Enjoy a relaxing stroll through a truly international woodland at the Chico Seed Orchard, a unique, easily accessible, and historically rich spot perfect for families and nature lovers.
Planning Your Visit
Take a walk with your favorite four-legged friend (on leash) or enjoy a creekside lunch at one of the seven established picnic sites.
The high tree canopies, often filled with birds, create the feel of a bustling bird aviary. The loop trail, on-site restroom, and wheelchair accessibility make this location easy and enjoyable for the whole family.
Key Info
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Trail Length & Type: 1‑mile paved loop (plus additional unpaved trails)
Best Used: Accessible year-round
Dogs: Allowed on leash
Trail Map: Mendocino National Forest Map
Other Important Info: Wheelchair accessible
Hours & Access
- Main Gate: Open 7am to 3pm, Monday through Friday.
- Pedestrian Gate Seasonal Hours:
- Summer: March 1 — October 31: Open seven days a week from 7am to 7pm.
- Winter: November 1 — February 29: Open seven days a week from 7am to 5pm.
The Chico Seed Orchard is closed on major holidays.
A Note About Rattlesnakes
Rattlesnakes can be found along the Nature Trail and throughout the facility, especially in warmer months.
Make sure to stay on established trails and do not handle or disturb them or other wildlife you may encounter. If you see one, keep calm, stay at least 6 feet away, and slowly back away to give them space to escape. They are just as afraid of you as you are of them!
A Global History: Chico’s Famous “Tree Farm”
This facility is part of the Mendocino National Forest and began in 1904 as the Plant Introduction Field Station. Hundreds of plants were collected from around the world and were brought back to Butte County to be grown and researched by the United States Department of Agriculture.
This 209-acre botanical gem is the first home in the U.S. for many familiar plants, including the kiwifruit, pistachio, jujube fruit, and Meyer lemons. You can still find many of these original plants, some of which are labeled with interpretive signs along the mile-long paved nature path.
Stewardship in Action: Reforestation and Wildfire Recovery
Currently, the Chico Seed Orchard focuses on producing seed trees for projects such as reforestation, wildfire recovery, watershed restoration, and mine reclamation.
Directions
- Make your way to Chico via Highway 99.
- Exit east onto Skyway (Exit 383).
- Drive a quarter of a mile and turn right on Dominic Drive.
- At the end of the road, turn left onto Morrow Lane.
- Take the next right onto Cramer Lane.
- Proceed for about 2,000 feet; parking is available just outside the gate. Additional parking is available inside the gate during operating hours.