California has a colorful history identified by many different periods. In its time, it was controlled by the early Native American people, the Spanish colonists, Mexico, and finally by America, and while there were some attempts to make it an independent country, it is now America’s third-largest state of which Tehama is one of its least populated counties.
Covering an area of 4,823 miles (7,762 km2) and a population of only 65,500 people, Tehama County, California, is one of the least populated counties in California. While it is not a county buzzing with people, it is a gateway to some of the nation’s most beautiful and picturesque landscapes.
What is Tehama County, California, Known For?
Tehama County, California, is the starting point for recreational areas for many outdoor activities. Apart from the active volcano, let’s have a look at what else the county is known for:
- The Lassen Volcanic National Park
- The Sacramento River
- Agriculture and Lumber
The Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen National Park is situated in Northeastern Tehama County, California. It is the largest plug dome volcano in the world. It is formed by the Volcano slowly leaking and depositing lava on the edge of the volcanic hole.
Lassen Volcanic National Park has all four types of volcanos.
- Plug dome volcano.
- Shield volcano.
- Cinder cone volcano.
- Stratovolcano volcano.
While walking in the Chaos Crags domes, you will hear dramatic phreatic eruptions (steam explosions), lava flows, and cinder cone formations. It is a remarkable and unique place in the world.
The Sacramento River
California’s largest river, the Sacramento River, winds through Tehama County and, amongst other things, is one of the world’s largest rivers with salmon spawning.
Agriculture and Lumber
Apart from tourism, the county is also known for its livestock and farm produce (particularly peaches) and the lumbering and wood industries.
Interesting Facts About Tehama County
- Tehama County, California, is situated in the northern Sacramento Valley, midway between Sacramento and the Oregon border.
- Tehama County was formed by taking parts of the Butte, Colusa, and Shasta Counties in 1856. The county is a mosaic of picture-perfect countryside full of nature activities and historical sites of interest. It also has access to a live volcano!
- While there is no definitive translation, it is generally agreed that Tehama is an Indian word meaning “high water” or “low land.” At the same time, some of the earliest settlers taught that Tehama was an Indian word meaning “Salmon.”
- The region is characterized by rugged canyons, caves, wildlife, and water rapids.
A quick summary of interesting facts includes.
- Population 63,463
- Land area 4,823 miles (7,762 km2)
- Cities In Tehama Corning, Red Bluff, Tehama
- The area under water 12 sq mi (30 km2)
- Highest Elevation 9,239 ft (2,816 m)
- Number of hospitals One
- Nearest Major city 105 miles from Sacramento, CA.
- Number of dams There are three dams (Shasta, Keswick, and Oroville)
The annual volume of water drained from the Sacramento River is 22 million acre-feet (27 billion cubic meters).
What’s In Tehama County?
While the county is dominated by agriculture, don’t let this blind you to the many interesting geographical features and activities for which it is a hub.
The Tehama Trail
The Tehama trail winds through the rich arable land and small farms where you can purchase specialty foods. Farms you can stop at to sample their wares include.
- Bianchi Orchards, where you can buy rich meaty walnuts.
- Julia’s and Burlison roadside stands in Los Molinos and buy succulent stone fruit.
- Red Bluff, where you can buy free-range chicken and grass-fed beef and lamb.
- The Olive Pit outside Corning is the largest olive processing plant.
- The Corning Olive Oil Company for artisan oils are blood oranges and lime.
- Mount Tehama Winery, which specializes in Rhône varietals.
- Alger Vineyards and Winery for a delicious late-harvest Syrah.
- Indian Peak Vineyards for a tasty Cabernet Sauvignon.
William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park
During the California Gold Rush, pack-mule trains, travelers on foot, herds of livestock, freight, and stagecoaches traveled up and down the valley and along the river. They would stop at what is now the William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park.
In the 1860s, a ferry crossed the Sacramento River, its launching point being the William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park. Steamboats would set off from the park and transport goods and passengers to the most northern navigable point on the river.
Today the park is a wonderful repository of information and offers.
- The visitor center and ranch buildings are where visitors can learn about the Californian pioneers’ special skills, hardships, and lifestyles.
- Hands-on educational programs which follow the school’s curriculum.
- A beautiful picnic area that overlooks the Sacramento River.
The Sacramento River
The Sacramento River starts in the Klamath Mountains, near Mount Shasta, and is the largest river in California. The river flows 382 miles (615 km) through the central valley and eventually into San Francisco Bay.
