There's gold in them thar hills around Thermalito, CA -- or there used to be anyway. In fact, the Feather River was the supply conduit for gold miners who struck it rich, or tried to, right here during the California Gold Rush.
Thermalito is a census-designated place located in Butte County, California
There's gold in them thar hills around Thermalito, CA -- or there used to be anyway. In fact, the Feather River was the supply conduit for gold miners who struck it rich, or tried to, right here during the California Gold Rush.
Thermalito is a census-designated place located in Butte County, California. With a population of over 6,600 as of the 2010 census, this is a growing community that is essentially encased by the larger town of Oroville. Oroville borders the town on two sides. A narrow land spit connects Thermalito across the Afterbay -- one of two large, man-made bodies of water here -- to Oroville on a third side. Close to both I-80 and I-5, Thermalito is only 25 minutes away from the larger community of Chico and 90 minutes from the comparatively large city of Redding, CA.
Thermalito is a small community with several manmade bodies of water, such as the Thermalito Forebay and Afterbay, around it. Located in what is still considered California's Gold Country, this town is in the northern inland part of the state. As such, although the climate is relatively mild in spring, fall and summer, winters can bring snow and cold temperatures. Mountains and plateaus are the scenic splendors here. When and Where to Look
You can find rental homes in Thermalito, CA, and the community does average a good amount of vacancies, so you should be able to find rental apts of all kinds, including two-bedroom apartments for rent, but you may need about a month to do so. You can search for a home anytime of year, but since winter does bring snow at higher elevations, roads into the community to search for property may be harder to get into in the winter months. Be sure to look both online and in the local newspaper, the Oroville Mercury Register, when seeking your new home. What to Bring
You'll want to have a car if you move here, as 78% of residents drive, and if you're commuting to work -- a relatively short 15 minutes on average -- you'll need a vehicle to do so. You'll also want something else: to prepare for your move! Your landlord to be will doubtlessly ask to see your ID, have access to your credit report, and want information about your employment and rental histories. You may want to keep your tax returns or W2s handy as well.
Thermalito Forebay and Thermalito Afterbay both border Thermalito, which is in and of itself a neighborhood in Oroville, CA. Highway 162 and the Feather River both cross through this community. Thermalito is a rural neighborhood by density, with mostly medium to small single-family homes and mobile homes. You can find some two-bedroom apartments as well. Check out complexes like the Rancho Vista or Sierra Village. Most properties were built from 1940 to 1999.
Thermalito is great if you like nature, beautiful scenery, and a cozy small town feel in a community that directly adjoins and is a part of Oroville, another small -- but slightly larger -- town.
Nature's Fun
At the north end of the river is Bedrock Park, which offers more swimming, fishing and picnicking. And the outdoor pleasures don't stop there. The Thermalito Afterbay includes a wonderful nature -filled island, the Oroville Wildlife Area, which is a small protected wetland area that makes for excellent birdwatching.
How about golf? There's the Table Mountain Golf Club located right in Thermalito. On the eastern side of this community, you'll find the Riverbend Park bordering the Feather River, right off Highway 70. The park allows boating, fishing, running and walking, and also contains a river beach. In short, bring your binoculars, your fishing pool and your boat, if you have one! If you have none of these, bring your hiking boots and your camera to visit North and South Table Mountain less than three miles away. These volcanic plateaus have pools, wildflowers and even waterfalls depending on the season.Always rushing away is another local area gem, Feather Falls, known as the sixth highest waterfall in the contiguous U.S., and the epicenter of a ladybug migration yearly. That means lots of good luck!The Lake Oroville State Recreation area, also just a few miles away has plenty of natural growth forests, streams, and horse trails, as well as the lake shore itself. Both the Thermalito Afterbay and Forebay are great locations for boating and fishing and the viewing of natures flora and fauna.And how about nature's fruits? Growers in the area are proud of what is known as The Mother Orange Tree, the first orange tree reportedly planted in California, located in Oroville, right next door. You'll probably have to get your morning O.J. elsewhere.
From oranges to... olives. The olive-canning industry was founded in Oroville by one Freda Ehmann, the "mother of ripe olives." Much matriarch celebration going on around here! Ehmann built a large cannery in Oroville, becoming the president of the world's largest canned olive factory by 1900. Pitted or non-pitted? What's your preference? Also located in Thermalito is the small craft-welcoming Oroville Airport, if flying is your thing, or if you have guests visiting who chose not to drive up Highway 49 or I-5 to come see you. Dining, Shopping, History, and Height
With all that outdoor activity, you may be getting hungry. Never fear, there's more than oranges and olives on the menu. Right in Thermalito is the popular home of tasty rolled tacos known as Los Compadres, a family style Mexican restaurant with an extensive menu. Drive a few minutes into Oroville proper for some tasty American-style cuisine at the Gold City Grill. Twenty-four-hour dining is available for insomniacs at The Cornucopia.
Shopping isn't forgotten around Thermalito either. North Valley Mall is just a short 20 minutes away in Chico with major national chain stores and smaller shops.
Also a short drive away is famous Oroville Dam, one of the twenty largest dams in the entire world, and the tallest in the U.S. Check it out, it's impressive. Impressive in history is the Chinese Temple and Garden, which maintains an extensive collection of artifacts to Oroville's gold mining days past.
