Red Bluff

Sliced by the Sacramento River, Red Bluff has long been a stopping point for weary travelers huffing up I-5 towards Oregon. While not quite quaint, she puts on quite the show — especially when the annual rodeo and drag boat races come to town. Her Victorian architecture may not always seem the proper backdrop for the Wild West aura blanketing the quiet downtown. However, Red Bluff has a rich history of cradling all who pass through — from cowboys hunting for riches to immigrants with gold bursting from their pockets. In fact, the one and only President of the California Republic planted roots smack dab in the center of town (you can tour his ...

Sliced by the Sacramento River, Red Bluff has long been a stopping point for weary travelers huffing up I-5 towards Oregon. While not quite quaint, she puts on quite the show — especially when the annual rodeo and drag boat races come to town. Her Victorian architecture may not always seem the proper backdrop for the Wild West aura blanketing the quiet downtown. However, Red Bluff has a rich history of cradling all who pass through — from cowboys hunting for riches to immigrants with gold bursting from their pockets. In fact, the one and only President of the California Republic planted roots smack dab in the center of town (you can tour his adobe house). Now travelers search for the wealth of outdoor activities this small agricultural region offers. Trout seem to jump into your bucket up here. Farms fling open their doors for tourists interested in sampling the finest of this fertile landscape. Hikers will fall in love with the access to the world's smallest mountain range, the Sutter Buttes. And water sports enthusiasts head to the Sacramento River to swim, paddle, view migrating birds along the Pacific Flyway and waterski.

About the Expert

Michele Bigley is the author of Northern California: An Explorer's Guide and Great Destinations Kauai from Countryman Press.