On September 28, 1542, Juan Rodr*guez Cabrillo landed at San Diego Bay. This event marked the first time that a European expedition had set foot on what later became the west coast of the United States.
Santa Monica Mountains rise above Los Angeles, widen to meet the curve of Santa Monica Bay and reach their highest peaks facing the ocean, forming a beautiful and multi-faceted landscape.
Comprised of five in a chain of eight southern California islands near Los Angeles, Channel Islands National Park is home to a wide variety of nationally and internationally significant natural and cultural resources.
Established in 1911 by presidential proclamation, Devils Postpile National Monument protects and preserves the Devils Postpile formation, the 101-foot Rainbow Falls, and the pristine mountain scenery.
Fort Point was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1853 and 1861 to prevent entrance of a hostile fleet into San Francisco Bay. The fort was designed to mount 126 massive cannon.
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) is one of the largest urban national parks in the world. The total park area is 75, 398 acres of land and water. Approximately 28 miles of coastline lie within its boundaries.
Beneath Lassen Volcanic's peaceful forests and gem-like lakes lies evidence of a turbulent and fiery past. 600, 000 years ago, the collision and warping of continental plates led to violent eruptions and the formation of lofty Mt.
The Presidio preserves an astonishingly complex cultural and natural heritage within its 1480 acres. For details, select the "In Depth" link to the right.
Redwood National and State Parks are home to some of the world's tallest trees: old-growth coast redwoods. They can live to be 2000 years old and grow to over 300 feet tall.
LAND OF GIANTS These parks are home to giants: immense mountains, deep canyons, and huge trees. Thanks to their huge elevational range, 1, 500' to 14, 491', these parks protect stunningly diverse habitats.
Of the three parts of the Whiskeytown - Shasta - Trinity National Recreation Area, the Whiskeytown Unit (authorized Nov. 8, 1965 and established October 21, 1972), is the only unit administered by the National Park Service.
Yosemite National Park embraces a spectacular tract of mountain-and-valley scenery in the Sierra Nevada, which was set aside as a national park in 1890.
The San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge lies along the north shore of San Pablo Bay in Sonoma, Solano, and Napa Counties in northern California. The refuge includes open bay/tidal marsh, mud flats, and seasonal and managed wetland habitats.
The Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge is located in south San Francisco Bay, California. One of the largest urban refuges in the United States, it is an island of wildlife habitat in a burgeoning metropolitan area of 7 million people.
From desert bighorn sheep to the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher, birds and other animals at Havasu National Wildlife Refuge rely on the life-giving waters of the lower Colorado River.
Modoc National Wildlife Refuge is home to more than 250 species of birds and a variety of other wildlife.
The San Luis Refuge in the San Joaquin Valley of central California is one of the last remnants of the historically bountiful wintering grounds for migratory waterfowl of the Pacific Flyway.
Tijuana Slough Refuge is located in the most southwestern corner of the contiguous United States. It is one of southern California's largest remaining salt marshes without a road or railroad trestle running through it.
The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Refuge is located along the central coast of California, in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties.
The Squaw Leap Area is located at the upper portion of Millerton Lake and is accessed through the town of Auberry, CA. The area is managed by BLM with trail heads for the San Joaquin trail.
Stony Gorge Dam, Orland Project, completed in 1928, is on Stony Creek about 18 miles downstream from East Park Dam and 5 miles west of Fruto in western Glenn county.
Recreation at Lake Natoma is managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation. The Lake was created by Nimbus Dam across the American River.
This is a popular area for camping, fishing, desert exploring and river running. The area also has a group camping area (50 person), a group boat-in area (50 person), and three individual boat-in camp areas.
Surronded by the stark beauty of the Santa Rosa Mountains, Lake Cahuilla (pronounced Kah-wee-ah) is a favorite recreation area in the Coachella Valley.
8a.m. to 5p.m., Monday through Friday. County-operated park open 5a.m. to 10p.m. daily. Facilities include picnic tables, barbecue grills, drinking fountains, restrooms, children's play equipment, concession stand, and group picnic area.
Little Panoche Dam is a feature of the Central Valley Project - San Luis Unit. The area is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Access by foot only. Parking lot provided. Nearest main highway, I-5. Nearest community, Los Banos (18 miles north of Dam).
Boca Dam and Reservoir are features of the Truckee Storage Project. The reservoir is on the Little Truckee River, 27 miles southwest of Reno, Nevada. Open year-round (frozen during winter).
Recreation at Trinity Lake (Clair Engle Lake) is managed by the U. S. Forest Service under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation, Northern California Area Office, Redding, California.
