Today we journey to the quaint towns of Greenville and Taylorsville in pristine Indian Valley, just East of Lake Almanor.
This area is a scenic 2.5 hour drive southeast of Redding via Red Bluff and Highway 36 and Highway 89 or the more scenic route through Lassen on Highway 89.
Indian Valley is another of those beautiful valleys surrounded by mountains. Greenville and Taylorsville are like stepping back in time where the peaceful pulse of life is pleasantly palpable.
Indian Valley itself was originally inhabited by the mountain Maidu Indians. Frontier history from the 1800s abounds as well, especially in the town of Taylorsville at the east end of the valley.
The valley is dotted with quaint ranches, barns and split-rail fences, alluding to a much more peaceful time. One feels significantly more relaxed just taking a slow drive through the area. On a warm day a picnic or a swim in Indian Creek just south of the valley may be the ticket with dessert of homemade pie at one of the vintage cafés in town.
One may return via beautiful Lake Almanor or complete a loop via Highway 70 and the dramatic Feather River Canyon to Oroville and return all in a pleasant day.
Fall colors are particularly stunning in and around Indian Valley. Step back in time and enjoy the slower pace of yesteryear in Indian Valley.