Northern Californians are familiar with the struggle of explaining to people that not all of California is comprised of huge cities. In fact, Northern California has its fair share of super tiny towns with just a few hundred residents. One of the best parts about living in NorCal is stumbling across these tiny communities that you didn’t even knew existed. Here are ten of the tiniest towns in Northern California. Have you been to any of them?
1. Sierra City
Located in the canyon of the North Yuba River, Sierra City maintains a minuscule population of just 220 people. The area was settled in 1850 and still contains many historic buildings such as the Masonic Lodge and the Busch Building (once occupied by the Wells Fargo Company). Although the mines which initially brought people to this historic town have long been shut down, the area still gains a lot of tourists.
2. Fiddletown
With a population of just 235 people, Fiddletown looks like a small historic town which has been frozen in time. In fact, the entire town is a California Historical Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Although the town is mostly notable for its unique name, the old buildings which still stand along the main street are definitely worth a visit.
3. Hat Creek
Hat Creek is located about 70 miles east of Redding and boasts a population of only 309 people. Although the town itself is very small, the area is a popular spot for tourists looking for recreational opportunities such as fishing and camping. The picturesque setting makes Hat Creek a notable place despite its small population.
4. Artois
Artois sits in the northern Sacramento Valley and contains a population of 295 people. This sleepy town was once referred to as "Germantown" until 1918.
5. Proberta
With a population of 267 people, Proberta is located in Tehama County where the most notable town of Red Bluff sits 7.5 miles away. Not much happens in this tiny town, except for the occasional train rushing through it. However, this little community is one of California's hidden gems.
6. Caspar
Caspar is a coastal town located in Mendocino County. Despite the fact that the town is completely surrounded by state parks including Jug Handle State Natural Reserve and Caspar Headlands State Beach, the town is comprised of a population of only 509 people. This tiny paradise along the Pacific Ocean truly embodies the magic of California's small towns.
7. Benbow
The Humboldt County town of Benbow has a population of 321. The town comes with an incredibly unique history. The highlight of the town is the elegant resort hotel called the Benbow Inn. It was constructed by the children of Arthur Benbow when they purchased 1,288 acres of land which the town resides on.
8. North San Juan
North San Juan is another mining town which maintains a population of just 269 people. The town is located in Nevada County right along State Route 49. This is another town which still contains historic buildings from the town's early beginnings. Located next to the idyllic Tahoe National Forest, North San Juan is a town you will never forget visiting.
9. Meridian
The town of Meridian in Sutter County contains a small population of 358 people. Meridian was established as an agricultural community in 1852 .The town is comprised from a rich history since the county it resides in was one of California's very first counties.
10. Philo
Philo is another hidden gem of a town located in Mendocino County. Despite being heralded as the heart of the Anderson Valley Wine Region, Philo has a population of only 349 people. This charming town sits along a creek which flows into the Navarro River and was once considered a booming logging community. However, only two small lumber mills remain.
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