The original mountaineers of the Sierra Nevada. Thats the largest population of any state, and its about 10 million more than the next second largest (Texas). Theres some dispute as to the exact origin of these cookies. The internet itself wasborn in Californiain 1969. 19. It even grows over 90 percent of the broccoli thats produced in the United States. WebThese are the ten highest points in the Klamath Mountains: 1. If that number sounds mind-boggling, it should. Siskiyou County was established in 1852 as one of the Do you want to see that difference for yourself? These are hot and dry and receive rainfall of 4-10 in (10-25 This also makes Death Valley the lowest national park in the world. The Transverse Mountain Ranges span west to east from the coast, passing through Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and the Mojave and Colorado Deserts. Those delicious avocados that we enjoy so much on avocado toast most likely come from California. Fun Facts About California's Deserts More than 70,000 avocado experts and fans attend and showcase their culinary expertise. According to a recent U.S. Geological Survey, the region of the Sierra Nevada Mountains provides evidence of ongoing mountain building, meaning that technically theyre continuing to be built. facts Found in the southeastern part of the state, California's three deserts, the Great Basin, Colorado and Mojave, are hot and dry. Here are seven interesting facts about Orange County in California history that showcase its unique culture and heritage. A Spanish soldier by the name of Pedro Font headed east and saw a range of high snowy mountains to the East. California has an abundance of unique natural features. Here are seven interesting facts about Siskiyou County in California history that you may not have known. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor. Strong legs. But many plants and animals thrive. The Sierra Nevada formed 200 million years ago from the cooling of a massive upwelling of molten granite known as a batholith. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Regardless of its origin, the name California has come to be closely associated with the American West and is now synonymous with the state of California. Fun Facts While we are talking about things that California produces. Mount Whitney stands at a whopping 14,505 above sea level. Death Valley, structural depression primarily in Inyo county, southeastern California, U.S. Add a map of the four regions of California. Here are seven interesting facts about Tuolumne County's history: 1. This is one of the most surprising facts about California! Mont Blanc, The Alps. For most, theyll typically say theyre big and snow-covered. Most earthquakes are small, but the last large one happened in 2019 (so theyre not infrequent). 18. Even those of us who dont love the taste of fortune cookies love snapping them open to learn our fates (and lucky numbers). California has an Official Ghost Town, 12 Things to Know Before Hiking Mount Whitney, 25 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles Hollywood, Hikes, And More, 7 Epic Places to Visit in Northern California, Where To Stay In San Diego The Best Neighborhoods & Areas, The Best Things to Do in San Diego A Locals Guide to the City, 15 Best Hikes In California Inspiration To Get Outdoors, Best Places to Stay in Puerto Rico In 2023, 3 Days in Rome: Planning the Perfect Rome Itinerary In 2023. Nevada County, located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California, has a rich and fascinating history. Waves that reach over 50 feet high attract surfers to the state. Then, travel to the iconic Hollywood sign, located in the Santa Monica Mountains of the Transverse Ranges, for a selfie photo sesh. The state's admission followed a period of rapid growth in the wake of the gold rush, as thousands of settlers flooded the region in the hopes of striking it rich. 1. 1. The oldest operating McDonalds restaurant in the world is located in Downey, California. It is also home to the beautiful Joshua Trees. These are hot and dry and receive rainfall of 4-10 in (10-25 cm) every year. The Pacific Northwest is the region of the western United States located adjacent to the Pacific Ocean. Please be respectful of copyright. Whitney (14,494-foot) to Death Valley (282 feet below sea level) in less than a day. You also agree to our Terms of Use and our use of your information as set forth in our Privacy Policy. 6. Here are 7 interesting facts about the county's past: 1. People have been talking about The Big One for ages, warning coastal Californians that they may be in danger of a massive shake. