Got to the parking lot at 8 am on a March Saturday and the parking lot was already half full. Come early! Some portions of the trail are rocky. Hiking sticks are helpful on the rocks and steep sections. Lots of mixed wildflowers. Cows were at a distance. Some muddy spots. Hardly any shade along the trail except in the ravine. By the time we headed back, the crowds were significant. Cars were parked all along the road. I would be surprised if no one got tickets. read more

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We were a bit early to see the flower bloom but sure enjoyed the beautiful scenery with waterfall and stream! A must visit for a lively hike yearly !! read more

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Unpopular opinion I know, but North table mountain is just not that great. It would be a lovely place to spend the day, but it is so overwhelmed with people that it's virtually impossible to enjoy it. I have tried coming here multiple times to hike, but the land is mostly flat and shadeless and the views just aren't that great. If you love wildflowers, I'm sure this is a very nice place to come in spring, but even then, we tied to find a quiet spot and sit and enjoy and it was virtually impossible. There are families with screaming children and young adults that are playing music or yelling loudly for no reason. It's unfortunate that this area is just so oversaturated with people. However, even without the crowds, there are just so many other beautiful places to explore in the area. I highly recommend doing some research and finding a path less traveled to make some real enjoyable memories. read more

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Beautiful hike. Came here late April 2025, there were blue wildflowers with some california poppies scattered along the hike. Phantom falls is still running this time of year. There are restrooms available in the parking lot. The trail itself is pretty rocky towards the middle half onward, took our group about 3 hours total for the whole hike to phantom falls and back. Be sure to bring hiking boots, it gets pretty rocky and muddy because of the rains! read more

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Beautiful scenic views along the trail. Wild flowers are at full bloom. Wearing hiking boots is highly recommended because some areas are very rocky. Hike from Novato falls to Phantom falls is where it getting more rocky. A must do if you are chasing the blooms. read more

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Nice little retreat. Went on a Saturday and Earthday, the most busiest I've seen it. Plenty of parking. If there isn't parking in the lot, makeshift one off the road. Porta potties. Trail has a lot of rocks, slight inclines, plenty of shade & a walking stick isn't necessary (unless that's how you hike). Plenty of pollen for allergies . From the parking lot to Phantom Falls, it's about a 2 mile walk/hike one way. Also a great spot for photography. 4/22/23 There was a hiker who sprained her ankle and it was nice to see the rescue team help. There is a decomposing cow on route so be aware. read more

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Great place for a wildflower hike, even after the peak of the superbloom. We went in early May, and while there were still plenty of flowers, there wasn't what I would consider a superbloom. We did about a 2 mile hike to Phantom Falls, via Ravine Falls. There is a stinky rotting cow at the switchbacks on the way down to Ravine Falls, at least there was in early May 2023. After visiting Ravine Falls, you climb back up a steep and rocky trail to a plateau with a great view of Phantom Falls. You need to go to all the way to the edge where you can see down into the canyon, and Phantom Falls is across the way. You can continue along the plateau to the top of the falls, and even down to the bottom if you want, but we stopped at the viewpoint. We went first thing on a weekday morning, arriving before 9 AM, because I was worried that the parking lot would be full as it was during the super bloom. As you can see, the parking lot was actually deserted and parking was no problem at all. By the time we left, there was more cars in the parking lot, but it still wasn't very full at lunchtime. I think as long as you come before or after the super bloom, it won't be very crowded. Some practical tips: bring food and water from Oroville, because there isn't any anywhere close by. There are loads of Porta potty's in the parking lot, but the actual restrooms were locked when we were there. read more

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Ok so here's the deal, stay away from here on weekends and holidays. The trail is over ran by tourists and is hard to get around. There's great views don't get me wrong but the overcrowded trail really took a lot away from the whole experience. Additionally if you have mobility limiting disabilities I would not recommend this trail. There are some areas where it's steep and also there's about a 1/4 mile of rock scrambling. read more

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Beautiful hike in early April. Waterfalls were flowing. Cows were hanging out all along the route. Get there early -we got there around 8am on the weekend with plenty of parking and fresh portapotties. We did the entire loop - about 4hrs- depending on speed. read more

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Way too overcrowded. A beautiful place ruined by people who saw and want to post instagram shots.

