Independence, CA

Independence is the Inyo County seat, an Owens Valley CDP strung along U.S. 395 with the Eastern Sierra rising west. The settlement began around Camp Independence, established by the U.S. Army, and became the county seat in 1866. The Eastern California Museum keeps the region's history in one place, while the former home of writer Mary Austin adds a literary stop. Hikers know Independence as a Pacific Crest Trail resupply town, with Forester Pass rising directly west in the Sierra. Independence is eastern California in a sharp mix of courthouse, military history, museum, and high-country trail.