Northern California is not lacking when it comes to mountains and mountain ranges. Created by the shifting of the earth's tectonic plates, or volcanic activity, a mountain is a glorious natural phenomenon. To those of us who live in their shadows or play on their slopes, these mountains are as much a part of our home backdrop as the Pacific Ocean. Here are some epic NorCal mountains that will drop your jaw.
1. Siskiyou Mountains
The Siskiyou Mountains are a part of the Klamath mountain range. While they're definitely not one of the tallest, the do have a peak of 7,536 feet. The west side of these mountains is nearest to the Pacific Ocean, which brings a lot more rain. An average of 100 inches of rain falls each year in the canyons of the Siskiyou. Pretty impressive, eh?
2. Mount Lassen or Lassen Peak
Did you know this is our very own volcano? At 10,457 feet, it erupted on May 22, 1915. The explosion was so powerful it blew its ash more than 200 miles east. Mount St. Helens and Mount Lassen are the only two volcanoes in America to have erupted in the 20th century.
3. Mount Shasta
Mount Shasta is a "potentially" active volcano and stands tall at a whopping 14,179 feet. Which puts this gorgeous white mountain in 5th place for tallest in the state.
4. Mount Hamilton
Mount Hamilton is a part of the Diablo mountain range in Santa Clara county. The peak at 4,216 feet is the reason the Lick Observatory is such a favorite with astronomy students. On a clear day you can see Yosemite!
5. Mount Diablo
This mountain has quite the history to the Native American Miwok and Oholone tribes. They both include Mount Diablo in their creation story of the beginning of the world. Research confirms over 25 different tribes of American Indians called the east bay and surrounding mountain base their home. Speculation about the origin of its name seems to point to a legend of a Spanish soldier chasing and losing three Native American Indians in a thicket on the mountain. Thus, "thicket of devil" became over time Mount Diablo or Devil's Mountain. Thanks for that, Spain.
6. Sierra Nevadas
This mountain range is 400 miles by 70 miles. It is home to Lake Tahoe and the first discovery of gold during the Gold Rush. The Sierra Nevadas are kind of a big deal.
Which of these NorCal mountains have you hiked, biked, or climbed? Share your favorite ones with us in the comments!
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