By Denise Ruggieri
Northern California Travel Guide
Each section of the state of California has its own unique qualities. Some areas are known for their
beaches, while others are popular because of the cultural city life just next to a picturesque bay. But northern California has a style all its own. It's filled with wildlife and breath-taking views provided by Mother Nature.
plan a trip to northern California if you want a relaxing break from it all. Take a drive, rent a houseboat or get involved in a water sport. Whatever you do, you will enjoy the beauty of northern California.
Shasta Cascade
The Shasta Cascade, located in the northeastern and north-central parts of California, is filled with picturesque natural attractions. For starters, the lakes and parks are gorgeous. Trinity Lake, located below the Trinity Peak mountains, welcomes visitors to fish, camp, swim, canoe or relax. California's largest lake, Shasta Lake, offers camping facilities, houseboats, parasailing, jet skiing, water skiing and tours of the Lake Shasta Caverns and Shasta Dam. Tourists can take a boat ride on Lake Shasta and a bus ride to the cavern entrance.
Scenic Drives
If you want to get away from the hectic pace of the city, you can drive through mountains, around lakes and streams and into the world-famous redwood forests, while gazing at plenty of wildlife along the way. There is much to see in northern California, including Barrel Springs Road/Surprise Valley, Bigfoot Scenic Byway, Feather River Scenic Byway, Historic Highway 99, Modoc Volcanic Scenic Byway, Shasta Dam/Shasta Lake Scenic Byway and Smith River Scenic Byway. Depending on your choice, you'll learn about volcanoes, the history of the railroad and the Gold Rush, and maybe even see a waterfall or two.
Wine Country
Northern parts of California give European countries a run for their money when it comes to making wine. Sonoma is well-known for its plentiful vineyards and mouth-watering wines. If you'd like to sample some of the best wine in the United States, take a tour of one of the many area vineyards (there are more than 250 award-winning wineries in northern California) or take a hot-air balloon ride with Wine Country Balloons for an aerial view of the vineyards. While in wine country, culinary connoisseurs can opt to create fancy dishes during a cooking class with Vintners Inn, Cooking Classes with John Ash, at the Culinary Cooking Institute or at other culinary schools throughout the area.
Gazing at the Redwoods
Magnificent redwood trees are dispersed all over northern California and can be most enjoyed from parks, specifically the Redwood National and State Parks. These grand trees can grow up to 367 feet tall with a base of 22 feet wide. Visitors also can gaze at the nearby Pacific Ocean and look for gray whales, spot seabirds nesting and admire the Roosevelt elk.
Del Norte County
Del Norte County is located in the northwestern part of California and sports a combination of redwood trees and spectacular views of the water. Visitors will enjoy trekking to the top of numerous lighthouses, water skiing, fishing and seeing plentiful sea creatures.
Resources
About the Author:
Denise M. Ruggieri of Southern New Jersey, has been writing since the year 2000. Ruggieri has been published in the The Press of Atlantic newspaper, Down Jersey magazine, SUCCEED magazine, AssociatedContent and eHow.com. She holds a Master of Arts in Writing from Rowan University.
Photo Credits:
Shasta Lake, courtesy of the Northern California Travel & Tourism Guide
