Northern California’s Sierra Valley, headwaters of the Feather River, home to cattle ranchers and a few small communities, is ringed by mountains and always bathed in magnificent light. Developments of subdivisions and golf courses from the north and the south have been prevented (so far) by the ranchers who value the pristine beauty of this serene California landscape. Recent massive wildfires to the north and south of the valley have reduced small forest towns to rubble, endangered wildlife, and created months of smoke filled atmosphere. The headwaters remain intact. The terrain is subtle, its beauty best appreciated on foot or, when water is plentiful, in a canoe or kayak.

Link here to Sierra Valley Nature Preserve: http://www.frlt.org/conserve-land/success-stories/sierra-valley-preserve