Introducing Sacramento Valley
The Sacramento River, California’s largest, carved out the northern half of the Central Valley. The river runs down the northern mountains from Shasta Lake before hitting the valley basin above Red Bluff; from here it snakes leisurely through the state capital and fans across the delta before meeting San Francisco Bay. The valley has a subtle beauty, particularly in spring when fruit orchards are in full blossom. In fall the leaves turn gold and in early winter the sky teems with migratory birds following the path of the Pacific Flyway. In summer’s oven temperatures the sky is bleached and the landscape parched, but the river flows as steadily as ever.
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Most travelers on their way from the Bay Area to the Gold Country or Lake Tahoe pass through Davis and Sacramento. All of the Valley’s other sights require just a minor detour.
Last updated: Mar 2, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Seattle to Sacramento - North or South best?
by johnsang 06 June 2011
I will suggest that northbound would be best for views of the mountains and forests that you will pass by. It will be better during the…
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RE: 2 weeks in california, need advice!
by Gardyloo 07 July 2009
I think your route is okay if a bit typical. The road from LV to Yosemite (presumably over Tioga Pass) is quite a slog, plus you're…
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RE: Northern California Fires
by nutraxfornerves 10 July 2008
The only fire that is currently having a significant effect on travel is the Basin Complex in Big Sur. They are beginning to get a handle…
