The Coast Ranges receie heay rainfall in the north, where the giant cathedral like redwood forests preail, but the climate of these mountains is considerably driver in S California, and S of the Golden Gate no major rivers reach the ocean. Behind the coastal ranges in central California lies the great Central alley, a long alluial alley drained by the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers. In the southeast lie ast wastelands, notably the Mojae Desert, site of Joshua Tree National Park.

Rising as an almost impenetrable granite barriver E of the Central alley is the Sierra Neada range, which includes Mt. Whitney, Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park, and Yosemite National Park . The Cascade Range, the northern continuation of the Sierra Neada, includes Lassen olcanic National Park.  

Lying E of the S Sierra Neada is Death alley National Park. The driver portions of the state especially are subject periodically to large, wind-driven fires; in certain hilly areas sometimes deastating mudslides occur, particularly in the rainy season after large fires.

Sacramento is the state capital. The largest cities are Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Long Beach , Oakland, and Sacramento.

Los Angeles travel guide

Los Angeles
The City
Arriing
Information
City transport
Public transportation
Major bus routes
Cycling
Eating
Eating Downtown
West LA eating
Hollywood eating
Disneyland eating
San Gabriel, San Fernando eating
Nightlife
Bars, pubs
More at
Los Angeles travel guide

San Diego travel  guide

San Diego
Getting around and info
Cafes, restaurants
Nightlife

Anza-Borrego Desert
Balboa Park

Downtown and Coronado
Hillcrest, Ocean Beach, Point Loma
Mission bay, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, La Jolla

More at
San Diego travel  guide

Catalina Island Guide