California Vacations - Northern California

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California Vacations Northern California

Northern California is a region that extends from San Francisco and the Bay Area north to the Oregon border. Is the most pristine, secluded part of the state. Largely free from urban development, this is a place of remote backcountry, stately forests, national parks, rugged coastlines, scenic drives and panoramic views.

Far removed from the hustle and bustle of the major Californian cities, the northern part of the state is a wonderful destination for visitors wanting to explore natural surroundings and unique attractions.

Traveling along the coast will introduce you to giant redwoods, marine sanctuaries and connect you with some of the state's best beaches. The Northern California coast is truly spectacular and the scenic drive along Highway 1 provides some awesome scenic views.

There are numerous state parks off the highway that offer visitors access to beaches and campsites. The remote remote backcountry areas offer opportunities to explore places like Lassen National Forest, where the main attraction is Mt Lassen Volcanic Park with its erupting steam jets and sulphur pools.

Mt Shasta attracts many climbers who attempt to reach the summit, mostly during the summer climbing season. Many experienced climbers also attempt to scale the mountain during winter.


There are numerous National Parks and Forests throughout Northern California where visitors can enjoy experiences such as the awesome giant redwoods in the Redwood National Park on the northwest Pacific coast, the wildlife, lakes, mountains and waterfalls in the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area and the unique formations and over 700 caves in the Lava Beds National Monument.

If you are planning a self drive Californian vacation, you need to be aware that many of the mountain passes in Northern California are closed during winter as the roads are too dangerous and the terrain is too steep. 

Northern California Cities And Towns

Redding - the center of the Shasta Cascade area with a population of nearly 90,000 (2010). The primary income for the city has traditionally depended on lumber.

Chico - the cultural, economic, and educational center of the northern Sacramento Valley region. Home of the Chico State University.

Eureka - the administrative center for the far north coast of California with a population of approximately 28,000. The site of hundreds of significant Victorian homes situated the Old Town Historic District.

Yuba City - a population of approximately 65,000. The biggest employer in town, apart from government service jobs, is a dried fruit processing plant.

Northern California  Attractions

Lassen Volcanic National Park - the Mt Lassen Volcanic Park with its volcanic mud pools and sulphur emissions

Lava Beds National Monument - over 700 caves, Native American rock art sites, historic battlefields and campsites

Redwood National Park - nearly 200 miles of walking trails among the redwoods on the Pacific northwest coast

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area - home to varied animal and plant life, Whiskeytown Lake, mountains & waterfalls.


Visitors guide to Mt Shasta - from the official tourism authority

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