Sacramento Valley facts for kids

The Sacramento Valley is a large, flat area located in the northern part of California. It's a major section of the wider Central Valley, which runs down the middle of the state. This important valley is watered and drained by the Sacramento River, especially north of the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta.

This valley covers all or parts of ten different counties in Northern California. Even though many areas of the Sacramento Valley are rural, meaning they have lots of farms and open land, it also has several important cities. The biggest city, and the capital of California, is Sacramento.

Exploring the Sacramento Valley

The Sacramento Valley is known for its rich soil, which makes it a great place for farming. It's a very important agricultural area, growing many different crops that help feed people across the country. The flat land and the water from the Sacramento River create perfect conditions for this.

Where is the Sacramento Valley?

This valley stretches for many miles, from the city of Red Bluff in the north down to the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta in the south. It's bordered by mountains on both sides: the Coast Ranges to the west and the Sierra Nevada mountains to the east. This location helps to create its unique climate and environment.

The Sacramento River's Role

The Sacramento River is the longest river entirely within California, and it's the lifeblood of the Sacramento Valley. It collects water from the surrounding mountains and flows south through the valley, providing water for farms, cities, and wildlife. The river also helps shape the landscape and supports many different kinds of plants and animals.

Cities and Communities

While much of the Sacramento Valley is rural, it is also home to several important urban areas. The largest city is Sacramento, which is not only the state capital but also a center for business, culture, and education. Other cities and towns in the valley include Chico, Davis, and Yuba City, each with its own unique character and importance to the region.

Images for kids

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  The Sacramento River watershed, showing the valley and nearby highlands.

See also

In Spanish: Valle de Sacramento para niños