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so its important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. Interesting Facts The Golden State has the largest economy of any state in the country. Known as the "Fort Tejon earthquake," it was one of the largest earthquakes to ever hit California, and caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure throughout the region. Who knows! California is a state rich in history and culture with each county offering its own unique stories to tell. California, the city of an enigma, an incredible history, and natural landscapes, behold tons of mysterious and interesting facts that we are unaware of. The worlds largest tree is named (yes, named) after civil general William Tecumseh Sherman aka General Sherman. Other small ranges like the Siskiyou range near the Oregon border and Tehachapi Mountains in southern California also exist. The city stands geographically aloof from others with its diverse terrains, not just in terms of politics and history. For most people, their California knowledge starts and ends with Hollywood in Los Angeles and the sunny beaches of Southern California but there is so much more to California than Disney and movie stars. Take to the seas and see the world from a new vantage point by parasailing in California. Its the perfect state for anyone who loves to put on their hiking boots and get out onto the trails. (I love that! Explore numerous hiking trails around Mount Shasta and Shastina that lead you through impressive sugar pine and swaying aspen forests. Although the range is usually associated mostly with Oregon and Washington, the Cascade mountains also extend into the Northeast corner of California. 2. The bulk of California's population 68 percent lives in the coastal region and accounts for 80 percent of the state's economy. After years of over-tourism (thanks to social media) causing damage to the area, the government has closed off access to the tree, and anyone that breaks the law to try to get close to it can face prison time or a $5000 fine. Sequoias and giant Redwoods are often referred to interchangeably even though they are VERY different species of tree. U.S. states and territories facts and photos. 4. The state is so big and diverse that youll never run out of new things to learn or explore! Mount Whitney, the highest point, can be located here. The Central Valley aquifers supply 20 percent of the nations groundwater. With an area of 18,000 sq mi (46,619 sq km), Central Valley is the smallest of all four regions. California's portion of the Cascade Range also boasts the highest peak: Mount Shasta, which towers 14,179 feet above sea level. While the east boasts the Cascade Range and the famous Sierra Nevada, the west is defined by the North America Coast Ranges stretching along Californias coastline. between Yosemite Valley and Mount Whitney for an unimaginable backpacking experience through lush forests, showcasing panoramic views of the wilderness surrounding you. Californias mountains include many of the highest peaks in the country, including Mount Whitney, the highest summit in the contiguous United States. California is bordered by the Pacific Ocean in the west, Oregon in the north, Nevada and Arizona in the east, and Mexico in the south. Many thanks and appreciation to you for creating the blog about. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. But the San Jacinto Peak rising high and mighty over Palm Springsis a good starting point during both the summer and winter seasons. Read about Mount Whitney by Jenna of UpAndAwayMag (above photo). 2023 TFD Supplies. Here are 7 interesting facts about the county's past: 1. California is located on the Southwest coast of the United States and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the states of Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona with Mexico on its southern border. Copy. TheSierra Nevadais a mountain range situated in Western United States, which includes Yosemite National Park. In 2021, there were about 15.8 million Hispanics in California, up from 14.0 million in 2010. 12 Monumental Facts about Mountains | Fact City For more fun and unique facts about Lake Tahoe, check out Tahoe Souths 4 fun things you may not know about Lake Tahoe. Mono Lake, one of the county's most famous landmarks, was formed over It has since become an iconic symbol of the entertainment industry. Early Keep an eye out for black bears, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, wild pigs, deer, and elk. The Sierra-Nevada Range has the tallest peak in the continental United States. Europeans did not reach the area until 1539. Lassen and Mt. More than 20,000 years ago, the first people arrived in what is now California. Asia has the majority of the tallest Interesting Facts Get facts and photos of the U.S. states and territories, and the District of Columbia. The valley is bounded on the west by the Panamint Range and Some of the Earths youngest mountains are in the Cascade Range of the U.S. states of Washington, Oregon, and California. Gold discovery: Nevada County played an important role in the California Gold Rush of the mid-1800s. 1. Its a whopping 14,505 feet tall! On this day, California officially became the 31st state to join the Union. California is the most populous state in the United States and, with a total area of 158,706 square miles, it's the third largest state after Alaska and Texas. You really need to see them all for yourself! And thats exactly what it means! Mount Shasta is not only a tall mountain, it is also massive in terms of pure volume. You may find that odd since there are no grizzly bears in California. Death Valley is the lowest point and has one of Earths hottest temperatures. While the mountain is within the Sequoia National Park, the best place to see it is from the Interagency Visitor Center on Highway 395. Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers drain water from the low-lying valley and prevent swamping and flooding. 