Red Bluff derives its name from its location on a high vertical bank at the bend of the Sacramento River. Although never a mining camp, Red Bluff ranks with the celebrated towns of the gold rush days in age, exciting history, colorful personalities, and in present day importance. The story of Red Bluff really begins seven or eight years before the community came into existence because there is a prologue covering comings and goings and projects of the famous Peter Lassen whose name was given to a county, a national park, a volcano, and a highway. At the very beginning, Red Bluff became the marketing and distributing center for a large area and its scope in that role widened steadily. By 1853 it was the chief commercial city in the northern part of the Sacramento Valley, and its streets continually thronged with pack trains operating to and from points as far away as Oregon, Nevada and Idaho.

Where Tehama County got its present name remains a mystery, but it was generally considered to be of Indian origin. Its interpretation is muddled and there are four choices offered: “Highland,” “Lowland,” “Shallow,” and “Salmon.” All of the names are appropriate, for this is a land of variation. To the east and west the land begins to roll into foothills and then rears suddenly into mountain ranges. A “Tehaman” looks north to snow-capped Mount Shasta and east to Mount Lassen.

Tehama County lies approximately midway between Sacramento and the Oregon border and offers the ultimate in healthful, leisurely living. Tehama County is the central point of widespread recreational areas which provide hiking, camping, scenic tours, golfing, boating, hunting and fishing.

The Sacramento River cuts through the central portion of the county and is one of the largest salmon spawning rivers in the world. With more than 300 miles of trails (including 17 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail) and Lassen Volcanic National Park only forty-five miles to the east, Tehama County offers unlimited recreational opportunities. Tehama County truly is a land of opportunity and contrasting beauty!

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