountain, is located about 1.5 hours north of Sacramento. This unique landscape was shaped by volcanic activity millions of years ago. It sits on top of a massive lava flow that occurred approximately 10 million years ago during the Miocene epoch. This flow created a basalt plateau that now looks like its name implies — a mountain with a flat table top.
Over time, erosion from wind and water has carved deep canyons and valleys into the basalt, creating rugged cliffs and waterfalls. The property was acquired in 1993 to protect the unique habitat created by the vernal pools and the animals that live in them.
Since 2003, it has been preserved as an ecological reserve that protects the rare Northern Basalt Flow Vernal Pools. Winter rains refill these vernal pools that are home to the rare fairy shrimp and California tiger salamander and result in huge wildflower blooms that cover most of the reserve.
Most visitors come for the wildflower bloom that typically happens in March and April. Flowers include lupine, California poppies, violets, daisies, Sierra primrose, blue dicks, buttercups, and more.
Where is North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve?
Table Mountain is located just north of the small city of Oroville, about 1.5 hours north of Sacramento. To get there, it’s an easy if boring drive on I-5. The last part of the drive takes you up a small, winding road to the top of Table Mountain and the parking lot.
When should I go to Table Mountain?
April is the best month to visit because that’s when you can see yellow, orange, and purple wildflowers blanketing the hillsides. While there are wildflowers blooming earlier in spring, you are more likely to have warmer days, more flowers, and less rain in April than in March. During those busy months, go on a weekday or plan to arrive by 9 a.m.
Keep in mind that the mornings can be cool with windy conditions, so you may need to bring a light jacket or sweatshirt that you can remove and tie around your waist as it warms up.
How to get a lands pass for Table Mountain?
All visitors 16 and older need to buy a lands pass for $5.40 per adult per day. You can buy one for the season or do as most people do and get one for the day. I always buy one the day before we plan to go to Table Mountain at this website and then print it out and bring it with us. You can also buy one by calling (800) 565-1458 or accessing the website once you get there as long as you have cell service.
Parking at Table Mountain
When you arrive at North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, there is a small lot with maybe 40 spots near the trailhead. If the lot is full, as it often is during wildflower bloom, you can park in the shoulder along the adjacent road (Cherokee Road).
Be aware that parking on this road also can get full on weekends, so you may have to walk quite a ways from your car to the trailhead. Parking is free, and there are portable restrooms on site.
From the parking lot, you can see the big old oak tree:
Read more: Lesser-Known Travel in California
Which trail at North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve?
As you enter the trails at Table Mountain, everyone leaves the parking lot and then has to pass through an up-and-down area. After a mile, you’ll come to this sign.
Most people take the out-and-back trail to Phantom Falls, which is 4.2 miles round trip. This hike takes you down into a canyon, past the beautiful Ravine Falls waterfall, back out of the canyon and then to the viewpoint overlooking another large canyon.
This second canyon, called Coal Canyon, is lined with basalt columns — if you look carefully, you can see many pieces of the columns that have fallen off over time. The waterfall is 166 feet tall and is called Phantom Falls because it disappears after the rainy season (after spring).
For a longer hike, try the trail to Beatson Falls, which will be about 6.5 miles total.
AllTrails also lists the more strenuous Ladder Falls Loop at just under 8 miles total. For more information about the Phantom Falls and Ladder Falls trails, check out All Trails.
Animals at Table Mountain
Cows graze on this mesa, so don’t be surprised if you come upon cow patties, see cows grazing in the distance, or even meet a cow on your trail. Most of the grazing cows are separated from hikers by the fence that you follow during the first part of the trail.
You can see California newts, salamanders, frogs, and other creatures in the vernal pools. The newts are poisonous, so do not touch them.
Dogs are welcome at Table Mountain but must remain on leash. You’ll likely see lots of dogs on the hike!
Read more: California Travel Tips
Is the Table Mountain hike hard?
I would categorize the hikes here as moderate. The popular Phantom Falls trail is a mostly flat trail of just over 4 miles with some climbing and descending.
My kids at age 9 and my mom at age 70 could do this hike without any problem, but it might be challenging for very young children or people with mobility issues. The most challenging part is the short canyon descent and ascent that takes place about 2/3 into the hike.
Other tips for visiting North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve
- Plan ahead and check the weather
Before you visit, check the weather forecast. Sometimes it can be quite chilly and windy up there in the morning, but oftentimes, it gets hot, especially because there is almost no shade.
If it’s been a rainy season, be prepared to cross small streams as there are a lot of vernal pools — most can be crossed without getting wet, but shoes that can get dirty and a little wet are a must.
- Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
The terrain at North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve can be rocky and uneven, so it is important to wear sturdy footwear with good traction. After it’s been raining, some parts may be a bit muddy. Long sleeves and a sunhat are recommended on sunny days.
- Rules to follow at the reserve
As a protected ecological reserve, North Table Mountain does have a few rules that visitors need to follow. These rules are posted on a sign near the trailhead.
Do not disturb or collect any plants or wildlife is allowed. Stay on trails and don’t trample on wildflowers. There is no potable water here, so bring your own water and pack out your trash.
All visitors 16 and older need to buy a land pass (see above), and if the parking lot is full, you can park on the road that leads to the reserve, but your vehicle must be completely on the shoulder, not on the road.
- What to bring
Plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, sturdy shoes/sneakers, and a snack. Dogs are welcome as long as they stay on a leash.
- Services
There are portable restrooms in the parking lot, but there are no other restrooms or garbage cans along the trail. There is no potable water here, so you’ll need to bring your own water.
- Visit on a weekday or get there early, especially during wildflower season
During the wildflower bloom, North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve can be very busy on weekends. I highly recommend visiting on a weekday. If you can’t swing that, then plan to arrive as early as possible.
The first time we visited, we came on a Friday morning during the peak of wildflower season and never felt that it was crowded. The last time we visited, we left Sacramento on a Saturday at 7:45 a.m. and arrived at 9:15. The parking lot was full; there were already a lot of people walking the trails, and at times it felt crowded. The viewpoint overlooking Phantom Falls was packed. On the way back, it got more crowded as more people had arrived after we did.
When we left at about 12 p.m., cars were parked all up and down Cherokee Road, the road leading to Table Mountain. This showed us how essential it is to arrive early during wildflower season!
Have you been to North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve? What tips do you have to share for the North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve hike?
What a great post! Love this hike. Thank you!
Thank YOU!