An annual road trip for me in the spring and many others in Northern California is Colusa County’s Bear Valley Road, located off Highway 20 west of Williams, to look at the wildflowers.

I made two trips this year as I was unsure of the timing of the bloom during this drought.  Both trips rewarded me with great views of flowers in the area.  That the flowers are in bloom is a testament to both Mother Nature and the stewardship of the land by the area ranchers.  The flowers should be in bloom for a while, but if you go drive slow on the gravel road and respect the private property of the ranchers.  But make sure to stop at the Keegan Ranch access at the North end of the valley, step out in their pasture and enjoy the beauty and solitude of Bear Valley.

A tip of my cowboy hat to the Bear Valley ranchers that make it such a special place in my home county.