Shasta Valley

Is there much farming in the Klamath Mountain region?

Shasta Valley lies on the boundary between the Klamath Mountains and the Volcanic Plateau. This is a rich farming district. Dairying and the raising of cattle and hay are the chief industries. The climate is especially suited to the growing of apples for which the valley has long been noted. Because of the high mountains between it and the ocean the climate of the valley is rather dry and irrigation is practiced wherever water is to be had.

Yreka is the largest town in this part of California. It was once noted as a mining camp but is now chiefly supported by farming and stock raising.

Why does the interior of the Klamath Mountains contain so few people?

Aside from the farming and mining districts which we have mentioned the Klamath Mountains are almost uninhabited by white people. There still remain a few Indians. No roads lead into the heart of this rough region and the miners scattered along the rivers pack their supplies over rough mountain trails.

The mountain slopes which are level enough for farming have a cold winter climate and are generally covered with forests. There is no sale for timber or for farm produce. Consequently stock raising is, next to mining, the most important industry.

The Klamath Mountain region contains a number of attractive valleys which can support many more people than now occupy them. Since the early mining days it has remained in the present backward, and undeveloped condition because of the lack of roads and railroads and the great distance to market.

Rev 2000-02-18