Contra Loma Dam and reservoir are part of the Central Valley Project - Delta Division and offers recreational opportunities for the East Bay area near San Francisco.
The East Park Dam and reservoir, of the Orland Project, is situated in the rolling foothills of the Mendocino National Forest on Little Stony Creek. The reservoir lies along a migratory corridor between California's Central Valley and the Coastal Range.
Prosser Creek Dam and Reservoir, completed in 1962, are located on Prosser Creek about 1.5 miles above the confluence of Prosser Creek and the Truckee River. The dam and reservoir are features of the Washoe Project.
San Justo Dam and Reservoir are features of the San Felipe Project. The reservoir is approximately 3 miles southwest of Hollister, California . Facilities open for use Wednesday through Sunday. Operation hours: sunrise to sunset. Good access roads.
Shasta Dam and reservoir are features of the Central Valley Project - Shasta/Trinity Divisions. Recreation at the reservoir is managed by the U.S. Forest Service under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation, Northern California Area Office.
Completed in 1970, Stampede Dam and Reservoir are located on the Little Truckee River immediately below the mouth of Davies Creek and approximately 8 miles above the confluence of the Little Truckee and Truckee Rivers.
Lake Solano Park, Solano Project, is located at the base of coastal foothills at the western edge of the Sacramento Valley and offers an array of recreational opportunities.
Recreation at Sly Park Reservoir is managed by the El Dorado Irrigation District under an agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation's Central CA Area Office. The reservoir was created by Sly Park Dam across Sly Park Creek.
Recreation at Sugar Pine Reservoir is managed by Tahoe National Forest under an agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation. Sugar Pine Reservoir was created by Sugar Pine Dam across Shirttail Creek.
New Melones Dam and Reservoir are part of the Central Valley Project - New Melones Unit operated by the Bureau of Reclamation. Located 60 miles upstream on the Stanislaus River from the confluence of the San Joaquin River.
Cachuma Reservoir, formed by Bradbury Dam, offers a prime recreational opportunity for the south central coast area of California. The Cachuma Project is located in the Santa Ynez Valley, the area provides an aesthetic view of the Santa Ynez mountains.
O'Neill Dam and Forebay are joint Federal-State facilities located on San Luis Creek 2.5 miles downstream from San Luis Dam. O'Neill Forebay Dam is a feature of the Central Valley Project - San Joaquin Division - San Luis Unit.
Red Bluff Reservoir is located on the Sacramento River about 2 miles southeast of Red Bluff, CA. Lake Red Bluff is a seasonal lake (May 16 through September 14) formed on the Sacramento River by the closure of the gates at Red Bluff Diversion Dam.
The Salton Sea is the largest inland surface water body in California, and is a very productive sport fishery. The sea is also a major stop on the Pacific Flyway and supports one of the most diverse bird populations in the United States.
Recreation area lakes include O'Neill Forebay, San Luis Reservoir, and Los Banos Creek Reservoir.
Recreation at Folsom Reservoir is managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation, Central California Area Office. The reservoir was created by Folsom Dam across the American River.
Keswick Dam and reservoir are features of the Central Valley Project - Shasta/Tinity River Divisions. The dam creates a 23, 800-acre-foot afterbay for Shasta Lake.
Nestled between Blue Ridge and Cedar Roughs, east of the Napa Valley, Lake Berryessa offers year-round recreation opportunities. Berryessa's water reaches temperatures of up to 75 degrees in the summer, making it an ideal place for water sports.
Lake Casitas is formed by Casitas Dam, which is a feature of the Ventura Project. Lake Casitas Recreation Area offers one of the nations best bass fishing areas.
Lewiston Dam, Central Valley Project - Shasta/Trinity Division, is about 7 miles downstream from Trinity Dam. It diverts water by means of Clear Creek Tunnel to Whiskeytown Lake. The dam is 91 feet high and 745 feet long.
The Los Banos Dam and Reservoir are on Los Banos Creek above the San Luis Canal, near Los Banos, California. The dam and reservoir are features on the Central Valley Project - San Luis Unit.
Friant Dam on the San Joaquin River, forms Millerton Lake. The dam and lake are features of the Central Valley Project - Friant Division.
The Caliente Range forms the western border of the Carrizo Plain National Monument, and Caliente Mountain is the highest point in San Luis Obispo County.
The 2, 240 acre North Fork of the Kaweah River BLM area is located adjacent to Sequoia National Park, just north of the town of Three Rivers.
