Old Bidwell Bar Suspension Bridge and Tollhouse
Walk across California's first suspension bridge, a relocated marvel offering stunning Lake Oroville views and a glimpse into the gold rush era.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Old Bidwell Bar Suspension Bridge and Tollhouse
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk across California's first suspension bridge, a relocated marvel offering stunning Lake Oroville views and a glimpse into the gold rush era.
"It reminded me of a mini Golden Gate Bridge, really cool! "
🚶♀️ Stroll Across
Walk across the bridge for a unique perspective and great photo ops. It's a refreshing experience!
🕰️ Visit the Tollhouse
Don't miss the historic tollhouse for a glimpse into the past.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Walk Across History
Old Bidwell Bar Suspension Bridge
Experience the charm of California's first suspension bridge west of the Mississippi. A true step back in time.
The Original Tollhouse
Bidwell Bar State Recreation Area
See the historic tollhouse, a tangible link to the bridge's past and the gold rush era.
Scenic Lake Oroville Views
Near the bridge
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Lake Oroville and the surrounding natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Avoid Crowds
Understanding the Bridge's History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Stroll Across
Walk across the bridge for a unique perspective and great photo ops. It's a refreshing experience!
🕰️ Visit the Tollhouse
Don't miss the historic tollhouse for a glimpse into the past.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The views of Lake Oroville are stunning, especially during golden hour.
🚗 Easy Access
The bridge is easily accessible by car, making it a convenient stop.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Stroll Across
Walk across the bridge for a unique perspective and great photo ops. It's a refreshing experience!
🕰️ Visit the Tollhouse
Don't miss the historic tollhouse for a glimpse into the past.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The views of Lake Oroville are stunning, especially during golden hour.
🚗 Easy Access
The bridge is easily accessible by car, making it a convenient stop.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Old Bidwell Bar Suspension Bridge for its historical significance and scenic beauty, often comparing it to a 'mini Golden Gate Bridge.' The opportunity to walk across California's first suspension bridge and see the original tollhouse is a major draw. While some note the current bridge is a replica, the preserved history and stunning views of Lake Oroville make it a highly recommended stop.
"The Bidwell Bar Bridge, first suspension bridge of California, was transported from New York via Cape Horn 1853 and was completed 1856. Privately built as a toll bridge & costing $34,922 . It boasts a beautiful view of the new Bidwell Bar bridge just across the lake & Bidwell Marina restaurant & bar & campgrounds. Floating campgrounds make for an exciting evening with boats & kayaks for rent at the floating marina store."
Bryan Strother
"Stopped by going through, never been on it by foot was hanging out with my daughter and wanted to check it out. Was pretty nice time well spent."
Brian Stanfill
"Very nice bridge before you head up the mountain.. Lovely subset views of Lake Oroville and the houseboats. Nice stop to stretch your legs and take in the scenery."
Shawndra Peterson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The bridge is located in the Bidwell Bar State Recreation Area near Oroville, California. It's accessible by car, with clear signage leading to the parking area. Many visitors find it a scenic drive through the Butte County landscape. +1
Yes, there is parking available near the bridge and the recreation area. It's generally sufficient for most visitors, but can fill up on busy weekends.
The Bidwell Bar State Recreation Area is generally open year-round, but it's always a good idea to check for any seasonal closures or advisories before your visit.
The bridge itself is walkable, but accessibility for wheelchairs might be limited due to its historic nature. The surrounding recreation area may have accessible paths. It's best to inquire with the park service for specific details.
From Oroville, take Highway 162 East towards Lake Oroville. Follow signs for the Bidwell Bar State Recreation Area. The drive offers beautiful views of the lake.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically a day-use fee for the Bidwell Bar State Recreation Area. This fee covers access to the park, including the bridge and surrounding amenities. Check the California State Parks website for current fees.
The Bidwell Bar State Recreation Area generally has daylight hours. The tollhouse may have specific operating hours or be accessible for viewing from the outside. It's recommended to check with the park for exact times.
Advance booking is usually not required for day-use entry to the state recreation area. However, for any special events or guided tours, it's advisable to check for reservation requirements.
