This site developed by Big Blend Magazine™. copyrighted since 1998. No part of it may be reproduced for any reason, with out written permission from Big Blend Magazine, P.O. Box 6201 North Hollywood, CA 91603. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily that of this publication or any of its staff. We reserve the right to edit submittals. All subject matter is intended for general information only and not to be take as personal advice in any matter. Although every effort is made to be accurate, we cannot be held responsible for inaccuracies or plagiarized copy submitted to us by advertisers or contributors.

    Big Blend Magazines          Big Blend Radio Shows          Big Blend Marketing         Contact Us

Porterville in Central California
A Gateway to Extreme Nature
by Nancy J. Reid

Located in Central California, Porterville is the gateway to the giant Sequoia’s - the Sequoia National Forest, Sequoia National Monument,  and the Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks.

Who would have thought that the largest three in the world grows from a seed that is less than half an inch long. The giant Sequoia trees grow up to 250 - 300 feet tall with a girth of more than 20 feet in diameter. You can find these magnificent trees in the the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument where 33 giant sequoia groves are managed for their protection, restoration, and preservation. This is where you can experience the Trail Of The 100 Giants, a self guided, interpretive hike that is more like a gentle stroll. It is suitable for wheel chairs and loops its way through a grove of mostly old sequoias. Highlights include a unique cedar and sequoia tree growing together, and a circle of five sequoias growing together.

In the northeast corner of the grove you can also visit  the Boole Tree which stands roughly 275 feet high with a perimeter of some 35 feet. It is estimated to be over 2,000 years old and is one of the biggest living trees in the world.

Not only is the Sequoia National Forest, home to the greatest concentration of giant sequoia groves in the world, but it has spectacular scenery no matter where you look -  huge granite monoliths, glacier-carved canyons, limestone caves, roaring world-class white water, and scenic lakes are all there for you to take in and enjoy. From the lower canyons to soaring peaks, there are many places to gaze over panoramic views and to discover a diverse array of plants, animals and birds.

While in the area, a must do for your extreme nature experience should also include the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Again you can see the big trees, high peaks, and deep canyons, including  Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the contiguous 48 states. The diverse landscape from the hot, arid lowlands to the snow-covered alpine high country also includes over 200 marble caverns and is home to over 200 species of birds, 1200 species of plants, as well as coyote, black bear, mule deer, wolverines, badgers, bighorn sheep and many rare bats.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find a plethora of opportunities in the greater Porterville region including numerous gardens, parks and nature trails; golf and tennis; biking and hiking; sports facilities; and more.

You can learn more about these areas by visiting these links:

Sequoia National Forest
Giant Sequoia National Monument
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Visit Porterville Chamber of Commerce for more information, www.PortervilleChamber.org

Click Here to Listen

Big Blend Radio Interview

Dana Dierkes and Mary Chislock
discuss the
Sequoia Region