Have you seen the spectacular blooms of our very own CA wildflowers? Came here the second weekend in March and I was in awe. Although not a superbloom year, the lupines were definitely stunning and worth a visit. Poppies were starting to bloom. I think the best time to come here would be 3rd to 4rth weekend in March. This place is located in Oroville, Ca. If you go to their website, you'll find the map as well as how to get the CDFW land pass that is required to visit. Land pass helps fund the management and operation of places like the North Table Mt. I just saw that there were lots of porta potties compared to last year. There is also a real restroom. Parking...as always, get there early. The lot starts to fill up at 1000 AM. read more

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We did a day hike Mon 4/26/21 to North Table Mtn Preserve in Oroville, it's a 3hr drive from Fremont. You need to reserve a Land Pass $4.89 per person 16yrs & up, I paid for mine online, printed at home. Carry with you. There is a small parking lot hold maybe 20-30 cars. Can't park on the road, will get ticketed or towed. About 13 pit toilets in the parking lot. No drinking water-bring your own. There is a topo map that I got online, friend had to read it and find the route for us. We did 5 waterfalls, but they aren't running very well right now, best was Feb-Early April. Our route: Ravine Falls, Phantom Falls, Lower Ravine Falls, Beatson Falls, & Hollow Falls. There were some patches of wildflowers, better in March-Early April. It gets Hot in the afternoon, go early! read more

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The trail is a bit dangerous as there's jagged rocks all over the trail and you can twist an ankle if you or careful . Plus every 20 feet on the main trail there's atleast one rattle snake . They're just barely visible on the holes on and side of the trail and some times you can see atleast one or two crossing the trail . They're very camouflaged and if not paying attention , easy to step on them . Some areas are steeper climbs . Not really good for older people . Maybe during the spring it might be less hot and better views and bigger falls . At the end of May the falls is just a tiny stream of water. They should atleast put some benches along the trail where people can sit. Can't sit anywhere on the grass or under trees as it's full of locusts and other weird insects. read more

One of the best places for see wildflowers in California! North Table Mountain is an easy and kid-friendly hike. Lots of wildflowers and wildlife to see during spring. It's gorgeous and photos don't do it justice. They have a small parking lot at the beginning of the trail but there's also parking by the street. I recommend getting here early since it does get busy. You can purchase day passes online, but note that nobody enforces the day passes. read more

North Table Mountain - Hiking Near Me - Oroville, California

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We came here back when a bunch of places were shut down and only "outdoor" activities were allowed during COVID. We missed the wild flowers blooming (came too early), but because of social media, this place blew up it seemed. There is not really a set trail and you can see foot prints in all directions. I would be surprised if the wild flowers became less and less each year due to foot traffic as I saw some spots where flowers would bloom were already stomped on :( Any who, if you come here between winter/spring time (or before the blooming season), be prepared for some muddy terrain. We came early because we wanted to make sure there was still water flowing too. Since there wasn't a clear trail and lack of signage, we took the advice of another hiker to just follow the river. Once you get to Phantom Falls, it's just kind of like, "oh ok." I wouldn't recommend coming out of your way to visit this place unless you are already up in the Sacramento/Oroville vicinity and have absolutely nothing else to do. read more

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Nice hike, some wildflowers to be seen and nice waterfalls. We did leave an Alaska canvas bag, grocery bag, that means a lot to me as it's from my mother, whom we just lost. Not sure where to post so thought I'd try this. If anyone has seen it, I'd love to have it back. read more

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After a week of rain, this place was a bit muddy. However, we enjoyed every second of this hike. There are so many flowers blooming, and beautiful waterfalls. read more

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I have researched various blogs, some are outdated and some says signage is lacking. There were signages throughout the route to Phantom Falls. Came here yesterday 4/11/21 on a hike and it is a beautiful hike! Wildflowers everywhere in colors of white, purple and yellows. This is an open pasture hike with cows grazing on grasses. There is not much shade on this route so be prepared, bring water and go early. I got there at 945am and it was already packed! If you are unsure, go with the crowd, most likely they are headed to the falls but otherwise here is how to get to phantom falls: - Address either works: 2393 Cherokee Rd. Oroville CA (I used this address and it took me there however stopped a little early before the actual parking lot where the portable potties were but tons of overflow parking here already) 2488 Cherokee Rd. Oroville CA (This address also came up during my research) - You can download the All Trails app and follow the red lines (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/phantom-falls) - North Table requires you to purchase a land pass for day use although there was nobody there enforcing it. Its about $4 per person over age 16 (https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/internetsales) - When you arrive there will be a parking lot outside a bunch of portable potties. If that is full, you will park alongside both roads and there is plenty of parking everywhere. - Head straight from the parking lot into the gate (see photo attached) and follow straight - Eventually will see a bunch of yellow signages that says you are leaving the Ecological Reserve and you are going the right way - You will be in an open pasture with lots of wildflowers and cows grazing. Mostly flat with some rocky parts. - The first sign shows Ravine Falls 1.0 mile and Phantom Falls 1.5 miles. Follow the arrow and go RIGHT - Keep walking and you will find a trail pole to your LEFT - Signages will be throughout so keep an eye for signs that keep telling you to go straight. - You will come across a large tree and cows were grazing underneath it (see photo attached) - You will come to another sign that shows Phantom Falls 0.6 mi and at that point you should be at RAVINE FALLS. Ravine Falls is to your right. - Then go LEFT for Phantom Falls. This part will require you to leap through 2 trees that have fallen. This part is also an uphill climb and the most ROCKY part of this whole trail. You will be at the top of the hill in 10-15 mins while going through another gate - After the uphill climb is flatlands again with tons of wildflowers. These flowers seem more vibrant than the ones in the beginning. Golden yellow everywhere. At the end of the flowers, opens you up to a deep 135 ft cliff. Walk a little further up a small hill if you would like to see the falls. Unfortunately due to lack of rain, the falls were minimal but still going! Enjoy your hike! North Table is very beautiful! read more

