Train Tunnel Trampsing
A little hiking, history and possible ghost hunting all wrapped into an afternoon just north of the Feather River fish ladder in neighboring Oroville. It was 42 years ago the rail bed opposite Cherokee road just across the Feather River was bustling with rail cars traveling North and Southbound hauling rocks up to the construction site of our famous Oroville Dam.
Today the rail tracks have been diverted and all that remains is a 600 foot long train tunnel and lasting memories of Oroville's famous train wreck of October 7th,1965. As published the day after, two trains collided head on in an accident that was reported to have caused flames that shot out from each end of the tunnel. Four rail workers died that night.
The trail leading up to the tunnel is very scenic. It took us about 20-30 minutes [from our parked car] to walk the trail leading up to the south entrance of the tunnel. The tunnel appears to be endless when standing in front of the entrance on foot. On each side of the tunnel's entrance you will notice there are lights that can be turned on which will allow a safe passage through. We opted to go through the tunnel with flashlights for a "creepier" experience. A leisure walk through took all of about 3 minutes.
The beautiful Feather River shoreline and the wildflowers provided plenty of opportunities for photographs...
Do you want to explore?
From Highway 70 take the Montgomery street exit and travel east down Montgomery. Cross through Table Mountain Blvd and once through the traffic light immediately turn left onto "Old Ferry Road". It almost appears to be a private driveway, but the road will take you down to the east side of the Feather River. Follow this road over a few speed bumps until you can travel no further. Park and just over the hill to your immediate left will be railroad tracks. You will walk next to the tracks traveling North. Once the rail tracks turn left to cross the Feather River (Cat Walk) you will follow the gravel bed along the river until you reach the tunnel. The approximate distance from your parked car to the train tunnel is half to 3/4 mile.
