Central Valley

Northern Sacramento Valley

Looming 50 miles away in this scene from I-5 near Red Bluff, Mt. Shasta signals the coming transition to the Cascade Ranges. Interstate 5, on the other hand, is more than just a thoroughfare for automobiles. It is an economic corridor that helps integrate the economies of the Golden State with that of the Pacific Northwest,.

Orange Crush

According to USDA statistics, 98% of orange production comes from two states: Florida (56%) and California (42%). But while the majority of the Sunshine State's crop is ultimately drank as juice, most of the Golden State's oranges are destined to be eaten.

Orchards

Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, apricots, olives, pears, apples ... you pick! If you can name a fruit or nut that grows on a tree, odds are that you will find it growing somewhere in the Central Valley.

Rice Dreams

It is debatable whether a monsoon crop like rice should be grown in the semi-arid climate of the Central Valley. Irrespective of the conventional wisdom there is no debate on the profitability of this crop in the Central Valley. Nearly $600 million worth of this "white gold" was harvested in the state in 2016.

Sacramento

California's capitol is located in the north-central part of the valley along the American River.