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The Ron L family went to North Table Mountain for one reason and one reason only: wildflowers. Northern California doesn't have the wildflower displays that Southern California does. My wife and I saw the poppy preserve at Antelope Valley shortly after we got married, and North Table Mountain is quite sad compared to Antelope Valley. But you take what you can get. When we have good rain in the winter, some grass has patches of yellow mustard and orange poppies suddenly appear. Now, picture acres of hills covered with these flowers. Now you have an idea of what to expect at this empty plot of land on narrow winding Cherokee Road going to the top of Table Mountain. None of the usual dirty tan, just green and yellow, with purple and blue mixed in. A small creek runs through the middle, going down small waterfalls, making it even more picturesque and adding soothing background noise. And lone oaks pop up to make for a good family photo or selfie. The best photos are closeups of the flowers. Again, not blow-your-socks-off drop-dead gorgeous, go to the southern deserts to see those gorgeous views. But good enough. If you love flora and wildflower displays, North Table Mountain is a must-see in the wet years. read more

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It's all about the season in which you visit. I went in early April of 2019 which has been a heavy rain year. When I hiked, it was overcast and started drizzling on the way back to the car. It was absolutely gorgeous. The cows will glare at you as you maneuver through their terrain. I had zero issues with following the trail; because the grass was so green,the trail was obvious. I also encountered three different waterfalls on this hike. read more

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This is just for Table Mountain at the parking lot. I have no clue if that is north or not. There's really not much to do here. He went there doing the super bloom, yestersay, which was almost 99% of the same yellow flower. Pretty, but a bummer and not worth the drive on the absolutely horrendously maintained roads. The road should only be one way as it's no bigger than an average size single Lane, so it's very dangerous with lots and lots of options to drive off the road off the cliff. The roads clearly haven't been maintained since they were made, with lots of patchwork everywhere, and it's one of the bumpiest rides and windiest rides in this area, which says a lot! Once you get to the tiny section that doesn't have fencing, you arrive at a medium-sized parking lot filled with slate rock chips as the ground, which made it really hard to drive on because as anyone knows, slate crumbles effortlessly. So my tires kept losing traction, almost as if I were in a mud puddle. So we couldn't park there, and I have normal all season tires and suv. So we parked off to the side of the tiny section where visitors go, but it was just flat in every direction. Nowhere could I see anywhere where all of the beautiful pictures of waterfalls and such were taken or any wildflowers that weren't just yellow. It's not a place you would bring someone who has any type of social phobia for any self-conscious Tourette's tics, like my son. At least during Super Bloom time frames, it's just too busy, and it's really overwhelming. We went there hoping to see purple fields, yellow field and poppies everywhere and there wasn't one poppy, and there was just some lupin here and there, but overall it was just whatever and there's no need to go back. Far too many beautiful nature spots in this area with minimal to no people at all to ever need to go back there again and on such a dangerous road. read more

