Coast Ranges

The Coast Ranges of California are a series of mountain ranges that run parallel to the Pacific Coast, stretching from the Oregon border down to Santa Barbara. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills, rugged peaks, and deep valleys carved by rivers and streams. The ranges are relatively low in elevation compared to the Sierra Nevada, but offer a diverse array of ecosystems, from redwood forests to chaparral-covered slopes. The coastal location creates a mild, Mediterranean climate throughout much of the range.