Magalia is a quiet Sierra Nevada foothills town ideal for hiking, biking, and peaceful nature escapes. Surrounded by pine forests and close to DeSabla Regional Park, it offers laid-back access to year-round outdoor activities.
Magalia is a quiet Sierra Nevada foothills town ideal for hiking, biking, and peaceful nature escapes. Surrounded by pine forests and close to DeSabla Regional Park, it offers laid-back access to year-round outdoor activities.
Outdoor Adventure in Magalia, California
Located in the northern Sierra Nevada foothills, Magalia, CA provides a gateway to peaceful mountain recreation suitable for outdoor lovers seeking less crowded spaces. This small town is surrounded by mixed conifer forests and offers accessible trails for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing.
Discover the unique natural wonders, summits, and scenic landmarks that make Magalia, California special.
★ 8.5⌖ 13.98 milesModerateExplore Phantom Falls near Oroville, CA. This seasonal waterfall is best visited in spring. The hike is moderate, offering stunning views and photography opportunities. Expect to see wildflowers and wildlife. Great for adventure seekers.
★ 8⌖ 14.87 milesModerateExplore North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve near Oroville, CA. Enjoy moderate hikes through vibrant spring wildflowers and dramatic cliffs. Ideal for photography and wildlife observation.
★ 8.2⌖ 18.91 milesExplore Bermuda Falls in Butte Valley, CA. This picturesque waterfall offers a moderate hike through lush landscapes with basalt formations, perfect for photography. Spring visits feature blooming wildflowers enhancing the scenery. Tranquil atmosphere ideal for nature lovers.
★ 8.4⌖ 22.89 milesModerateExplore the 8.2-mile loop to Feather Falls in Plumas National Forest. Rated moderate, it features panoramic views and wildlife observation. Best visited in spring or fall, this trail offers adventure and tranquility.
★ 6.8⌖ 23.10 milesExplore the Sacramento River in California for fishing, boating, and birdwatching. Accessible near Sacramento city, this spot is popular in spring and fall. Visitors can enjoy serene waters and vibrant ecosystems. A fishing license is required.
★ 8⌖ 41.49 milesExplore Plumas National Forest near Quincy, CA, with varied trails for hiking, biking, and fishing. Spot local wildlife and enjoy serene vistas. Accessible year-round, best in spring and fall, drive-in access.
★ 8.2⌖ 44.22 milesExplore the Yuba River in Northern California, known for its clear waters and scenic beauty. Enjoy activities like swimming, kayaking, and hiking. Busy in summer, best visited in spring and summer, with easier access near Nevada City, CA.
★ 8.2⌖ 44.53 milesExplore the Pacific Crest Trail - Warner Valley Trailhead near Chester, CA. Accessed by a drive-in route, this serene area is perfect for hiking enthusiasts. Visit during spring or fall for the best experience, and enjoy the scenic beauty of geothermal features at Lassen Volcanic National Park.
★ 8.5⌖ 45.20 milesModerateExplore Kings Creek Falls via a moderate hike in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Enjoy the stunning cascading waterfalls and diverse wildlife, ideal for photography. Best visited in spring and early fall to appreciate its volcanic landscape and tranquil setting.
★ 8.4⌖ 45.41 milesLake Helen in Lassen Volcanic National Park offers a peaceful alpine lake experience with volcanic views and late-summer snowfields. Accessible by drive, it's ideal for hiking, snow play, and wildlife watching in a quiet, remote setting.
★ 7.2⌖ 45.75 milesExplore Feather River, California. Ideal for kayaking with gentle currents and scenic views. Popular for fishing, it's a tranquil spot favored in spring and fall. 2-hour drive from Sacramento, easy access for nature lovers.
★ 8.7⌖ 46.76 milesModerateHike the 2.5-mile trail to the summit of Lassen Peak in Northern California for stunning volcanic views. Rated as a moderate hike, it's best in summer. Enjoy geothermal features and wildlife spotting, but prepare for steep trails and strong sulfur smells.
Discover the top adventure activities and curated experiences in Magalia, California, verified by our editors to help you make the most of your trip.
