Cobb Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cobb Mountain |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 4723+ ft (1440+ m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 3,160 ft (963 m) |
| Listing | California county high point |
| Geography | |
| Location | California county high points 42nd |
| Parent range | Mayacamas Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Whispering Pines |
Cobb Mountain is the tallest mountain in the Mayacamas Mountains in California. Its main peak is over 4,720 feet (1,439 meters) high. It is located in Lake County, near the town of Cobb. Just like nearby Mount Saint Helena, Cobb Mountain is tall enough to get snow in winter.
Cobb Mountain also has a smaller peak called Cobb Mountain – Southwest Peak. This peak is about 4,483 feet (1,367 meters) high. It sits on the border between Sonoma and Lake counties. Southwest Peak is the highest point in Sonoma County. From this peak, you can see other tall mountains like Mount Saint Helena.
Water Flowing from Cobb Mountain
Cobb Mountain is an important source of water for many areas. Water from the east side of the mountain flows into Putah Creek. This creek then joins the Sacramento River, which flows into the San Francisco Bay. Finally, the water reaches the Pacific Ocean.
The south slopes of Cobb Mountain also drain into Anderson Creek, which flows into Putah Creek. Water from the southwest slopes goes into Cobb Creek. This creek then flows into Big Sulphur Creek and the Russian River, which also reaches the Pacific Ocean.
Water from the northwest and northeast slopes flows into Kelsey Creek. This creek leads to Clear Lake. From Clear Lake, the water goes into Cache Creek and then into the Sacramento River.
Geothermal Energy and Land Use
A large part of Cobb Mountain is within The Geysers Geothermal Field. This area uses heat from deep inside the Earth to make electricity. Several geothermal power plants are located on the mountain. These plants help provide clean energy.
Other parts of Cobb Mountain are owned by companies that bottle spring water. Some areas are also private timberlands, which means they are used for growing trees. Because much of Cobb Mountain is privately owned, most of it is not open for public visits.
History of Cobb Mountain
The mountain is named after John Cobb, who was the first pioneer to settle in this area. John Cobb was born in Kentucky in 1814. He came to California in 1853 and made his home in Cobb Valley.
John Cobb was an important person in the early community. He became the county assessor and helped manage roads in 1855. In 1859, he built a mill that could saw wood and grind grain. Sadly, this mill was later destroyed by fire. Around 1860, he sold his land and moved to Napa County.
In 2015, a large wildfire called the Valley Fire caused a lot of damage in the Cobb Mountain area. It affected much of the town of Cobb and some of the geothermal power plants.
