Sanel Valley, California facts for kids
The Sanel Valley is a beautiful valley located in Mendocino County, California. It follows the path of the Russian River. The town of Hopland is also found here.
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Discovering the Sanel Valley
The Sanel Valley is a lovely area in Northern California. It's known for its natural beauty and connection to the Russian River. This valley is a great place to learn about geography and local history.
Where is the Sanel Valley?
The valley is in Mendocino County, California. It stretches along the Russian River. The town of Hopland is right in the middle of it.
Rivers and Creeks in the Valley
The Russian River flows through the valley. It travels for about 6 miles (9.7 km) from the northeast. The river connects to its starting point and the Ukiah Valley through a narrow, rocky area. As it moves southwest, two smaller streams join it. These are called tributaries.
- Feliz Creek joins the river from the west side.
- McDowell Creek joins the river from the east side.
How Big is the Sanel Valley?
The Sanel Valley is about 2 miles (3.2 km) wide. It covers an area of about 8.4 square miles (22 km2). This makes it a significant natural feature in the region.
Getting Around: Roads and Routes
Two main roads help people travel through the valley:
- U.S. Route 101 runs near the west bank of the Russian River. It's a major highway that connects many parts of California.
- California State Route 175 connects Hopland to other areas. It goes through the Mayacamas Mountains to the east. This road leads to Lakeport and Clear Lake.
What Does "Sanel" Mean?
The name "Sanel" has a special meaning. It comes from a Pomo language word. This word describes a type of traditional building called a sweat lodge. A sweat lodge is a place used for ceremonies and purification.
The Hopland Pomo People
A village of the Hopland Pomo people was once located here. This village was near what is now called Old Hopland. The name of this village gave its name to the valley. It also named the large land area known as Rancho Sanel.