The BLM, Bishop Field Office manages the Bishop Resource Areacomprising approximately 750, 000 acres of Public Lands in Inyo andMono counties, ranging from desert to mountains.
The Folsom Field Office is directly responsible for more than 230, 000 acres of public land scattered throughout fourteen Central California counties. Most of the acreage is in the Mother Lode region of the Sierra Nevada Range.
Beginning in the high country of Yosemite National Park, the Merced River makes a headlong rush through glacially-carved canyons, rugged mountains and foothills to the San Joaquin Valley. Ample access points allow you to float rapids at your own pace.
Following the old Fernley and Lassen Branch Line of the Southern Pacific railroad, the trail winds 25.4 miles from Susanville to Mason Station. For the first dozen miles, the trail follows the Susan River.
From beautiful Surprise Valley at the base of the towering Warner Mountains, east into the high dessert valleys and mountains of northwestern Nevada, the Surprise Area Office administers almost 1.5 million acres of Public Land.
The Alturas resource area encompasses a panorama of diversity, from evergreen forests to rocky lava flows to high desert plains. The recreational opportunities are as varied as the landscape.
The Arcata Field Office is responsible for the administration of natural resources, lands, and mineral programs on approximately 200, 000 acres of public land in Northwestern California.
The famous Giant Gap 14-mile run of the even more famous North Fork American River is one of California's top whitewater challenges, for experts only. Cliffs tower 2, 000 feet above the river.
This twelve (12) mile trail carries hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders through pine-choked canyons to gentler slopes and open meadows. Expect to see historic flumes and waterworks - you're in Gold Country now!
Once in Madera County, the visitor has a choice of two trails to travel.
The Redding Field Office encompasses approximately 9, 914, 000 acres within the north central portion of California. BLM administered public lands total approximately 257, 000 acres scattered throughout the middle and lower elevations of the resource area.
Afton Canyon's surface water makes it unique in the southern California desert.
The 50, 000-acre Cache Creek management area is cooperatively managed by BLM and the California Department of Fish and Game to enhance wildlife habitat, protect cultural resources, and provide primitive recreational opportunities.
The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains provide a world-renowned scenic backdrop to the desert communities of the Coachella Valley. The National Monument serves as a model for community based support and creation.
Facilities at Santa Fe are operated by Los Angeles County Parks. Swimming, fishing, non-power boating, hiking and picnicking are available. Of interest are the five distinct biological communities within the area.
Managed by Orange County, there is no permanent pool, but varied facilities such as fishing, picnic areas, a nature trail, and tennis. The site of the historic oil boom town of Olinda. Adjoins Chino Hills State Park.
Managed by Orange County, CA, there are facilities fishing, picnics, nature exhibits, handball and field sports. No permanent pool.
This project is managed by Los Angeles County Parks and the City of Pico Rivera. Whittier Narrows has no permanent pool. It is located in a highly developed industrial, agricultural, and residential area of Los Angeles County's San Gabriel Valley.
The City of Los Angeles manages the extensive day-use facilities, including golf and riding stables, are available at this site in the San Fernando Valley.
Managed by San Luis Obispo County Parks, the park is set in rolling oak woodlands and offers boating, a marina and camping. Swimming and other water contact sports are prohibited.For camping reservations, call 805-788-2397.
Englebright Lake is nestled in the steep Yuba River canyon, of the Sierra Nevada foothills.
Less than one hour west of Reno near world-famous Lake Tahoe, Martis Creek Lake features catch-and-release trout fishing and a scenic campground with hiking and biking opportunities..
About an hour east of Manteca, in the Central Valley. Here, a serene series of small parks are located along the Stanislaus River, providing exciting fishing, rafting, and canoeing opportunities.
Pine Flat Lake is located in the oak-covered foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, approximately 35 miles east of Fresno, California. The construction of the 429 foot tall Pine Flat Dam on the Kings River was completed in 1954.
One hour SE of Fresno in the rugged foothills of the Sierra Nevada. High mountains provide an exciting background for fishing and boating at this popular park, located on the main southern route into Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park.
Just one hour north of Fresno in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Rolling oak-covered hills provide a scenic and restful setting for fishing, boating, and hiking.
Lake Sonoma is located in the wine-growing region of Sonoma County, CA. A picturesque lake with secluded vehicle and boat-in camping available for the fishing and boating enthusiast.
Lake Mendocino is located in the midst of wine country and near the gateway to the Redwoods. It is two hours north of the Bay area in central Mendocino County, near the city of Ukiah. The lake was created dam in 1958.
At the southern end of the Central Valley, this scenic setting with the Sierra Nevada in the background provides great fishing and boating pleasure for the visitor.