2021 High Sierra Visitor's Council. You can travel from Mt. WebCalifornia is divided into four natural regions. It is in Kings Canyon National Park that youll find the largest grove of Sequoia trees but Sequoia National Park has the biggest singular tree. The range is known to have giant sequoias, bristle one pine, and conifers. Home to one of the largest collections of conifers in the world, the Klamath Mountains are truly the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of big cities. If its the famed fortune cookie, youre not alone. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife estimates a population of 250,000 to 750,000 animals. Plus they are the only old-school cable cars that still function today. The shape of the mountains are influenced by the shifting of tectonic plates beneath the surface of the Earth. Visit Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountain Range to observe 1,500-year-old coast redwoods along the Redwood Grove Trail. Heres a quirky fact, California has an offical Ghost Town. From breathtaking waterfalls to huge mountains, there is so much untouched nature and wildlife to explore across the incredible Sierra Nevada. Taking advantage of the region's moderate climate, farmers can even grow olives. The first successful steam-powered vessel in California made The Sierra Nevada stretches 400 miles (650 kilometres) from Fredonyer Pass in the north, to Tehachapi Pass in the south. 7 Interesting Facts About Sutter County, California Keen eyesight. Hike the 21-mile-long Cactus to Clouds Trail to mount the 10,834-foot peak of the Peninsular Ranges. This network of interlinked parks provide a striking biodiversity in ecosystems, plants, & animals due to the huge range of elevations. Having described the topographical facts, lets take a detailed and comprehensive look at Californias four major geographical regions. Plants include the Joshua tree, the creosote plant, the Mojave yucca and the prickly pear cactus. The lowest reaches of the sparkling gem of the Sierra can be found on the northern shore within Crystal Bay. Keep reading to learn more. 1. Interesting Facts It isnt just the largest living tree its also owns the title of largest living organism on the planet! The Kidadl Team is made up of people from different walks of life, from different families and backgrounds, each with unique experiences and nuggets of wisdom to share with you. Californias Central Valley is bordered by mountain ranges that stretch over 400 mi (643 km) from Bakersfield to Redding. And there are said to be only 50 Sierra Nevada Red Foxes remaining. The name Sierra Nevada is Spanish for Snowy Mountains. California is a state rich in history and culture with each county offering its own unique stories to tell. If the climb up to the San Jacinto Peak doesn't satisfy your hiking hunger, travel to Mount Lagunalocated an hour east of San Diegoand enjoy the drastic change in the climate. The Pomo (POH-moh) lived along the northern coast and built homes using slabs California is kind of like an entire world in one state. Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. Great examples of this include Kings Canyon, Hetch Hetchy Valley, & of course, the legendary Yosemite Valley. The uplift of the Sierra Nevada began around four million years ago, but the canyons & granite you see today were exposed due to glaciers. Read all about it here: 12 Things to Know Before Hiking Mount Whitney. The county's name is derived from the Siskiyou Mountains, which are situated along its Besides being colder, the northern coast receives more rainfall, which creates the ideal conditions for coastal redwoods. Older Post These cable cars make up the first moving landmark in the United States. Many theories claim that the origin of the name California is said to have come from the Spanish novel Las Sergas de Esplandin by Garci Rodrguez de Montalvo, which was published in 1510. 22 Fun and Interesting Facts About California, 4. the most populous state in the United States, 13. California is home to almost40 million people. This includes the legendary Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and somewhat lesser known Giant Sequoia & Devils Postpile National Monuments. The California Mountain Region takes up about half of California. This expansive territory encompasses 17 separate ranges and offers a highly diverse climate. Coyotes are members of the Canidae family and share a lot of the same traits as their relatives: wolves, dogs, foxes, and jackalsanother significant part of Wildlife in California. Discover 7 must-visit go-kart tracks in California for adrenaline-pumping fun for all ages. If you areplanning a tripto the Golden State check out these fun facts about California. Oldest Community. What's Up With Sausalito's Floating Homes and Houseboats? Like the heat? Californias Cascade mountains rub shoulders with the coastal Klamath mountains. Two rivers drain water from the low-lying Central Valley and prevent it from turning into a swamp. Nevada County, located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California, has a rich and fascinating history. Just east of the Sierra Nevada, the White Mountains are a high-desert mountain range created by tectonic movements in the earth's crust. Many people think of California as a bustling state thats comprised only of dense cities and beaches. (The government website said so). Since then about 750 million people have visited the park. and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from California.com about news, events, offers, and