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California Rivers

Santa Ana River

HOW TO GET THERE | VISITOR INFORMATION

One of the largest river systems in Southern California, the Santa Ana River has largely been channelized, diverted, and urbanized to the point that most of it is unrecognizable as a river. However, the upper headwaters of the river in the San Bernardino Mountains still retain a free flowing character and outstanding natural values.

The headwaters of the Santa Ana River begin just north of the San Gorgonio Wilderness on the San Benardino National Forest. The Santa Ana flows westerly through more than 20 miles of public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Once beyond the mountains and the National Forest boundary, the river flows first between levees and then through concrete channels on its nearly 100 mile trek through the Southern California urban landscape to the Pacific Ocean.

A visitor more familiar with the lower segment of the river, would hardly recognize the upper headwaters, including its sparkling waters, verdant meadows, rich riparian habitat, and thick forests of pine, fir, and oak. Understandably, this very scenic section of the Santa Ana River, and its major tributary Bear Creek, offer an outdoor recreation mecca for Southern Californians, who migrate out of the hot lowland valleys up the "Rim of the World" Scenic Byway along Hwy 38.

The river is used heavily for camping and hiking, especially in the Heart Bar and Barton Flat areas, which include numerous public campgrounds, youth camps, and picnic areas. It also provides several popular trailheads into the adjacent San Gorgonio Wilderness. In addition, Bear Creek's outstanding trophy trout fishery is a magnet for anglers from throughout the region. The creek is managed by the California Dept. of Fish and Game as a Wild Trout Stream.

A multi-use trail follows much of the river from its upper headwaters at Heart Bar to a few miles past Seven Oaks. The middle segment of this trail links several of the youth camps along the river, while providing a more primitive recreation experience at its upper end. For those willing to negotiate a deep and rugged canyon, the Camp National Recreation Trail provides access to the fishing holes along Bear Creek and the Siberia Creek Trail Camp.

Downstream of its confluence with Bear Creek, the Santa Ana is virtually dewatered by a hydroelectric project owned and operated by the Southern California Edison Company. The original power house for this project will be periodically inundated by the newly constructed Seven Oaks flood control dam. Sadly, the 20 or more miles of the Santa Ana upstream of Bear Creek, and Bear Creek itself, represents what's left of this once naturally free flowing waterway.

How To Get There
From the City of Redlands on Interstate 10, drive Hwy 38 northeast into the San Bernardino Mountains. The Santa Ana River recreation areas begin about 25 miles from Redlands.

Recreation And Visitor Information
For maps and up to date recreation information, contact the Forest Service's San Gorgonio Ranger Station at (909) 794-1123.