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.
Hottest, Driest, Lowest: Death Valley is a land of extremes. It is one of the hottest places on the surface of the Earth with summer temperatures averaging well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
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.
Point Reyes National Seashore contains unique elements of biological and historical interest in a spectacularly scenic panorama of thunderous ocean breakers, open grasslands, bushy hillsides and forested ridges.
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.
The World War II Home Front is a significant chapter in America?s history. Fully engaged in winning World War II, American women, minorities, and men worked toward a common goal in a manner that has been unequaled since.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
One of the main features of the Dave Moore Nature Area is a loop trail about a mile long which goes from the parking lot trail head to the South Fork American River and back again passing through several habitat types.
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.
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.
Englebright Lake is nestled in the steep Yuba River canyon, of the Sierra Nevada foothills.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.