1. Home
  2. Festival Events
  3. Field Trips
Field Trip: Paddle the North Forebay

Field Trip: Paddle the North Forebay

$60 Adult; $35 Youth

Friday, Jan 23, 2026 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Meet at Forebay Aquatic Center (Map)

Walking, could involve distance but largely flat Walking, could involve distance but largely flat

Description

Participants will meet trip leaders at the North Forebay Aquatic Center (FAC), at 12:00pm, and be on the water from 12:30 to 2:00pm, with experienced guides who are familiar with the diverse local wildlife. This trip will educate flat-water boaters on safe boating practices and the ecology of the area and will also include a short walking tour of the Forebay habitat. There are 15 seats available in either a single or tandem sit-on-top kayak or stand-up paddle board. Participants will be provided with all equipment and fundamental paddling instruction. This trip has access to the non-motorized areas of the Forebay and is a low impact way to view the wildlife and migratory waterfowl prominent during this time of year. Appropriate for ages 8 and up. The Forebay Aquatic Center (FAC), is a facility in a State Park Recreation Area, that supports recreation throughout the Thermalito complex and the Feather River Watershed. No need to stop and pay the State Park entrance fee, it's included in the price; keep left after the entrance kiosk and park near the big metal building. Wear warm and waterproof clothing; bring camera and binoculars. This trip begins where On Foot: The Brad Freeman Trail at North Forebay ends, for those who might want to enjoy both. A paddle field trip is also offered on Saturday 10:00 am - 2:00pm at the Thermalito Afterbay. RAIN CANCELS

Field Trip Leaders

Brad Cooke

Brad Cooke has been teaching and exploring in the North State for 35 years, he is faculty at Butte Community College supporting natural history, native ways, and environmental education with an appreciation and knowledge for the hidden gems in Northern California. He has been a consultant for National Wildlife Refuges and an education programs director throughout Northern California. He currently is the executive director of the Feather River Center / Forebay Aquatic Center and is an avid birder and California Naturalist.

Brad Cooke's Events

Calvin Hamilton

Calvin Hamilton, retired from nuts and bolts and relocated long time Paradise resident, now resides in Chico. An avid hiking, biking and kayaking enthusiast, he is developing his birding abilities with the help of his wife, Liz Webster.

Calvin Hamilton's Events

Jennifer Patten

When Jennifer was in third grade, her teacher took her class on a field trip to Richardson Bay in Marin County. Here she saw hundreds of little sandpipers, hunting and poking for food across the mud flats. Her fascination with birds started on this day and has been with her ever since. Her passion for birds has led her to travel to many countries, including Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico, Europe, Canada, and all over the US, with Alaska being a particular favorite. She joined AltaCal's board in 1998, is one of the founders and past Director of the annual Snow Goose Festival, volunteered at Gray Lodge leading bird walks, and monitored wood duck boxes in the 1990s. She has volunteered in several bird projects and programs, helping students connect with birds and nature, at schools and the Chico Creek Nature Center. A bird and nature girl at heart, she instills that in her four granddaughters today.

Jennifer Patten's Events