With a population of around 1,200, Alpine is the least populous county in California. It is also one of the most breathtaking beautiful. It is a rugged, mountainous area on the relatively dry eastern flank of the Sierras. It has extensive coniferous forests, mountain meadows, and along its border with Nevada, sagebrush plains. The Carson River flows through the county and there are several small reservoirs in the eastern lowlands.