Wildflowers and Waterfalls in California
Favorite Roadtrips to See Fabulous Rivers and Wildflower Displays
Mar 6, 2009
Feather River Canyon is one of the most scenic driving routes in the state of California. During the fall the canyon sparkles with reds, oranges, and yellows as sure signs of autumn. And in springtime the plants burst back to life, changing the scenery on a daily basis.
Waterfalls cascade down canyon walls decorated with brilliant blooms of wildflowers. California is in its glory during the spring. The delicate, brilliant orange bloom of the California poppy, the state flower, is an example of such beauty.
The Feather River Scenic Byway in Plumas County is an area landscaped predominantly by conifer trees with large open meadows. There are around 2,000 species of plants in Plumas County, most of which are flowering.
Highway 70
Just north of Oroville, Highway 70 heads east into the Plumas National Forest along the Feather River Canyon. The redbud shrub and yellow buttercups are typically the first signs of color and can be quite spectacular. Union Pacific Railroad still uses the Feather River Route. Railroad bridges and tracks add interest to the scenery along the road. There are several pull-outs where people can get out of their cars to watch the trains go by. This is one of the most entertaining drives to go on, with millions of gallons of water rushing down the canyon walls into the Feather River. The road leads to the beautiful mountain town of Quincy at the junction of Highway 89.
Highway 89
Highway 89 skirts along Lake Almanor as it heads up toward Mount Lassen, one of Frommer’s Top Destinations for 2009. About 13 miles north of Quincy, Indian Falls is a small but popular place to park the car for a short walk to see the falls going into Indian Creek. Halfway between Canyon Dam and Highway 36 there are many wet meadows than turn brilliant green in the springtime with lush patches of wildflowers of many colors. Highway 89 goes right through Lassen Volcanic National Park, with hiking trails to bubbling hot pots of Bumpass Hell and spectacular views.
Highway 36
At the north end of Lake Almanor, Highway 36 west leads to Chester, a small town at 4,500 feet elevation that’s as quaint as its name. The highway from Chester, past Westwood to Susanville, is full of wildlife, mountain meadows, wildflowers, and conifer trees. Just south of Susanville the road meets with Highway 395, for a direct route to Reno along a road full of wetlands, expansive views, and lush, green meadows.
For an extensive list of waterfalls in California see Leon Turnbull’s waterfallswest.com.
These are roads less traveled, offering a quick escape into a simpler life, if only for a weekend. Experience the wonders of wildflowers and waterfalls on a road trip in California.
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