Book unforgettable outdoor adventures, guided tours, and gear rentals with verified Local Experts in Magalia, California.
⌖ 3.1 miRent this 70ft Fun Country houseboat at Lime Saddle Marina in Paradise for 3–14 days—sleeps 12, pet friendly—and use this guide to plan lakeside swimming, waterskiing, watersnacking and shoreline camping.
⌖ 4.2 miTwo-, four- and eight-hour rentals at Lime Saddle Marina let you glide calm water, slide into the lake, swim or snorkel, and shore up for lakeside hiking and camping.
⌖ 4.2 miA concise guide to renting a California houseboat at Lime Saddle Marina — sun on deck, a waterslide into calm lake water, and easy access to shoreline hiking and camping.
⌖ 4.2 miTwo-hour, half-day and full-day standup paddleboard rentals (starting at $49.96) on calm waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling and lakeside exploration.
⌖ 4.8 miShort-term slip rentals (1–6 days) at Lime Saddle Marina in Paradise, CA—this guide lays out hours, meeting point, rates, and the basic sequence from check-in to checkout.
⌖ 14.9 miA 1.5‑hour beginner class with Frog Hollow Outdoors that teaches essential paddling techniques, canoe terminology and safety to build confidence on the water.
⌖ 19.0 miA full-day, eight-hour rental aboard a 2023 SunTracker Party Barge 22 DLX: this guide lays out the vessel, logistics, and what to bring for a smooth day on Lake Oroville.
⌖ 19.0 miAn eight-hour, self-directed jet-ski rental on Lake Oroville featuring supercharged models, Bluetooth-equipped units, and delivery or pickup flexibility.
⌖ 20.7 miTemporary slip rentals, buoy moorage and secure self-storage with 24-hour access—this guide collects the essential facts you need before you tie in.
⌖ 20.7 miHalf-day to seven-day ski-boat rentals (starting at $429.91) for groups up to eight, with pulling watersports allowed—this guide clarifies where to meet, who can book, and what to expect.
⌖ 20.7 miTwo-, four- and eight-hour standup paddleboard rentals from Bidwell Canyon Marina — a pet- and tow-free refuge for a quietly restorative paddle.
⌖ 20.7 miFull‑day to week‑long rentals of a 44‑foot Patio pontoon from Bidwell Canyon Marina, accommodating up to 15 people and their pets — a practical guide to what to expect and how to plan.
⌖ 34.1 miStay 4+ nights in a 3‑bedroom modular house with panoramic lake views, a full kitchen, laundry and an included boat slip—this guide lays out the amenities, booking rules and what to expect.
⌖ 37.5 miAn intimate, angler-focused outing on Lake Almanor aboard a 16' Klamath that’s built to reach narrow waterways and prime fishing spots.
⌖ 38.9 miA 1.5-hour guided horseback ride from Chester across meadows, bridges and boardwalks to a high overlook of Hot Springs Creek and nearby geothermal springs.
Make the most of your visit to Magalia, California with these essential planning tips, seasonal events, and protected lands.
Magalia, California is surrounded by incredible protected natural lands offering pristine trails, wildlife habitats, and wilderness conservation.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in Northern California, is renowned for its active volcanic landscape and geothermal features, providing an extraordinary outdoor adventure experience.
Shasta-Trinity National Forest, the largest national forest in California, offers a wide array of outdoor activities set amidst stunning landscapes featuring majestic mountains, expansive lakes, and lush forests.
Mendocino National Forest offers a diverse landscape perfect for a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking and camping to fishing and photography.
The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is a stunning, year-round destination offering diverse outdoor activities surrounded by awe-inspiring alpine scenery.
Prepare for limited services within Magalia; nearby Chico offers additional amenities.
Check weather forecasts, especially in winter as light snowfalls can impact roads.
Pack sufficient water and supplies as trailheads may have minimal facilities.
Always check local regulations, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and weather forecasts before setting out on any adventure in Magalia, California. Respect nature, wildlife, and fellow adventurers by following Leave No Trace principles.