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according to the lodge’s website. Today, it’s one of six lodges in Butte County. 201 Old Forbestown Road, Forbestown.
Forbestown Cemetery Located a short walk behind the Freemason lodge, this old pioneer cemetery is no longer used for new burials, but holds stories galore for those willing to sit a while. It’s maintained by the county of Butte, but feels long forgotten, weeds covering what once were footpaths through the tombstones.
Yuba Feather Museum and Gold Trader Flat This indoor-outdoor museum offers a variety of exhibits based on early life in the region, and includes genealogical information, as well. The flat, outdoors, is a replica Gold Rush town, complete with schoolhouse, church, saloon and jailhouse. 19096 New York Flat Road, Forbestown, 675-1025
Forest Ranch A beautiful foothills community, Forest Ranch is perhaps best known as the home of LaRocca Vineyards, which has a tasting room in downtown Chico. At last census count, there were about 1,100 people living in Forest Ranch.
Magalia The claim to fame for this quaint mountain town (formerly Dogtown) just up the Skyway from Paradise is for being the spot where the world’s largest gold nugget was found (it was 54 pounds!). A plaque commemorating the find, by K. Stearns in 1859, can be found along the Skyway upon the entrance to Magalia.
Hilltop Cafe Having survived the Camp Fire, Jaki’s Hilltop Cafe came under new ownership earlier this year and reopened in March as Hilltop Cafe,
with a new menu—which includes some old favorites—to go along with the new name. 14112 Skyway, 873-1275
Magalia Community Church On the National Register of Historic Places, the Protestant church’s chapel was built in 1896. It’s since been moved, but remains intact and in use—it’s a place of worship and is available for weddings and other events.
Oregon City One of the first mining camps in Butte County, Oregon City was founded by a group of Oregonians who arrived in 1848. According to a plaque highlights the town’s historical significance, the group’s leader, Peter H. Burnett, became the first civil governor of California a year after his arrival. The city boasts a cemetery as well as a covered bridge.
Oregon City covered bridge Oregon City, one of the earliest mining camps in the county, was formed in 1848 and also served as a supply center. A plaque commemorates those who built the Oregon City bridge, also known as the Castlebury Covered Bridge. Located on Oregon Gulch Road, right outside Oregon City.
Oregon City School Owned by the Butte County Historical Society, the schoolhouse offers a glimpse into the region’s past. It’s currently undergoing a restoration. Don’t miss the original outhouse building behind the school. Open Sat.-Sun. 1-4 p.m. 2100 Oregon Gulch Road, 533-1849
Richvale
Magalia Community Church
60 Discover
Headquarters of the Butte County Rice Growers Association, Richvale, just south of Durham, certainly is a rice town. Legend has it, the name was created to trick Midwestern farmers into thinking the land was fertile. In fact, it’s more like clay, which happens to be great for growing rice—but little else. Lundberg Family Farms is Richvale’s biggest claim to fame—plus the fact it’s home to