Whittier Narrows Recreation Area is located behind Whittier Narrows Dam
in South El Monte. Whittier Narrows Dam, constructed by the US Army Corps
of Engineers, retains flood waters from the upper Rio Hondo Channel and
some overflow from the San Gabriel River. The Recreation Area provides
numerous opportunities for picnicking, golfing, ball playing, fishing,
hiking, and many other uses. The Recreation Area is connected to other
recreational spots in the watershed through the 28-mile LARIO Trail
system which runs through the area and continues downstream along the
Rio Hondo Channel and along the lower Los Angeles River. The Recreation
Area is also connected to the San Gabriel River bike trail system.