En route, it passes through Tehama County, California, where it irrigates, powers several projects, and provides ample sources of entertainment. Fishing, boating, canoeing, tubing, and kayaking are abundant along the river’s length.
Things To Do In Tehama County
Many activities are available in Tahoma County, California, some of which are listed below.
- Hiking Trails
- Outdoor activities
- Rodeo
Hiking Trails
Trails extend more than three hundred miles in Tehama County, including 17 miles of the famous Pacific Crest Trail. Amongst these are.
- The Sacramento River Bend offers many miles of hiking and horseback riding on the Yana and Hog Lake Trail systems.
- Coyote Pond, Yana Trail Trailhead.
- Deer Creek Trail Parking.
- Ishi Wilderness.
- Brokeoff Mountain.
- Iron Canyon Hike.
- Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area.
- Observation Point Recreation Area.
- South Rim Trail.
- Annie Bidwell Trail.
Outdoor Activities
Tehama County has made its name a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and includes the following list of available activities.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Climbing
- Scenic tours
- Golfing
Anyone For Some Rodeo?
Spend time at the Red Bluff Rodeo association and see the largest three-day rodeo in the country. In 2021 the Red bluff Rodeo association celebrated 100 years since it was first established.
During the Rodeo week watch, the country’s top cowboys and cowgirls compete for the Red Bluff Round-Up Title. Now is your chance to go “full cowboy or cowgirl” and enjoy the excitement, thrills, and adrenaline this national pastime offers.
Famous People From Tehama County
Several well-known celebrities (past and present) were born in Tehama County, California.
Marvin Edward Grissom
Marvin was born on March 31, 1918, and died at age 87 on September 19, 2005. He was born in Tehama County, California. In his illustrious baseball career, Marvin appeared in 356 Major League Baseball games and became a professional coach on his retirement.
Margaret Glaspy
Margaret is a singer-songwriter born on January 22, 1989, in Tehama County, California. She’s a former member of The Fundies (an all-female band featuring Bridget Kearney (bass/vocals), Rachael Price (vocals), and Brittany Haas (fiddle/vocals).
Margaret is currently signed with ATO Records and is married to musician Julian Lage.
William B. Ide
William B. Ide was born on March 28, 1796, in Rutland, Massachusetts but spent his life in Tehama County, California, and died at age 56 on December 1, 1852. William B. Ide was one of the California pioneers who led the short-lived California Republic in 1846.
The California Republic lasted until July 9, 1846, just 25 days until they raised the US Flag at Sonoma. Ide and the other participants joined John C. Frémont and the US armed forces in taking possession of California from Mexico.
William B. Ide has the singular honor of being the first and last president of the California Republic for those 25 days. The William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park is named in his honor.
Michael Chiarello
Michael Chiarello is a celebrity chef known for his California-orientated Italian cuisine. He was born on January 26, 1962, in Tehama County, California. Michael hosts his TV show “Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello” on the Food Network. He owns a wine farm and a tapas restaurant on San Francisco’s waterfront.
Tehama County California FAQs
The following are commonly asked questions and the relevant answers.
Is Tehama County A Good Place To Live?
Tehama is a county situated in the Northern part of California. It falls within easy reach is access to many different outdoor activities.
Commute times are low, and high school graduates receive a quality education as borne out by a greater percentage of graduates passing out than in other counties in California. (29% Tehama, compared to only 21% for California).
Regarding weather conditions, May, October, and September are the most pleasant months, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
Crimes per 100,000 people
Assault – 336.2 (national average national 282.7)
Murder – 3.80 (national average 6.1)
Rape – 39.17 (national average 40.7)
Robbery – 85.57 (national average 135.5)
Burglary – 619.8 (national average 500.1)
Theft – 749.3 (national average 2,042.8)
Motor Vehicle Theft – 270.7 (national average 284.0)
The small population and relatively underdeveloped infrastructure ensure this country’s picturesque part remains pristine and unspoiled.
Is It Expensive In Tehama County?
Tehama county is known for its affordable wages and low cost of living. Housing is affordable, and prices are lower than the average in America.
Median home values – $344,000 (American Median $374,900)
Median home Rent – $1,156
Median Household income – $48,895 (American Median $67,521)
The lower cost of living means that it is accessible for most Americans.
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