Coast Ranges – North

The coast ranges north of the Bay Area are much like their counterparts to the south. The main difference is that the mountains here grow taller and their slopes grow wetter as one moves north. The coastal population of this region is also much smaller and more spread out. Besides Eureka, there are no medium to large cities on the California coast north of San Francisco.

At one time a nearly unbroken redwood forest stretched from the Golden Gate north into Oregon. While many of the redwood groves have fallen to the axe, the legacy of the Redwood Empire lives on. The north coast has seen its share of booms and busts. As such, the region is characterized by a fierce individualism that straddles both sides of the political spectrum. But like many of the other more rural and remote sections of the state, the economy is often dependant on forces beyond local control.

San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Located near San Rafael, the these tidal marshes provide a laboratory for scientists and researches as well as classrooms for educators and naturalists.

Scotia

Like many other towns settled to exploit natural resources, Scotia is what is known as a company town. In such towns the major employer owns all or most of the real estate, services and utilities that the workers then rent or buy from their employer. In Scotia’s case, it was the Pacific Lumber Company, until more recent industry upheavals brought new ownership.”

Sonoma Valley

Like the Napa Valley to the east, Sonoma Valley is one of the world's premier wine making regions. The climate here is ideal for growing grapes. California's long, dry, and sunny days coupled with cool nights are part of the story. But it is the ocean fogs, with the humidity and cooling they bring, that adds what growers call "complexity" to the flavor of the wines.

Barrier Spit

A spit forms at the entrance to a small estuary along the Northern California coast.

Stable Dunes

Sand dunes are stabilized naturally by the presence of vegetation. But such plants must endure harsh conditons. Salt spray, wind and even burial by the sand are omnipresent factors.

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