partner promotions. It has a thriving music scene too. Fun Facts Europeans landed in the 16th century, with Spanish explorers leading the way. While in the Coast Ranges, admire the stunning views overlooking the California coastline as you smell the sweet scent of wildflowers. The wine was introduced to California in the 18th century by Spanish Missionaries, but as the Gold Rush blossomed, many European settlers made their way to the Golden State along with their love for wine. The Central Valley and the wine-growing Napa Valley have big names for farming productivity. Some people claim that they were created by Chinese immigrants in Los Angeles. So what is it missing? It has Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco as the principal harbors that feed the economy and a significant chunk of the business population in the region. The Hollywood Sign was originally created to advertise a housing development in 1923. He described it as the fairest picture the whole world affords. In addition to this beauty, its also the 2nd deepest lake in the United States with a depth of over 1,645 feet. Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly. The trail passes through Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. For more about this mountain and three others, check out our blog post four mountain peaks to see in the High Sierra. Thompson Peak (Trinity and Before reaching California, the Cascade Range makes its way through southern British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon. The citys film and music mecca of the world derived its name from a novel! Here are 20 surprising facts about the truly incredible region. 2023 California.com All Rights Reserved, California's mountain ranges make the landscape one of the most diverse in the U.S. California Maps & Facts - World Atlas You may also opt to traverse the John Muir Trail between Yosemite Valley and Mount Whitney for an unimaginable backpacking experience through lush forests, showcasing panoramic views of the wilderness surrounding you. Known as the "Fort Tejon earthquake," it was one of the largest earthquakes to ever hit California, and caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure throughout the region. Animals indigenous to California's deserts include diamondback rattlesnakes, sidewinders, coyotes, desert tortoises and the odd scorpion. You won't regret the journey to this fascinating destination. Its 102 feet aroundthats bigger than a basketball courtand may be as many as 2,700 years old. The highest peak in the world is Mount Everest, found out in the Himalayas, at more than 29,000 feet tall. No article about California would be complete without a section about Los Angeles, the center of Hollywood. These rivers meet at a break in the Coastal Range and empty into the northern part of San Francisco Bay. Early Around 68% of Californias population lives in the coastal region and 80% of the states economy. Here are seven exciting facts The Golden State has mountains, lakes, beaches, and deserts. There are balmy beaches and frozen glaciers and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. North America: Physical Geography They walked from Asia, crossing on a strip of land thats now submerged under a body of water between Russia and the United States called the Bering Strait. Go check out the Golden State! The lowest point in the contiguous United States is in Death Valley (which is less than 100 miles away from Mt. The coastal region stretches around 800 mi (1287 km) along Western California. In fact, the Hollywood Bowl is considered one of the top 10 venues in the US and it is the largest outdoor Amphitheater in the country. Discover Californias Lost Coast in the King Range National Conservation Area, escape to Point Reyes for soothing hikes, and hit the cool waves for an adrenaline boost. The state has a glorious past of winning battles and attaining progress in the 1840s, during the Gold Rush Era. Discover the best of California. Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Youll discover uncountable activities and unforgettable adventures. | Privacy Policy | French Website, Brewing since 1995, this iconic mainstay is located a hop, skip, & a bottle cap from Main Street in, four mountain peaks to see in the High Sierra, Sequoias Modern Day Equivalent Of Jack And The Giant Beanstalk, 4 fun things you may not know about Lake Tahoe, Native American Tribes in the High Sierra. 1. Nevada County, located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California, has a rich and fascinating history. 10 California Geography Facts - ThoughtCo Being a year-round destination, California welcomes tourists all across the globe with its mild and moderate climatic conditions conducive for sightseeing. The Sierras extend north to the Cascades, which feature Mt. You can see Joshua trees, which grow only in the Mojave Desert; perfumed magnolia trees; thorny coral trees; purple-flowered jacarandas; and lots of cacti. It was opened in 1953 and is now a museum. 2. Newer Post . 22 Fun and Interesting Facts About California - The Planet D Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner, Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. Interesting Facts mountain and explore the shores of North Americas deepest lake. Even though many movies are filmed on location these days,more movies have been filmed in California than anywhere else.