California State Parks sometimes offer discounts for seniors, disabled individuals, or through specific park passes. Inquire with the park staff or check their official website for details on potential discounts.
The Bidwell Bar State Recreation Area typically closes at dusk. Visiting the bridge at night is generally not permitted for safety and preservation reasons.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can walk across the historic bridge, explore the original tollhouse, enjoy the scenic views of Lake Oroville, and learn about the area's gold rush history. It's a great spot for a leisurely stroll and photography.
Absolutely! The bridge itself, the surrounding natural beauty, and the views of Lake Oroville offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The golden hour light is particularly beautiful. +1
Yes, the Bidwell Bar State Recreation Area typically offers restrooms and picnic facilities, making it a pleasant place for a day trip.
The bridge is located near Lake Oroville, which is popular for boating and fishing. You can often see houseboats and kayaks from the bridge, and there are marinas nearby.
A visit to the bridge and tollhouse can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much you want to explore and photograph. If you plan to enjoy the surrounding recreation area, allow more time.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are dining options available near Lake Oroville, including the Bidwell Marina restaurant and bar. For more extensive choices, you'll find restaurants in the nearby town of Oroville.
Yes, picnic areas are available within the Bidwell Bar State Recreation Area, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a meal amidst the scenic surroundings.
Typically, there are no dedicated food vendors directly at the bridge itself. It's advisable to bring your own snacks or plan to dine at nearby facilities.
The Bidwell Marina restaurant usually offers casual dining options, often with a focus on American cuisine and seafood, suitable for a relaxed meal after visiting the bridge.
You can find grocery stores in the town of Oroville for stocking up on picnic supplies or snacks before heading to the bridge.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most beautiful light for photography. Weekday mornings also provide fewer crowds for unobstructed shots. +1
The bridge itself, with its unique suspension design, is a primary subject. Also, capture the panoramic views of Lake Oroville and the surrounding hills. The tollhouse offers a historical element.
Drone usage is often restricted in state parks and recreation areas to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Always check the specific regulations for Bidwell Bar State Recreation Area before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the entire bridge and landscape. A telephoto lens can be useful for details or distant shots of the lake. A tripod can help with low-light photography.
While the current bridge is a replica, the original tollhouse and remnants of the old bridge are preserved in the recreation area and are excellent subjects for historical photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing along some simple activities like a frisbee or a ball for the kids to enjoy in the open spaces. The relatively short walk across the bridge makes it manageable for younger children, and the views provide plenty of visual interest. It's a great way to introduce children to local history and the beauty of Northern California in a fun and accessible way.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Allow about an hour to explore the bridge and the tollhouse, and perhaps a bit longer if you plan to enjoy a picnic or take in the lake views. The drive to the bridge itself is often scenic, adding to the overall road trip experience. It's a great place to stretch your legs, capture some memorable photos, and learn a bit of local history without requiring a significant time commitment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Remarkable Relocation of Bidwell Bar Bridge
The original bridge spanned a canyon that is now deep underwater, a reminder of the immense scale of the dam project. The relocated bridge, while a replica in terms of its current length and elevation, preserves the spirit and design of the original. Visitors can still walk across this historic structure, imagining the travelers and gold miners who crossed it over a century ago. The experience offers a unique connection to the past and the dramatic transformation of the landscape.
Adjacent to the bridge, you'll find the original tollhouse, which also survived the relocation. This structure provides a tangible link to the bridge's operational past as a privately built toll bridge. Exploring the tollhouse and the bridge together offers a comprehensive understanding of its historical context and the challenges of its preservation.
Experiencing Bidwell Bar State Recreation Area
For those who enjoy water activities, the nearby Bidwell Marina provides boat rentals and access to the lake's many coves and forks. The floating campgrounds offer a unique overnight experience for boaters. Even if you're not on the water, the scenic drives around the lake offer numerous vista points, including the Bidwell Bar Vista Point, which provides stunning panoramas.
Beyond the bridge and the lake, the recreation area is a place to relax and connect with nature. Picnic areas are available, making it an ideal spot for a family outing or a leisurely afternoon. The combination of historical significance and natural beauty makes Bidwell Bar a well-rounded destination for a day trip or a longer stay.
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