Cascade-Sierra

The Cascade-Sierra is comprised of 13 counties extending from Siskiyou and Modoc on the California-Oregon border south to Calaveras and Alpine counties. Much of this region is located in the Cascade-Sierra mountain ranges, with a large subregion characterized by a high lava plateau in Modoc, Lassen and Siskiyou counties (Scheuring, 1985).

Winters can be long and cold with little rainfall, and summers warm (Scheuring, 1985). Other areas in the region can receive a substantial amount of rainfall and snow during the fall, winter and spring.

Though not considered a major production region in California, agriculture nevertheless adds substantial value to the economy of the area with its production of barley, oats and potatoes. Nursery crops, strawberry plants and Christmas trees are also grown here. Many counties in this region also produce large varieties of wine, grapes, fruits and vegetables, as well as being home to a growing number of award winning wineries and U-Pick and Farm Trail areas. Important, too, is the production of alfalfa hay, cattle and calves, and other miscellaneous livestock products. A large amount of land in this region is dedicated to pastures and ranges.

Written by Laura Tourte; edited by Gail Feenstra