Debbie Croft: The mountains have a lot to offer

A close relative of ours moved from one of Southern California’s largest cities to a small mountain town north of Sacramento. He’ll probably be trading in his convertible for a truck and buying a chain saw to cut logs for his wood stove.

It’s like another world up there. The scenery changes from California scrub oak, one of many species of chaparral and native, majestic oaks to pines and ferns. Stately tree tops sway with the wind under a blue sky, standing guard near jeweled lakes and silver streams.

The forest floor is nature’s pantry. Wild ginger, miner’s lettuce, parsnips and onions fed our ancestors and continue to feed wildlife. In my research, I’ve learned how nutritious and flavorful acorns are. But they must be leached first before eating. Just Google “eating acorns” for instructions and recipes. (Someday soon I’ll have to try them.)

Among the vegetation at higher elevations, wildflowers always bloom later. Mariposa lilies and Douglas irises are dainty versions of the more popular flowers sold by florists in springtime.

Lots of folks travel Interstate 80 from Sacramento to Reno to see the Sierra. But for a real taste of mountain life, spend a few days driving the lesser-known highways on California’s east side.

Highway 4 bisects the state from the coastal Bay Area on the west, across the Central Valley and into the Sierra, to Nevada’s state line.

In contrast, Highway 140 is barely over 100 miles long but provides travelers from the San Joaquin Valley a direct route through Mariposa to Yosemite’s west entrance. It’s known as the “all season highway.” The scenic roadway is driver-friendly and doesn’t close during the winter.

Mariposa’s downtown area is gaining in reputation. In addition to our fascinating Gold Country history, we also boast interesting shops and museums, music on the weekends, great food and beverages, charming places to stay, plus a whole lot more.

To visit John Muir’s country, Highway 120 takes drivers from Moccasin through Yosemite and on to Lee Vining in Mono County. The Sierra’s east side along Highway 395 has been nicknamed California’s playground. Outdoor adventures and recreation are plentiful in every season.

Even the names sound different as the elevation climbs: Paynes Creek, June Lake, Fish Camp, Cottage Springs, Sawmill Flat, Cedar Grove, Aspendell and Strawberry.

Yep, there’s a town called Strawberry along Highway 108 in the Stanislaus National Forest. And another town called Strawberry in the Eldorado National Forest off Highway 50. And a few other places, known as Volcanoville, Grizzly Flat, Fallen Leaf and Bumble Bee.

Some of these towns are so small that with a good yawn and stretch in the car – and eyes closed – you’ll miss them. But if you’re paying attention, they provide great stopping points for filling the gas tank and walking around while sipping a cold drink and chatting with the locals.

Other towns have more to offer and really know how to lure visitors to stay a while.

On historic Highway 49, the gorgeous Coloma-Lotus Valley is tucked into California’s Gold Country, along the south fork of the American River. Outdoor sports and the best in roots music keep devoted crowds coming back to this region.

Oakhurst and Highway 41 lead right to Yosemite’s south entrance and the big trees of Mariposa Grove. In less than an hour, visitors flying into Fresno Yosemite International Airport can be in the pines, enjoying the great lodging, dining and relaxing found in this Madera County community. Oakhurst is known for its unique shops and attractions.

It’s cooler up here, and there’s still a lot of summer left. As John Muir said, the mountains are calling.

This story was originally published August 3, 2015 at 3:43 PM with the headline "Debbie Croft: The mountains have a lot to offer."