Tough for me to rate this place as I'm unsure how much of it we hiked. The 3 stars is for what we did see. We're not from the area - we happened to be cutting through Oroville and decided to stop by this place due to the pretty pictures posted on Yelp. I followed Google Maps, and we ended up in a dirt parking lot. They do have porta potties there if you're wondering (no water). It wasn't packed, and there were about a dozen or so cars parked. No signage, so I wasn't 100% sure if we were at the right place. Seeing a few hikers coming back to their cars gave some reassurance. However, we glanced around and saw mostly flat lands and dry grass. This looked nothing like the pictures and we found it hard to believe there would be any waterfalls here. We mulled over what to do, and decided to head towards what we guessed was the trailhead (not clearly marked). A little in, we saw the sign for North Table - whew, we were in the right spot. Unfortunately, as we walked along the trail, the trail started to disintegrate. The trail was visible on/off (mostly off), but we just decided to follow the tiny little stream (to the left) to guide us. It was a mix of dirt, gravel, lava rocks, grass, and small flowers. The flowers were pretty, but not extensively covering the park. No hills - it was mostly flat or semi-flat grounds. About 30 minutes in, we got to a small water area which fed into a waterfall. This was just a few weeks ago, so there wasn't any recent rain, so the waterfall was a mild trickle. Unfortunately, we couldn't see it, unless we hiked further down. I tried to go a few yards in front of the fall, but still couldn't see it (rocks blocking my view and the water wasn't gushing far enough to see). At this point, we decided to turn back, due to time and it was getting hot (a few trees along the way provided some shade). Most of the area we walked was unshaded. We hiked a total of about an hour+ and saw 2 or 3 groups of people along the way. I'm not sure how long is the trail and if it gets better had we gone further. Overall, it was a decent hike, but the pictures posted on Yelp looked so much better than what we saw. Perhaps we need to come back next time and go further. read more

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Drink water, bring friends, pack a lunch, take nature photos, and maybe find the trail. I'm still not sure we found The Trail, but we did find plenty of scenic views. Once I was an experienced hiker. Now I get easily dehydrated. Sad day. Anyway, North Table Mountain is beautiful in spring, and the main trailhead and parking area are easy to locate, just outside of Oroville. read more

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Since this is an ecological site that's managed by Department of Fish and Games, you'd have to go to their official website and purchase permits ($4 per person) to be there. It's so breathtakingly beautiful and gorgeous here. It's covered with colorful flowers, especially by the creeks. You can hear the sound of the water running near the creek. It's pretty quiet and peaceful here since there's not too many people. The drive up here is pretty too. It's off Cherokee Road in Oroville . I'm not sure if this area is an Indian Reservation or not but we saw a Cherokee cemetery on the way. When you get there , just park on the dirt area and start walking ! Don't forget your camera and good walking shoes. read more

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North table mountain is named after the flat mesa like a table. It was plain green grass. In April, there are a lot of flowers. In 2015 April, not as many as before because of drought, but still many. We started a trailhead along Cherokee road. It's 6 mile loop. Half was off trail cross country. Plain huge land was amazing and beatiful. Phantom trail with basalt column cliff was the coolest falls I've ever seen. read more

North Table Mountain - Hiking Near Me - Oroville, California

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This place is a visiter fee area , you can purchased it online very convenience. It was a beautiful hike eventhough we did not make it to Phantom falls. Our dogs loves it .We definitely will be back. read more

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What a beautiful scenery! I highly recommend going here ! Bring water and a sack lunch and enjoy the day! Wear sunscreen and again water . The have Porta potty's and Sherri is there selling jam, jerky, salsa and a few other items. read more

By far one of the most relaxing hikes I've gone to. North Table Mountain or also known as phantom falls trail loop located in Oroville, CA; if you're coming from Sacramento, set your destination to Marysville/Oroville and expect 1:30hr drive. When you drive through Marysville take up 70-N and then turn right onto Cherokee Rd. Within 4-5 miles on Cherokee Rd, you should arrive to some majestic meadows and scenic landscapes before hitting the parking lot. If you look at my Garmin picture, that should give you a rough bearing where the trail head begins (trail head starts from the parking lot). Upon arrival, you should expect packed parking and a theme-park like entrance (minus entrance fee). When I was there (4/2), Dept. Fish and Game volunteers were there handing out some useful and informative fliers in regards of North Table Mountain. I would like to emphasize, that this particular trail is seasonal and when spring is around (late March-early April) the corner expect some sporadic traffic from all groups of people and backgrounds (i.e. photographers, hikers, botanist groups, ranchers, horse-back riders, and many more). Enjoy your hike! And don't worry, this trail is super-easy and the views and picnic spots are plentiful. If you do bring a hammock beware, there are some major bee hives! read more

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We saw three waterfalls and tons of beautiful flowers. This has become one of my favorite hikes. The trail was pretty crowded on the weekend but not too bad. We climbed down a steep ravine with ropes to get to the bottom of phantom falls. Quite the adventure and it was so beautiful once we got down! Highly recommend it. I will be going back again. read more