This San Bernardino County Parks managed area is an oasis within one of the fastest growing areas of Southern California. Riverside County and the City of Corona also provide recreation facilities.
The Sepulveda Dam's recreation facilities are managed by the City of Los Angeles Parks. The site has no permanent pool, but the sports facilities, including golf and tennis, draw many to this urban project in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles.
Situated at the northern end of the Central Valley, 1 1/2 hours north of Sacramento via Interstate 5. This quiet park, surrounded by beautiful, dark volcanic buttes, is well known for outstanding fishing and sailing.
About an hour east of Stockton near historic gold rush towns of the California Mother Lode. This scenic setting in the Sierra Nevada foothills boasts exciting fishing, waterskiing, and hiking.
Hensley Lake is located along one of the access routes to Yosemite National Park. Hensley Lake was created by Hidden Dam along the Fresno River and was opened to the public in 1978.
Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary is a lush feeding ground for many marine mammals and seabirds. Algae and invertebrates proliferate.
The waters that swirl around the five islands within the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary combine warm and cool currents to create an exceptional breeding ground for many species of plants and animals.
Just north and west of San Francisco Bay a large expanse of Pacific Ocean along with nearshore tidal flats, rocky intertidal areas, wetlands, subtidal reefs, and coastal beaches were designated in 1981 as Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary.
The waters of Monterey Bay and the adjacent Pacific Ocean off the central California coast were designated and protected in 1992 as the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Majestic scenery and diverse recreation opportunities draw millions of visitors to the Lake Tahoe Basin annually. Changing colors throughout the year afford a brilliant backdrop to the many available activities.
Located in southern California, lies the Angeles National Forest, encompassing 694, 187 acres including almost the entire San Gabriel Mountain range.
Located soutwest of Lake Tahoe, the Eldorado National Forest extends from the foothills into the rugged Sierra Nevada high country of California. Elevations range from 1, 620 to 10, 380 feet.
Located in northern California, lies the Lassen National Forest. This is where the Sierra Nevada, the Cascades, the Modoc Plateau and the Great Basin meet.
The only one of California's 18 national forests not crossed by a paved road or highway, the Mendocino National Forest is especially attractive to people seeking an outdoor experience of tranquility and solitude.
Located in Northern California between the Sierra Nevada and the Cascade Ranges, the Plumas National Forest covers over a million acres filled with hundreds of high alpine lakes and thousands of miles of clear-running streams.
Welcome to the Shasta-Trinity National Forests, located along Interstate 5, in central northern California. The Shasta-Trinity is home to Mt.
The Sierra National Forest lies east of Fresno in central California, and west of the Sierra Nevada Crest between Yosemite and Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park.
Located straddling the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountains in northern California, lies the Tahoe National Forest encompassing a vast territory, from the golden foothills on the western slope to the high peaks of the Sierra crest.
The Cleveland National Forest is comprised of 3 segments administered as ranger districts. The Forest extends from within 5 miles of the border with Mexico northward approximately 130 miles to Orange and Riverside counties.
Located along the eastern edge of California and the Sierra Nevada, lies the Inyo National Forest. Extending 165 miles along the California/Nevada border between Los Angeles and Reno, the Inyo National Forest includes 1.
Located in northern California, lies the Klamath National Forest. You can fish in over 200 miles of rivers and streams, enjoy a stay in a campground, or hike into the backcountry seeking pristine solitude in five different wilderness areas.
Located in the beautiful coastal mountains of central California, lies the Los Padres National Forest encompassing nearly two million acres.
Located in the northeastern corner of California, lies the Modoc Naitonal Forest. It's about a three hour drive from Reno, Nevada, and about the same distance from Redding, California.
Located about 60 miles east of Los Angeles, California, lies the San Bernadino National Forest in the San Gabriel, San Bernadino, San Jacinto, and Santa Rosa mountains. The Rim of the World Scenic Byway is the major access route through the forest.
Located at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada in central California, is the Sequoia National Forest. The Forest comprises about 1.1 million acres.
The Six Rivers National Forest lies east of Eureka in northwestern California, and stretches southward from the Oregon border for about 140 miles. U.S.
Located in central California, lies the Stanislaus National Forest. You can fish in over 800 miles of rivers and streams, enjoy a comfortable cabin, stay in a campground, or hike into the backcountry seeking pristine solitude.
Shasta Lake, with it*s 370 miles of shoreline offers a variety of outdoor activities including: houseboating, water-skiing, swimming, fishing, camping, picnicking, hiking, hunting, spelunking, wildlife viewing, and mountain biking.