Feather River Canyon (Pulga to Storrie)
Map SatelliteIn this section, the Feather River passes through a relatively steep-walled canyon. The dominant vegetation here is a mixed-evergreen forest with such species as Douglas fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii, ponderosa pine, Pinus ponderosa, madrone, Arbutus menziesii, and some yew, Taxus brevifolia, and California nutmeg, Torreya californica. Big-leaf maples, Acer macrophyllum, are abundant.
A rich variety of annuals and perennials, including Tellima grandiflora, Lupinus stiversii, Penstemon newberryi, Erythronium multiscapoideum and an undescribed Erythronium, occurs in the canyon. There is some chaparral in the drier areas.
Most of the canyon is cut through Mesozoic granitics; however, there are exposures of serpentine and early Mesozoic metavolcanics.
Integrity: A road and railroad follow the canyon floor and there are several dams and other hydroelectric-related developments; however, most of the canyon walls are relatively undisturbed.
Use: Research, educational, observational, present. Some private.
August 1977
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