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If you haven't done this hike- you're missing out. Most people park, turn left and walk to the first falls they see- then turn around and walk back. No!! You're missing so much. On this day, we saw 4 waterfalls. Tip- park, walk straight out, and cross a couple ravines. Trust me. read more

This is a very beautiful place. It's easy hike, and perfect wind for kytes. The trail is easy, and the waterfalls and cliffs are beautiful. The minor problem I noticed was the rocks made walking not so fun. There are lots of trees to rest under if you get tired. read more

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I really enjoyed being able to have a Saturday picnic with the family here. Everyone is there to enjoy the scenic view so all we met were super friendly people! I'm definitely hoping to come back again soon! The phantom waterfall was beautiful! Definitely a must see after having all this rain read more

North Table Mountain - Hiking Near Me - Oroville, California

I did this hike in January and again in mid-march. Both times were just after rains so the falls were going. The mid-March hike had both the falls and the wildflowers (which are quite abundant this year). I arrived on a weekday around 11am so the parking lot was less than half full. I ran into a few folks but not many and I actually had phantom falls to myself for a half an hour while I sat and had lunch and enjoyed the waterfall view. Lovely easy hike and pretty family friendly although there are definitely spots you would want to watch a rambunctious child. Also dog friendly although they are supposed to be on leash. There are a lot of cows around so it is appropriate to avoid stressing them.And on that topic, watch for cow droppings and enjoy your hike ;-) read more

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Beautiful place. The hike to phantom falls is a strenuous one with a lot of loose rock on a VERY narrow path that's all uphill until you reach the mountain top. I had my two boys 9 & 11 who held their own, but I didn't feel 100% safe and said lots of prayers to get us up/down safely. I saw a lot of folks waking the entire trail in flip/flops and one of them slipped and fell and had to be rescued (not smart!). You will need good hiking shoes with traction and keep an eye on the littles. We saw a large rattle snake in the rock path up to phantom falls, so be aware of your surroundings and take lots of water. Also the trail is marked very very well. Not sure if that's something new, but there are markers all along and a ton of people. read more

Visited there today and the wildflowers were in full bloom and spectacular ! Be aware that large crowds visit this place even on a Thursday and parking is difficult to find even on the side of the main road. The terrain is very rocky and would not be suitable for anyone with a handicap, but even seeing it from the parking lot or the road is spectacular. I would also suggest a drive over the highway 162 bridge which crosses the lake (not the road over the dam). At the end of that bridge the hills are just alive with wildflowers, especially California poppies- quite a sight. read more

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY. This area is among one of my favorite places to hike during the spring when the wildflowers are out in Northern California. It is beautiful but suitable for those more intermediate hikers seeking the beautiful waterfalls home to this area. The trails are not the most safest nor self guided as they can get narrow and rocky along the cliffs, and visible trails can get patchy and disconnected. I recommend visiting during mid spring when there are more noticable trails to guide your way and when it has not rained because it can get real muddy. In addition, hiking boots are more appropriate for the terrain than sneakers. read more

VERY long hike, depending how far you but it's also VERY easy to get lost. I got lost for 2hrs on my way back to the parking lot. There's harmless cows (which means cow poop!) around the area. There's little creeks leading up to the waterfall so the hike to waterfall is pretty. Wasn't a steep hike. read more

North Table Mountain - The water fall isnt far from the parking lot, the "hike trail" goes beyond the waterfall - Hiking Near Me - Oroville, California

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This place never disappoints. We have been here several times but this is the first time we have come in spring after so much rain. Breathtaking wild flowers, and only saw one small rattle snake that was high tailing it away from us! Bring a backpack and bring lots of water as the hike can be 10 miles round trip experiencing some nice hills and valleys. read more

North Table Mountain - Spring time 04/15/17 - Hiking Near Me - Oroville, California

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It is hard to offer a rating, knowing what this county has to offer (like Feather Falls). This hike was definitely family-friendly and dogs on leashes everywhere. We went on a Saturday morning, so the parking lot was FULL. Just follow the masses to the fall, which in late February was not raging by any means, but still very pretty. The wildflowers were beautiful and, with families dotting the scenery with picnic blankets spread out and colorful clothing, it was a bucolic setting. Super easy walking, unless you want to take the direct route from the top of the falls down which is what we did just for fun. There is a kid-friendly and dog- friendly hike down, though. read more

North table mountain was super fun! My friend and I went in late March on a Tuesday. There were some other people but not too many, so there was plenty of parking. We walked for about an hour or two and had a little picnic on top of a hill with a great view of all the different wildflowers. read more

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