Northern California: Mountains (Ch. 12)

The California mountains were formed millions of years ago. Until today, it still grows a few inches a year. The highest peaks in the California lie within the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Mount Whitney at 14,505 feet is the tallest. Second is Mount Williamson at 14,380, also within the Sierra Nevada. The foothills area of the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges comprises much of California's Gold rush. The Sierra has 200–250 sunny days each year, warm summers, fierce winters, and varied terrain, a rare combination of rugged variety and pleasant weather. The famous Yosemite Valley lies in the Central Sierra. Several of the highlights to the famed Yosemite National Park within the Sierra Nevada range are Half Dome and the Yosemite waterfall. The large, deep freshwater Lake Tahoe lies to the North of Yosemite. The Sierra is also home to the Giant Sequoia, the most massive trees on Earth. The three major national parks in this province are Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, and Sequoia National Park which all lie in Northern California.

Sierra Nevada Mountains Half Dome