Spring, even in drought years, is the time for California wildflowers to burst forth in their finery.
We start our search with our local rivers and their tributaries, looking north to south: the American River, Cosumnes, Mokelumne, Calaveras and Stanislaus rivers. Follow those river valleys east into Sierra foothills, linking to Gold Rush sites, cute towns with mining and logging history, and restaurants and watering holes perfect for a midday layover.
Keep in mind the factors that lead to magnificent flower displays; adequate recent rainfall, elevation (Delta wildflowers will be blooming long before those in higher Sierra locations), daytime temperatures and exposure to sunlight (flowers on river valley sides facing south will bloom long before shadier locations)…