With spring in full bloom, and summer fast approaching, it's time to get outside and enjoy the beauty of Northern California.

Ready to put some action in your weekends? Looking for ideas on the best spots to get out into the wild?

Perfect! Adventure Outings' staff wants to share their favorite adventures with you.

feather river canyon
Theresa Faught climbing in the Feather River Canyon.

Theresa Faught, Adventure Outings trip leader, shares her favorite close-to-home spot to get out in nature — the Feather River Canyon.

“It is a really close national forest and it is completely different looking than the surrounding area of Chico,” Theresa says.

If you take highway 70 toward Quicy, about a half-hour outside of Chico the highway narrows and begins to wind along the banks of the North Fork of the Feather River. While the area offers countless adventure opportunities for kayaking, rafting, rock climbing or hiking, it’s also ideal for a short day trip to see one of Northern California’s hidden treasures. There are great day hikes and a riverside camping spot at Indian Jims, a free campground on the right side of highway 70.

“The first time I went there it was really unexpected. The area around Chico going out there is just all flat with little buttes and you don’t expect it, and then you drop down into a beautiful river canyon full of trees, and bridges and tunnels.”

Type: Scenic Drive

Location: Feather River Canyon

Duration: Day trip

Distance: 100 miles total driving

Drive time from campus: 45 minutes

Approx cost: $20 in gas money

What you need: A car

Experience level: Novice

Level of difficulty: Low