Table Mountain is in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in Butte County, and offers an impressive wildflower display in the spring. The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) has owned property on Table Mountain since 1993 and offers open access to the public during daylight hours year round.

The wildflowers of Table Mountain have long been renowned for their abundance and diversity. The peak of the wildflower bloom lasts several weeks and attracts many visitors each year. Tours are often offered by various groups including the Department of Fish and Game and the California Native Plant Society during the peak of the spring blooms.

There are also several waterfalls on the edge of Table Mountain where streams tumble off the steep western slopes. The waterfalls flow best during the winter and spring. The bluff on the western edge also offers impressive views across the Central Valley.

During the peak of the spring blooms, crowds can be heavy at the Ecological Preserve. At other times of the year, the parking lot is often empty. The historic mining town of Cherokee is on Table Mountain and near the Ecological Preserve.

Table Mountain was named for its very flat tabletop-like surface.  It was formed by ancient lava flows, and the basalt 'lava rock' outcrops are evident throughout the area.  While much of Table Mountain remains in private ownership, the Department of Fish and Game's North Table Mountain Ecological Preserve offers the public access to the area's unique vegetation and geology.

The North Table Mountain Ecological Preserve is located approximately 7 miles north of Oroville.  Take Cherokee road south from CA 70 for about five miles, and there is a gravel parking lot on the right side of the road that serves the DFG Preserve.

There are no established trails on Table Mountain, so hikers must find their own way across the landscape. Paths can be found along popular routes, and visitors are asked to tread lightly to minimize disturbance to the flowers.

Bird watching is also a popular activity on Table Mountain and a great diversity of birds can be seen. Mountain biking is not permitted.

The DFG North Table Mountain Ecological Preserve is open year round, dawn to dusk. The best time to visit for the wildflower viewing is March to early May.

There are portable toilets at the parking area during the season of the spring blooms, but are not there most of the year.

Fees: There are no entrance fees, but donations are often requested for guided tours.

The Preserve does not have paved hiking trails and the parking lot is gravel.

Dogs are permitted at the Table Mountain Ecological Preserve, but must be on a leash.  Cattle are grazed on the property during the year.